Surf Expo is one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the country, recording double-digit percentage increases in attendance for the past several years. While this year's numbers are still being totaled, organizers predict the show, held January 9 to 11 at the Orange County Convention Center, continued that trend. Here's a look at the booths from board sports and beach lifestyle brands that stood out on the crowded trade show floor.
Legacy, a maker of apparel, headwear, and home decor, surrounded its booth with barn wood planks and corrugated metal to reflect the brand's vintage, classic style.
Hawaii-based Maui Jim created a tropical vibe with palm frond light fixtures that overlooked six high-top tables where brand representatives met with buyers.
Recessed shadow boxes decorated the shingled walls of Salt Life's booth, creating the illusion of looking through a window underwater.
Exhibit staff for High Range Designs said the '51 Ford Shoebox parked along the aisle served as the "ultimate booth babe" to attract attendees.
Recycled materials such as wood crates, corrugated metal, and particle board framed the booth for Ocean Minded, a company that makes footwear, apparel, and accessories.
Ocean Minded used its exhibit to educate attendees about its beach cleanup projects by creating displays of trash volunteers had gathered at recent company-sponsored events.
Sherry Manufacturing used 20-foot bamboo mats and a straw roof to create a tropical backdrop for its screen-print products.
Freaker, a maker of fabric bottle insulators, used a box truck as its booth. Staff drove the truck from the company's North Carolina headquarters right onto the trade show floor in Orlando.
Billabong's large, contemporary booth had an enclosed area in the center where models showed off the latest fashions and buyers could meet with brand representatives.
Uluwatu Bali Island, an apparel company from Bali, used carved teak wood panels around the perimeter of its booth.
Bote placed four large monitors on the floor around its welcome counter, which allowed attendees to watch product videos while having an unobstructed view of the company's stand-up paddleboards.
