The SBIA are pleased to present the 2021 Global Hardgoods Summit in conjunction with SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) who are based in the USA. This is the first event of its kind and we’re excited to invite members from both the SBIA and SIMA to participate in this global initiative.
We look forward to presenting this event to you on the 24th June at 9am AEST. Click here to register your place.
Our Speakers
Jason Stevenson – JS Industries
Jason Stevenson, founder of JS Industries, will be focusing on the past of surfboards, where they are currently, and what we can expect to see in future trends.
In recent times JS industries has become one of the most known and respected names in the world of performance surfboards. Jason Stevenson (founder, owner and shaper) has built the company from ground up and his talents and love of surfing have gained him global recognition and some strong relationships with a world class team of loyal surfers. The iconic Traktor logo has been found under the feet of a huge number of elite surfers over the years including four World Champions and many more top 32 contenders. JS’s work coming into 2021 is at its absolute best, with the designs encompassing all of the innovations and improvements developed by the team and World Champions over the past two decades.
Jason’s passions for design continue to focus more and more on translating this experience to building the best boards for everyday surfers, and as a result JS has now won the SBIA Surfboard of the Year a record four times. We are incredibly excited for the future of surfing and JS will be there to see it progress!
Chris Mater – Surfing Australia
Chris Mater, CEO of Surfing Australia, will be discussing growth in participation rates and the upcoming Olympics.
Chris has been leading Surfing Australia as their Chief Executive Officer since October 2018, following a 19 year career with Red Bull. Chris has spent his 30-year sales, media and marketing career in a fast paced, consumer-focused environment within the USA, Australian & New Zealand markets. Chris started his career working in advertising and publishing as the National Sales and Advertising Manager for Morrison Media. He was also the associate editor for Powderhound ski magazine.
Chris was also a professional skier on the Australian Ski Team, a winning nominee of the Sports Business Journal’s – Forty under 40, Class of 2010 and owned production company RCJ productions that produced the award winning film “The 6th Element – the Ross Clarke Jones Story” narrated by Dennis Hopper.
Sally Fitzgibbons – Professional Athlete
Sally Fitzgibbon’s, professional athlete, will be discussing women’s participation in surfing, the involvement of surfing in the Olympics and much more!
Currently ranked #2 in the world, Sally Fitzgibbons is a 12 year veteran of the WSL Women’s championship tour with 11 event wins under her belt and a recent addition of achieving Olympic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Voted Most Trusted Sportswoman in 2014, Sally’s dedicated and professional approach coupled with her healthy and active lifestyle has made her an inspiration to Women across the globe.
Damon Tudor – URBNSURF
Damon Tudor, CEO of URBNSURF, will be discussing the emergence of wave pools, touching on macro trends, current technologies and future outlook for the industry.
Damon is an experienced CEO and General Manager with over 20 years’ experience in executive roles across a range of consumer-focused industries both in Australia and internationally. After a long hiatus away from Australian surf breaks, Damon renewed his passion for surfing when he joined URBNSURF in 2019, working alongside a dedicated crew to deliver Australia’s first surf park and in turn revolutionising surfing in Australia by making it more convenient, safe, and accessible than ever.