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September 15, 2026

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News-Releases Index | FabricLink Network

08/31/2026

Surf Expo Unveils ‘Tidal Reach’ Creator Program Preview in September (8/31/26)

The largest and longest-running marketplace for the coastal and watersports lifestyle industry is taking its first step toward transforming how trade shows connect with the world outside the event. Surf Expo, owned and produced by Forge (formerly Emerald), has announced Tidal Reach, an innovative creator program designed to amplify exhibitor visibility, spotlight product launches, and bring the energy of the show floor to highly engaged audiences across social platforms in real time. By extending the show’s reach far beyond the Orange County Convention Center, Tidal Reach will turn live trade show moments into powerful content that fuels brand awareness, industry engagement, and year-round momentum. Debuting as a preview for the upcoming show, held September 16–18, 2026 in Orlando, Tidal Reach offers a first look at the program before opening to Surf Expo’s entire exhibitor roster for a full-scale launch in January 2027. Surf Expo enters September with strong momentum in its 50th anniversary year. The show will feature more than 600 exhibitors and over 6,000 pre-registered buyers representing 3,550+ companies across 52 countries and all 50 states. Spanning every corner of the market, from surf, board sports, and outdoor lifestyle to resort wear, swimwear, boutique fashion, and coastal gifts, Surf Expo provides the ideal stage for Tidal Reach's debut. Extending the Floor to a Global Audience Popfly powers Tidal Reach, the creator platform behind Outdoor Retailer’s recent Wild Reach program. That initiative generated over 850 on-site brand connections and achieved a combined reach of 21.2 million, demonstrating the power of live event storytelling. Now, Forge is bringing that blueprint to Surf Expo to scale the reach of its brands long after the show wraps. "The value of Surf Expo has always been about bringing our industry together to do real business," said Roy Turner, Show Director at Surf Expo. "With Tidal Reach, we're taking the energy, product debuts, and authentic conversations happening on the show floor and amplifying them — extending that momentum far beyond the booth walls so brands get maximum exposure."