2026 SIMA Super Summit

One day. Big conversations. Better leadership. Stronger businesses.

This year’s SIMA Super Summit brings together an incredible mix of leaders, innovators, and industry voices for a day focused on leadership, and what it takes to move businesses and teams forward.

Nate Smith, CEO of Tilly’s, will sit down with Tiffany Montgomery of Shop Eat Surf Outdoor for a candid Q&A on leadership, retail, and navigating today’s rapidly changing marketplace. We’ll also hear from surf industry legend and pioneer Dick Metz and Brad Steward, Co-Founder of Caravan Outpost. Laylan Connelly of the Orange County Register will lead a retailer panel, while Riley Stricklin of Cadre AI takes the stage for an executive keynote on turning AI into real business value.

From navigating change and building stronger organizations to retail strategy, innovation, AI, and lessons learned from decades of leadership, this year’s Summit is designed to deliver ideas you can take back and put to work.

And we’re just getting started. More speakers, sessions, and topics will be announced soon.

FAQ’s

Yes. Qualified retailers, students and nonprofits are invited to join us with a special rate. Please email vipe@surfindustry.org with your request!

If you work in surf, outdoor, or any industry connected to the culture, you belong in the room. Join us for a full day of fresh ideas, valuable insights, meaningful connections, and conversations designed to move you—and the industry—forward.

The Tides Laguna Beach is walking distance, affordable and walking distance to The Rivian Southcoast Theater.

Plan to make a full day of it! Doors open at 8:30 AM and we’ll keep the energy going through 8:00 PM. Along the way, we’ve got you covered with breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner—plenty of time to learn, connect, catch up, and build some new relationships.