Launch Spotlight: CARV Expo Makes Waves with a High-Energy Debut in San DiegoLaunch Spotlight: CARV Expo Makes Waves with a High-Energy Debut in San Diego
The trade show launch took up 64,000 of the San Diego Convention Center’s 2.6 million square feet, showcasing more than 115 lines from surf, skate, bike, and other U.S.-based outdoor brands.
July 7, 2025
The first iteration of the California Action Retailer + Venture Expo, better known as the CARV Expo, took place June 20-22. It was only fitting that the trade show launch for the action sports and outdoor lifestyle retail industry found a home at the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), mere miles from the city’s vibrant surf culture.
CARV Expo took up 64,000 of the SDCC’s 2.6 million square feet, showcasing more than 115 lines from surf, skate, bike, and other U.S.-based outdoor brands. As a first-time event, much of the programming was built out with the help of a strategic Retail Advisory Board, according to Evan Shoda, CEO of RedlineXpo, the trade show manager behind CARV. In all, 10 board members—with majority of them surf shop owners—were tasked with “ensuring that CARV Expo remains a valuable, authentic, and forward-thinking event for the action sports and outdoor community.”
The exhibit hall featured half-pipes, ledges, and rails for skating demos.
More than 1,250 people attended the trade show launch for the action sports and outdoor lifestyle retail industry.
To do so, they built out an expo floor where the good times rolled: There were half-pipes, ledges, and rails for skating demos surrounding booths from industry giants like Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Pura Vida, and Volcom, just to name a few. In all, more than 1,250 people attended.
The CARV Sessions Stage was home to not only a lineup of educational sessions but also a film premiere courtesy of men’s apparel brand Brixton, which showcased the third installment of its 50W series, Monument Valley.
Meanwhile, a keynote address from Steve Von Doren, Vans’ vice president of events and promotions (and “unofficial ambassador of fun,” as CARV’s schedule said) was among the most popular on the Sessions Stage, per Shoda. During his time on stage, he gave behind-the-scenes details about organizing huge industry events like the Vans Warped Tour and Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, tying in what Board Retailers Association members need to know about today’s ever-changing, challenging retail environment.
The first iteration of the California Action Retailer + Venture Expo, better known as the CARV Expo, took place June 20-22 in San Diego.
As a first-time event, much of the programming was built out with the help of a strategic Retail Advisory Board.
Come nightfall on day two, an afterparty dubbed “Sundown Social” took place at San Diego event venue Wicked West. It “was a ‘thank you’ and a networking event for both attendees and exhibitors complete with two bands, food and drinks free for everyone,” Shoda told TSNN.
The final day of the event was “Surf Club Sunday,” where CARV Expo sought “to reach out to the next generation of surfers and skaters to show them the industry side of the sport,” Shoda explained. On this day, youngsters could register as a “Surf Club” member and, if approved, received free admission to CARV Expo. The decision was informed by the Advisory Board, which emphasized “that it was important to try to get the next generation involved for the health of the industry," Shoda said.
“I hope our CARV attendees feel like we exceeded expectations for a much-needed event in the industry on the West Coast,” Shoda concluded. “I also hope they feel that they were heard when it comes to how CARV evolves not just for next year, but in the future. I hope we gave them a sense of community.”
Evan Shoda, CEO of RedlineXpo, the trade show manager behind CARV
After a successful debut, CARV Expo 2026 is slated to return May 14-15 to the San Diego Convention Center.
The final day of the event was “Surf Club Sunday,” when the next generation of surfers and skaters could register as a “Surf Club” member and, if approved, they received free admission to CARV Expo.
With that, CARV has already acted on attendee feedback and announced that next year, CARV Expo will take place earlier in the year—and during the week rather than on the weekend. CARV Expo 2026 is slated to return May 14-15 to the SDCC.
