Tony Hawk, the iconic skateboarder, is set to deliver a keynote address titled “Tony Hawk – What Keeps The Wheels Turning on a Global Brand” at the SBC Summit, scheduled from September 24-26 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa. His speech will take place on the second core day of the event at the ‘Super Stage’ in the MEO Arena.
Hawk’s keynote will offer attendees a comprehensive look into his remarkable career, from his early days as a teenage professional skater to his pivotal partnership with Activision and the creation of his renowned sporting brands. He will delve into strategies for maintaining brand relevance and share his insights on sustaining success and innovation over the years.
Expressing his excitement for the event, Hawk stated, “I am excited to be headlining SBC Summit in Lisbon this September. Although the worlds of skateboarding and gambling might seem very different, I believe many parallels and lessons can be very relatable to companies in this industry. Whether it is forming long-lasting partnerships, establishing a successful and recognisable brand or maintaining relevance in a predominantly digital world, my story can provide valuable insights for all those attending.”
Tony Hawk’s journey began in California, where he was born on May 12, 1968. He received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at age nine. By 11, he was competing locally, and at 14, he turned professional, joining the Powell Peralta team and starring in the renowned Bones Brigade videos.
Over the next 23 years, Hawk amassed 73 competitive titles, including 12 consecutive years as the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ and 16 “X Games” medals. He invented over 80 unique skateboarding tricks, including the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip, and the Saran wrap. A defining moment in his career came in 1999 when he performed the first-ever 900 twist at the X Games. Hawk retired from competitive skating in 2003.
Off the skateboard, Hawk expanded the sport through various successful ventures. In 1992, he co-founded Birdhouse Skateboards with Per Welinder. In 1998, he launched Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he established the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he founded The Skatepark Project, a nonprofit organization that helps build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities.
Hawk’s most notable partnership began in 1999 with Activision, leading to the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The franchise, which has released 16 games, achieved over $1 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises ever.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, commented, “Tony Hawk is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not only did Tony revolutionise the world of skateboarding, but through strong branding, incredible athleticism, and genre-defining video games, he brought skateboarding into mainstream pop culture. There are certainly many lessons to be learned from this legend, and I am extremely excited to witness Tony’s headline keynote on the Super Stage.”
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