The Surf Expo made a number of changes to increase safety during the event, says Danica Tormohlen, an independent journalist who’s been covering the trade show industry for more than two decades. I didn’t see anyone thumbing their nose at the mask requirements.” “Everyone did a good job of acting like an adult. “I think the people who managed the event did a very good job of making people feel comfortable and safe,” Bernat says. Vapor Apparel has exhibited at Surf Expo for many years, to show off its sun protection clothing. 22, event officials had not yet released attendance figures for the 2021 show.Ĭhristopher Bernat, chief revenue officer of supplier Vapor Apparel (asi/93396), estimated that the event was about 40% of the size it’s been in previous years – noting that the people who did show up were serious about doing business.

It was a much smaller affair than in years past, with 321 registered exhibitors, as opposed to 2020, which boasted more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than 28,000 attendees. 6-8 in Orlando, and the modified event included mandatory masks, temperature checks and other measures designed to keep attendees safe. Billed as the largest and longest-running board sports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, Surf Expo was held from Jan. A few, like the Surf Expo, are bucking the trend, beefing up COVID-19 protocols and proceeding with a live event.

Not every trade show is going virtual this quarter.

Surf expo 2021 dates