Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo, tradeshows within the Emerald Exposition’s portfolio of business-to-business events, announced April 27 a partnership with the StandUp Paddle Industry Association (SUPIA), the trade organization of stand up paddle businesses.
As a result of this partnership, SUPIA will exclusively endorse and participate in Surf Expo’s two annual shows and Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, and will work to foster participation and growth in SUP at the shows.
Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer have agreed to continue its support of SUPIA’s Summit, held in October in Dana Point, Calif. The SUPIA Summit welcomes the SUP industry for two days of roundtables, speakers, education sessions and networking.
“We are pleased to be working with SUPIA. Their active and involved board of directors and growing membership reflects the vibrancy of the SUP industry,” noted Roy Turner, senior vice president and show director, Surf Expo. “Given that SUPIA started after a meeting of industry leaders at Surf Expo just a few years ago, it only makes sense to formally partner with the association to assist them in their growth.”
SUPIA will participate in upcoming Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo shows to network with existing member brands in the outdoor and surf /watersports industries’ marketplace.
“We are pleased to have forged a stronger partnership with SUPIA. This relationship will give us the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the paddling community, bring more attention to this category and create a platform to support the specialty retailers already carrying SUP products, or interested in bringing SUP into their lineup,” commented Marisa Nicholson, vice president and show director, Outdoor Retailer.
Outdoor Retailer is the leading growth vehicle for retailers and brands of outdoor gear, products, technology and accessories. Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow features SUP and Paddle sports as one of its predominant categories. Surf Expo is the longest running and largest board sports and beach/resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world, and was the location of the first SUPIA meeting, drawing hundreds of business men and women with an interest in the sport.
All organizations will benefit from this partnership through marketing, advertising and social marketing support. Execution of the terms commenced April 3, 2015.
“Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo have been invaluable in connecting SUP manufacturers with key retailers throughout the U.S. as well as internationally,” said Kristin Thomas, executive director, The Stand Up Paddle Industry Association.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Surf Expo shows are held in Orlando, Fla.
To exhibit at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, contact Krista Dill at krista.dill@emeraldexpo.com.
To exhibit at Surf Expo, contact Doog Becker at doog.becker@surfexpo.com.
