About CARV Expo

 

Finally, the show we’ve all been waiting for brings our community of brands together to inspire, educate, and support authentic growth while keeping the fun alive.

After 25 years without a vibrant, centralized event, CARV fills the void, uniting the industry in San Diego from June 20-22, 2025. The California Action Retailer + Venture Expo offers a hands-on experience to see, touch, and feel the latest and greatest in boardsport trends.

The single most important goal of CARV is to connect boardsport retailers of all sizes, from all regions of the country, with brands that matter, that are innovating, and that make quality goods, and value this community. CARV will be a place to be inspired, look forward to, and even help shape the future of the industry.

CARV will take place over two and half days in the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of downtown San Diego. More than 70.000 sq. feet will be available for brands and retailers to reunite in one place to collaborate, communicate & grow. We are dedicated to providing an affordable venue to write immediate orders and pre-book for Spring 2026. Business first and party second! 

CARV Expo’s Hosted Buyer Program

CARV Expo will implement a limited Hosted Buyer Program intended for independent specialty retailers who qualify. Get in on the ground floor and be part of this brand-new trade show.  This program will help give specialty retail buyers the opportunity to subsidize out-of-pocket travel or lodging costs to attend the show.  Please contact Abraham Paskowitz: abraham@redlinexpo.com for more information. 

CARV Sessions Schedule

Here’s what’s going down:

FRIDAY, JUNE 20th (Day 1)

12:30 PM — Cobian Salt & Light Event

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Hear all about the Salt + Light Movement sharing uplifting stories of service.

2:00 PM — SURFER: Create

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Explore the creative and tech-driven forces shaping surfwear today. This session brings together industry leaders pushing the boundaries of design, materials, and brand storytelling in modern surf culture.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 21st (Day 2)

8:00 AM — BRA Breakfast: Featuring Steve Van Doren

Location: Hall H Concession/CARV Sessions Stage

Board Retailers Association is proud to announce the Legend himself, Steve Van Doren, as our keynote speaker at the BRA-sponsored Retailer Breakfast. Having begun working for the family business at the ripe age of 10, Steve is currently the Vice President of Events and Promotions and Vans’ unofficial ambassador of fun. Known for his community outreach and support for skate parks and all action sports, Steve has been involved in organizing huge industry events like the Vans Warped Tour and Vans U.S. Open of Surfing.  Continually traveling the world to visit many of their over 2000 stores throughout 84 countries in promotion of the iconic Vans shoes, Steve is the perfect person to address what retailers need to know to be successful in this challenging retail environment.

 

10:50 AM — Brixton Movie Premiere

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Be the first to see Brixton’s latest film

 

1:00 PM — Trackfly Presentation: Empowering Local Commerce:

How Unified Collaboration Fuels Retail Growth

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Discover how specialty retailers, brands, and reps are unifying to elevate independent retail through a new inventory collaboration strategy. You will learn about real-world case studies proving that the success of this approach, combined with new data technology, has helped grow sales through specialty retailers while enabling brands and reps to better align with the needs of local stores.

 

2:00 PM — Learning Lab: BRA Retailer Roundtable Panel Discussion

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Board Retailers Association (BRA) Chairman and owner of Modern Skate & Surf, George Leichtweis will moderate this helpful and relevant BRA Retailer Roundtable Panel Discussion .It will feature high-profile, vastly experienced specialty retailers and BRA Board Members Dave Nash of Sun Diego Boardshops and Bruce Cromartie of BC Surf & Sport along with Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys who is one of the most resourceful and effective retail consultants in the business. This incredible group with an average retail experience of more than 50 years will address a variety of topics centered around the challenges of doing retail business today.

 

3:00 PM — SURFER: Amplify

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

In a fast-moving media landscape, how stories are told—and who tells them—matters more than ever. Join a candid conversation on the current state of surf media, why it still plays a vital role in shaping culture, and how brands, athletes, and storytellers can cut through the noise. Moderated by Jake Howard, editor in chief, Adventure Sports Network.

 

4:00 PM — Brixton Movie Premiere

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

Be the first to see Brixton’s latest film

 

The Official CARV Show Party

After the show closes

Wicked West

We’re throwing down. Good music, cold drinks, and your crew all in one place. This is where real connections happen—beyond the booths and at the heart of the scene. *Shuttle service provided from the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd (Day 3)

9:00 AM — Surf Club Sunday

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall H

 

10:00 AM — SURFER: Next Gen

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

What’s next for the surf industry? In this forward-looking panel, leading brand builders and industry minds explore the future of surf—how it grows, adapts, and stays relevant in an evolving global market.

11:00 AM — Shaun Tomson : The Code

Location: CARV Sessions Stage

World Champion surfer and best-selling author Shaun Tomson shares The Code—a transformative process built on 12 simple promises that help individuals activate purpose, resilience, and connection.

This inspiring session explores how the power of “I Will” can ignite personal and professional growth, especially in times of uncertainty.

 Find additional CARV Expo Sessions and Event details by clicking on the following link: Event Schedule