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Trade Shows Promised: Action Sports Retailer, the South Laguna-based magazine that hosts surf- and action-wear expositions for apparel buyers on the East and West coasts, faces possible competition from a pair of former employees.

Megan Griffith, formerly an Action Sports account executive, and Allan Seymour, formerly special events director, each have announced plans for trade shows to be held this fall.

It’s uncertain whether both of the shows will go forward, however, because both promoters are talking about the same date--early September--and the same location--the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Not coincidentally, the new shows are planned for the same week that Action Sports hosts its annual fall show at San Diego’s bay-front convention center. Because of the costs involved, exhibitors probably will elect to attend only one show, industry insiders say.