Press Release:
– Deadline to Register is April 2, 2012-
ALISO VIEJO, CALIF. & WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (March 1, 2011) – The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) and Board Retailers Association (BRA) are proud to announce that registration for Surf Summit 15 is now open to SIMA and BRA members.
The surf industry’s most influential manufacturers and retailers will be gathering May 16 – 19, 2012, in San José del Cabo, Mexico at the Hola Grand Faro Resort.
“Surf Summit is unique in that it is the one time of year that the key players in the surf industry can escape the daily grind, come down to Cabo and focus theirenergy on discussing the present challenges and future successes of the industry as one united tribe,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and VP of Marketing for Vans.
“We look forward to the sharp and motivational lineup of speakers that we are privileged to hear from this year, as well as the Closing Ceremonies where we will hear from some of the top athletes of our sport, Nathan Fletcher and Tom Curren, as they sit on the beach and talk candidly with Martin Potter. Another highlight I am especially looking forward to are the thought provoking roundtable discussions that are back by popular demand. No one will want to miss out on the leadership conference of the year and we look forward to seeing everyone in Cabo!”
Each year, Surf Summit attendees address important issues facing the surf industry, share ideas, network and help shape the future of the industry. The format for Surf Summit 15 will include surf sessions in the morning, educational seminars and roundtables in the afternoon, and attendee dinners and events at night.
“Surf Summit may well be the most valuable trip a retailer can take in the course of the year.” said Bruce Cromartie of BC Surf and Sport and BRA Co-Chair. “The top decision makers from virtually all the surf manufacturers are gathered in one place, and ready to discuss the issues we all face in this fast changing retail environment.”
The conference will conclude the final night with dinner and the Closing Ceremonies on the beach. Former world champ, and one of the most aggressive free-surfers ever, Martin “Pottz” Potter will emcee this special night. Potter will sit and talk story with one of the best all-around surfers Nathan Fletcher and three-time world champion Tom Curren, offering an intimate look into what makes these amazing athletes tick.
The Closing Ceremonies will also remember former SIMA President and Guiding Light, Dick Baker, by presenting the Dick Baker Memorial Award. A panel of Dick’s family and surf industry peers haveselected a recipient who exemplifies many of Dick’s outstanding qualities including: a loving and dedicated parent, courage, compassion, a natural willingness to mentor others with integrity and respect for peers and competitors, and a dedication to advancing the sport of surfing with a passion.
The Baker Family will present the new Dick Baker Memorial Award recipient with their award on stage, while also remembering one of the industry’s greatest leaders.
As of press time, the scheduled Surf Summit 15 seminars and speakers will include:
Stacy Peralta – writer/producer/director and legendary skater/surfer
An original Z-Boy of Dogtown fame, Stacy Peralta is one of the most respected and outspoken personalities in the surf and skate world. An award-winning film producer, for the documentaries Dogtown and Z-Boys and Riding Giants, Stacy is widely regarded as one of documentary films’ most gifted story tellers. As the keynote speaker, Stacy will provide an inside look into what makes this industry legend tick and share his thoughts on the state of today’s surf and skate world.
Jean-Michel Cousteau – world renowned ocean explorer/filmmaker/televison personality/ environmentalist
Jean-Michel will share his unique perspective on the oceans—his family’s history on the water, the current state of the oceans, and the challenges of the future which can and will be bright with the dedication and help of the surfing community.
David Shing – Digital Prophet, AOL
The digital landscape is changing at a mind-bending pace and attention is the new currency. As a self proclaimed internet junkie, join David as he discusses strategies to humanize the web, as well as the future of the evolving digital space and insight on where this is all headed.
Industry Roundtable Discussions
Attendees will be divided into multiple groups to discuss different industry hot topics, such as emerging brands, brand and retail consolidation, product innovation and social media. Each roundtable discussion will be moderated by top industry pros and executives.
A full schedule of speakers will be available at www.sima.com and www.boardretailers.org in the coming weeks.
“The annual Surf Summit in Cabo, Mexico is truly a fabulous few days where decision-makers from both brands and retail shops are able to openly discuss overall industry strategies and leave re-energized, ready to implement productive ideas,” said Coco Tihanyi of Surf Diva Boutique and BRA Co-Chair.
“It’s really something not to miss and you’ll be happy you attended.”
For more on Surf Summit, please see page 2…
The deadline to register is April 2, 2012. Space is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis, with priority given to SIMA and BRA members.
For more event information, please visit www.sima.com/surfsummit.aspx or SIMA members can contact Kelly Keenan at Kelly@sima.com and BRA members can contact Vicki Vasil at Vicki@boardretailers.org.
About SIMA
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relationsefforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund.
In the past 22 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $5.8 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches andwaves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established to award grants to various surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health and/or welfare of people. Liquid Nation Ball serves as the annual fundraising event for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, and since 2004 has raised and donated more than $1.58 million to surf-related non-profit humanitarian organizations. For more information regarding SIMA, please visit www.sima.com. Follow SIMA at Twitter.com/SIMA_SURF.
About BRA
The Board Retailers Association (BRA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 3,500 action sport storefronts across the country. The association serves as the preeminent voice for independent retailers on a grassroots level with manufacturers, trade show representatives, and other associations. BRA alsoworks to provide educational resources and exclusive discounts and savings from vendors on the day-to-day costs of business. For a complete explanation anddescription of Retail Member benefits, visit www.boardretailers.org.
