Back in October, we got an early look at LAUNCH LA -- a new surf and sport industry trade show that's on the lookout for fresh, young labels, products and services.  The minds behind LAUNCH assembled a panel of jurors to approve brands to exhibit at the show.  And yesterday, the first batch of approved exhibitors was announced.  Who made the cut?

According to Surfline, so far 20 brands have been approved to exhibit at the exclusive July 25 - 26, 2012 show.  Let's take a look at the exhibitors:

Aether

Ambsn

Baxter Of California

Field Notes

Freedom Artists

Grover

Howe

Incipio

KissinCussin (Australia)

Krochet Kids

Lifetime Collective

Lightning Bolt

Reigning Champ

Seea Swimwear

SLVDR

Stance

Tallow

Tavik Swimwear

The Furies

Wellen

Don't recognize any of these brands?  That's because they've been hand-picked to be part as LAUNCH as an "alternative to the trade shows currently available on the West Coast."  The panel of experts is choosing exhibitors based on "quality, design and originality." This is all to ensure that LAUNCH includes the best possible products from the fashion labels, accessory and footwear brands, lifestyle and action sports promotional items, and much more.

There are 130 more spots for young, emerging labels to get a chance to exhibit.  Keep an eye out in the coming months for additional accepted brands!

It's a new idea, a different kind of show.  The minds behind Surf Expo, an Orlando-area tradeshow for everything surf and skate, are bringing LAUNCH LA to the market next July.  And not just any brand will be able to show off its products or services.

According to TransWorld Business magazine, companies looking to exhibit at next year's LAUNCH LA event will have to be approved by a "jury" who will "base their decisions to allow brands in overall design on product innovation."  Josh Hunter, LAUNCH LA's Head of Sales and Marketing, told the magazine that the new trade show "grew from a combination of listening to what the market has been asking for an dalso being aware that sometimes the wheel does indeed need to be reinvented."  So how will LAUNCH LA be different?

The main component that sets LAUNCH LA apart from other trade shows is that it's a juried event that will only include "game-changing products."  According to Hunter, "The idea is that every brand exhibiting at LAUNCH must have a compelling story to tell, and the product they’ve chosen to bring to market is the vehicle through which they are telling their story."  That's why the cost to exhibit will remain reasonable -- the minds behind LAUNCH LA do not want to set a price that will prevent fresh, young labels from presenting.

The show, according to TransWorld Business, will be an "eclectic mix of brands from streetwear and action sports." Think your brand has what it takes to get its start at LAUNCH? Applying is simple; simply visit LaunchShow.com and click "Apply to Exhibit."  You never know; the jurors might just believe your sports promotional items will be the next big thing!