What Doug Works Sees Next for the Action Sports Industry

The action sports industry continues to evolve, but some fundamentals remain unchanged. Relationships matter. Community matters. And bringing people together in person still drives business in ways that digital communication cannot.

In a recent interview with Frank151, Doug Works, Executive Director of the Board Retailers Association (BRA), shared his perspective on the current state of the industry, the growth of CARV Expo, and the opportunities ahead for brands and retailers alike. Read full article here

The Value of Face-to-Face Connection

As retailers and brands navigate changing consumer trends and market conditions, Works believes in-person interaction remains one of the industry's greatest assets.

Trade shows provide an opportunity to have meaningful conversations, build stronger partnerships, and discover new opportunities—all within a matter of days. While emails and virtual meetings are useful, there is still tremendous value in seeing products firsthand and connecting directly with the people behind the brands.

For retailers, these interactions can lead to new product discoveries and stronger vendor relationships. For brands, they create opportunities to tell their story, gather feedback, and build lasting connections with buyers.

CARV Expo Continues to Gain Momentum

Works also highlighted the growth of CARV Expo and its role in bringing together the surf, skate, outdoor, and lifestyle markets.

Now entering its second year, CARV Expo has continued to attract a growing mix of brands, retailers, and industry organizations. The show's timing and focused environment create an efficient platform for retailers looking to discover new products and brands preparing for upcoming seasons.

The continued expansion of the exhibitor base reflects the industry's desire for a dedicated event that combines business opportunities with authentic community engagement.

Strengthening Industry Culture

Beyond product launches and order writing, Works emphasized the importance of creating experiences that reflect the culture of action sports.

Industry gatherings provide opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration while helping maintain the connections that have long defined the surf, skate, and outdoor communities. From retailer roundtables to special events and networking opportunities, these moments help strengthen the industry beyond the show floor.

Looking Ahead

According to Works, the future of the action sports industry will continue to be shaped by collaboration, innovation, and strong relationships.

As brands and retailers look for new ways to grow, trade shows remain one of the most effective environments for building connections and discovering opportunities. Events like CARV Expo serve as a meeting place for the people and companies driving the industry forward.

While the tools and technologies used by businesses may continue to change, the value of bringing the industry together remains as important as ever.

This blog was inspired by "A Sit Down with Doug Works from CARV Expo," published by Frank151. Read the full interview on Frank151