When and where is Surf Expo January 2027?

January 6–8, 2027 at the Orange County Convention Center (West Concourse), 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. Hours are 9am–6pm on Wednesday and Thursday and 9am–4pm on Friday.

Surf Expo is trade-only: exhibiting manufacturers, qualified retailers and media. It is not open to the public, and children under 16 may attend only under the show's specific minor-buyer, minor-exhibitor or nursing-infant exceptions.

Is buyer registration free?

Yes, for qualified retail buyers who register at least two weeks before the show. After the deadline, and onsite, the fee is $25 per buyer. Approved store owners may bring up to four guests or team riders at $25 each, added onsite.

What do first-time buyers need to qualify?

New stores submit two credentials, such as a retail business license or resale certificate, two recent invoices for similar merchandise, a storefront address or a working website. First-time buyers also submit two proofs of employment, such as a letter on company letterhead. An EIN is not accepted as proof of a retail business.

The Orange County Convention Center is cashless; parking was $20 plus tax per standard vehicle and $40 plus tax for oversized vehicles, and prices may change by event.

Wednesday, January 06, 2027

Surf Expo January 2027

Name: Surf Expo January 2027
Start: 2027-01-06T09:00:00+00:00
End: 2027-01-08T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Orange County Convention Center

Trade-only wholesale marketplace where surf, resort, swim, boutique, gift and coastal outdoor brands meet retail buyers.

Emerald

Date and Time

January 6 · 9am - January 8 · 4pm GMT-4

Location

Orange County Convention Center

9800 International Drive Florida 32819

About This Event

Surf Expo January 2027 is a Lifestyle & Tourism event taking place 6-8 Jan 2027 at Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, United States.

Surf Expo is a wholesale trade show for the watersports, resort and coastal outdoor lifestyle industries, held every January and September at the Orange County Convention Center's West Concourse in Orlando. Produced by Emerald, it bills itself as the largest and longest-running show of its kind. The January edition opens the buying year, connecting retailers with brands in surf, resort, swim, boutique, footwear, gift and coastal outdoor lifestyle. It is trade-only and closed to the public.

Who attends

Qualified retail buyers, exhibiting manufacturers and media. Buyers come from surf shops, resorts, boutiques, hotels, cruise lines, theme parks and national chains, and Surf Expo says more than 80% of its buyers write orders at the show.

What's on the floor

Hundreds of brands show new products in clearly defined category areas, from established labels to emerging brands.

Boutique and resort apparel
Watersports and outdoor hardgoods and gear
Swimwear
Footwear
Accessories
Gift and souvenir

Events and tools

Alongside the exhibits, the show runs fashion shows, learning labs, industry parties and networking events. Registered buyers and exhibitors can use CONNECT, a free matchmaking tool in the Surf Expo app, to research brands and request appointments. Surf Expo announced Tidal Reach, a creator program built with Popfly, for a full rollout at the January 2027 show.

Tickets & passes

Qualified retail buyer (advance) — Free: Free when registered at least two weeks before the show
Retail buyer (late / onsite) — USD 25: Government photo ID required onsite
Buyer's guest / team rider — USD 25: Up to four per approved store owner; onsite only