AI Literacy Is Becoming a Business Imperative

The Surf Industry Members Association is launching a new three-part AI Series designed to help surf and outdoor industry leaders understand the technology, identify where it can create real value, and move from experimentation to practical implementation, without losing the creativity, authenticity and culture that make our industry unique.
Published: August 14, 2026

SIMA to Launch Three-Part AI Literacy Series

AI is moving fast. The bigger question for the industry is whether we are moving with it.

As AI reshapes strategy, operations, product development, marketing, retail and decision-making, having a working knowledge of it is quickly becoming a basic requirement of business leadership.

You don’t need to become an AI expert. But you do need to understand what it can do, what it can’t, where the risks are and, most importantly, where the opportunities are.

Used effectively, AI can turn mountains of information into actionable intelligence, uncover opportunities, accelerate work and potentially create new sources of revenue. Ignore it, and you risk allowing competitors to learn, experiment and improve while you’re still figuring out where to begin.

The Learning Curve Has Already Started

Early adopters aren’t waiting for AI to become perfect. They’re learning by using it.

They’re analyzing information faster, improving workflows, exploring customer behavior, developing ideas and turning complicated data into better decisions.

The objective isn’t to replace human judgment. It’s to understand where AI can make human judgment more effective.

For our industry, that distinction matters. Our businesses are built on creativity, relationships, culture, authenticity and community. The opportunity is to use technology to make our businesses stronger without losing what makes our industry different.

And this goes far beyond writing better prompts.

Leaders should be asking what AI could mean across merchandising, product development, marketing, customer service, inventory, supply chain, sales, finance and retail operations.

That requires AI literacy, the ability to ask better questions, recognize opportunities, evaluate risk and make smarter decisions about where to invest.

Attendees at the 2025 SIMA Super Summit. Photo courtesy of SIMA.

 

That’s Why SIMA Is Launching a Three-Part AI Literacy Series

We’re helping our industry move beyond the hype and into practical application.

August 20 — Webinar: AI Without Losing the Soul

Description: Understand what AI does well today and where you can start putting it to work.

>>>Register for AI Without Losing the Soul Here

September 22 — SIMA Super Summit Keynote: The Executive Playbook for Profitable AI

Description: Move from tools to strategy and learn how AI can create measurable business value.

>>>Register for SIMA Super Summit Here 

October 22 — Workshop: AI, Now Put It to Work

Description: A hands-on, in-person workshop focused on applying AI to real business challenges and opportunities.

>>>Register for AI, Now Put It to Work Workshop Here

Each session builds on the last.

The competitive advantage won’t belong to businesses with access to AI, almost everyone will have access. The advantage will belong to the businesses that understand how to use it.

That’s the opportunity behind the SIMA AI Series.

Join us for all three sessions.

 

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series