On Tuesday, August 3, more than 320 people packed the conference room of the Huntington Beach, California Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort for the second annual Action Sports Conference. Industry execs, taste makers, and movers and shakers came together to discuss the major issues affecting the industry and how to successfully grow business and participation without eroding the authenticity of the sports and brands.
The day was filled with stacked panels discussing drawing a larger audience to action sports, the role of athletes, the appeal of action sports versus team sports, culture, diversity, retail, and a wide array of hot button issues that make or break brands and businesses. Vans VP of Marketing Doug Palladini capped it off with a look at how companies can maintain their authenticity while growing and gave great insight on how Vans has been successful strategically managing its growth goals.
TransWorld Business was on hand covering the event live. Follow the jump for key insights from the days event. We also caught up with a number of the panelists backstage for added insight. Here are the exclusive photos and videos from the event.
Alli Sports CEO Wade Martin on action sports contests and Alli’s growth
Steve Caballero on how brands can better partner with their athletes
Wasserman Media Group Principal of Action Sports Management Steve Astephen on growing action sports and working with non-endemics
VAS Chairman Dayan Henson on getting more eyes on action sports content and supporting producers
Stoked Mentoring Founder Steve Larosiliere on Stoked’s role in developing youth through action sports
Fuel TV General Manager CJ Olivares on the state of action sports
Christian Hosoi talks team managers and the importance of companies helping mentor athletes
Huf Founder Keith Hufnagel on the culture of skateboarding and positioning his brand
The Hundreds Co-founder Bobby Hundreds on the streetwear industry and inspiration
TAGS: action sports conference, action sports industry, alli, bobby hundreds, christian hosoi, cj olivares, dayan henson, fuel tv, huf, keith hufnagel, skateboard industry, steve astephen, steve caballero, Steve Larosiliere, stoked mentoring, the alliance of action sports, the hundreds, vas entertainment, wade martin, Wasserman Media Group
