CARV Expo Builds Momentum for Year Two with New Exhibitors, Key Hire, and Expanded Partnerships

Press Release — March 19, 2026

SAN DIEGO, California — CARV Expo, the only West Coast trade show for the action sports and outdoor lifestyle industry, today announced new exhibitors, a key team addition, and expanded partnerships as it prepares to return to the San Diego Convention Center on May 14–15, 2026.

CARV’s inaugural show in June 2025 brought together more than 115 brands and 1,250 attendees for a weekend of orders, relationships, and real industry

momentum. Year two is building on that foundation with a growing exhibitor lineup, deeper partnerships, and a dedicated focus on getting the right buyers in the room.

New Exhibitors Join the Floor

CARV 2026 has added a wave of new exhibitors that reflects the show’s expanding reach across action sports, outdoor, and coastal lifestyle. Joining the floor for the first time: OluKai, Salty Crew, Hydro Flask, goodr, Howler Brothers, Free Fly, XTRATUF, Sand Cloud, FORMER, Pyzel Surfboards, Vast., and Mid Fin.

The additions span surf, outdoor, and coastal lifestyle categories — from world-class board builders to brands rooted in ocean conservation and outdoor adventure. Combined with returning exhibitors from year one, the 2026 floor is shaping up to be the strongest representation of the West Coast action sports market in years.

“CARV just feels right for Howler. It’s a West Coast show with real energy where you run into like-minded retailers and brands. We make gear for people who’d rather be outside doing something than talking about it, and the folks showing up to CARV are exactly those people. We’re stoked to be there in May and looking forward to hanging with the community in San Diego,” said Avery Strickland, Howler Brothers.

“We’re stoked to bring our brand portfolio — Smith, Suncloud, and Blenders — to the 2026 CARV Expo. It’s great to see an industry show back in Southern California this time of year, and we’re looking forward to a productive event with retailers and partners from across the country. We hope CARV continues to grow and expand in the years ahead, delivering even more value to both brands and retailers. See you at the show,” said Jon Finger, SMITH.

“We are looking forward to exhibiting at CARV this year to connect with new brands and retailers in the outdoor industry. We are excited about the opportunity to present our Klean Kanteen X Santa Cruz collection at this show. Being a California based brand ourselves, we are thrilled to have a surf tradeshow on the West Coast,” said Emily Veldman, Klean Kanteen.

Investing in the Buyer Experience

CARV has added Jimmy Mendillo as Key Accounts Manager to lead buyer outreach for 2026. Mendillo brings nearly a decade of experience with REEF supporting retailers across the U.S. and Hawaii, with additional work across brands like Oakley and Sharp Eye Surfboards. His focus: building relationships with qualified buyers and ensuring the right retailers are in the room.

CARV is also expanding its attendee outreach for 2026 to include more outdoor, resort, and hook-and-bullet retailers — broadening the range of retailers on the floor while staying true to the show’s action sports and coastal lifestyle roots.

“Jimmy came highly recommended from a number of brands and retailers,” said RedlineXpo CEO Evan Shoda. “He’s got a long track record of success in the trade show industry, and he’ll be focused on uncovering the right retailers to attend CARV.”

Partnerships Grow in Year Two

CARV continues its partnerships with SURFER Magazine and the Board Retailers Association (BRA) for the second consecutive year, reinforcing the show’s commitment to media, retail advocacy, and industry support.

New for 2026, CARV has partnered with San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI), the nonprofit organization that supports the sports and active lifestyle industry in San Diego. Both SDSI and SURFER Magazine awarded booth grants to emerging brands for this year’s show — SDSI through the SDSI Spotlight Grant and SURFER through its returning Emerging Brands Grant — reinforcing CARV’s commitment to giving the next wave of brands a platform alongside established names.

CARV has also partnered with Yüth Magazine, an action sports publication focused on the next generation of surfers, skaters, and creatives. Yüth will have a presence on the show floor and will help promote CARV to its younger audience, while connecting the show with emerging brands shaping the future of the industry.

“Year one validated what this industry has been asking for — a true West Coast home to come together, do business and reconnect,” said Shoda. “As we head into year two, the momentum behind CARV is undeniable. We’re seeing strong demand from both exhibitors and retailers, and we fully expect a significant increase in participation across the board. Brands are locking in earlier, buyers are making plans sooner, and there’s a real energy building around CARV. The show is going to be not only larger, but more impactful.”

CARV Expo 2026 takes place May 14–15 at the San Diego Convention Center. Attendee registration is open at carvexpo.com