California Action Retailer + Venture (CARV) Expo 2027
Event Date
May 13–14, 2027
Location
San Diego, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe California Action Retailer + Venture (CARV) Expo is a business-to-business trade show for the surf, skate, bike, and outdoor lifestyle industry, held at the San Diego Convention Center. Built by and for the action sports retail community, the show connects established brands, emerging labels, and independent retailers on a single trade-only floor. As the organizers describe it, CARV was created for the surf shops, skate shops, outdoor retailers, and lifestyle stores at the heart of action sports retail.
The expo is positioned as the West Coast's dedicated gathering for surf and action sports retail. It brings together brands spanning apparel, hard goods, wellness products, and gear with the buyers who carry them, giving retailers a chance to discover new products, place orders, and prepare for the season ahead. Its Southern California location keeps travel simple for coastal and Hawaii-based businesses while placing exhibitors near the industry's manufacturing hub.
Retailers, brand founders, sales teams, and industry partners attend to build relationships and do business in a focused, authentic environment. With the 2027 edition timed to serve immediate needs and late-year planning, CARV is worth attending for anyone looking to source products, grow distribution, or reconnect with the action sports community on the West Coast.
Show Highlights
- Trade-only marketplace focused on surf, skate, bike, and outdoor lifestyle products, spanning apparel to hard goods, wellness items, and innovative gear.
- Curated, authentic exhibitor floor — the organizers state only brands that genuinely live surf, skate, and coastal outdoor culture are admitted, protecting the integrity of the show.
- A mix of heritage names and emerging labels side by side, giving retailers first access to new products and fresh collections.
- Industry programming and voices — the 2026 edition featured conversations and support from partners including the Board Retailers Association, Cobian Salt + Light, TrackFly, Retail Smart Guys, and Christian Surfers.
- Post-show party and community-focused networking that emphasize relationships alongside order-writing.
- Show hours run 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM across the two days.
Booth Pricing
The official site does not publish specific booth prices on its public pages; a booth packages PDF and an online booth-reservation portal are available through the organizer for exhibitors seeking current rates and package details.
Registration
Registration for CARV Expo is handled online through the show's official website and event hub.
- Retailers/attendees: Register through the "Attend" section of carvexpo.com. Attendee registration and information for the prior (2026) edition launched in mid-November of the preceding year, and a similar "Register to Attend" flow is used for 2027 (launching when announced).
- Brands/exhibitors: Reserve a booth through the online exhibitor portal linked from the site, or review the downloadable booth packages PDF.
- Prospective visitors can join the mailing list on the site to be notified when full 2027 registration and travel details go live.
History
CARV Expo is a relatively new event operated by RedlineXpo LLC. According to the organizers, the show completed its first two years successfully, proving demand for a dedicated West Coast trade show for the surf and action sports industry. The 2026 edition featured 160+ brands on the show floor at the San Diego Convention Center and drew support from media, retail, and industry organizations. The 2027 edition continues that momentum, with the organizers noting the floor is filling as brands lock in booths.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is CARV Expo 2027?
CARV Expo 2027 takes place May 13–14, 2027 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Show hours run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day, with the 2027 event planned for Hall D.
Who should attend CARV Expo?
CARV is a trade-only show for the action sports and outdoor lifestyle industry. It's built for surf shops, skate shops, bike and outdoor retailers, and lifestyle stores to connect with brands, plus brand founders and sales teams looking to reach West Coast buyers.
What products and brands are featured at CARV Expo?
The floor spans surf, skate, bike, and outdoor and adventure categories, from apparel and hard goods to wellness products and gear. The 2026 edition featured more than 160 brands, mixing heritage names with emerging labels.
How do I register or reserve a booth?
Retailers register through the Attend section of carvexpo.com, and brands can reserve a booth through the online exhibitor portal or review the booth packages PDF. Visitors can also join the mailing list on the site to be notified when full 2027 registration opens.
How do I get to the San Diego Convention Center?
San Diego International Airport is about three miles away (a 10–15 minute drive), and the Amtrak Santa Fe Depot is less than a mile away. The MTS Trolley has two stops directly in front of the venue, and a 1,950-space underground parking garage is available beneath the building via Harbor Drive.
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