2015 IASC CONFERENCE – INNOSKATE GLOBAL INNOVATORS

By Rob Campbell

The International Association Of Skateboard Companies held its annual conference May 13-15 at The Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif. Focusing on the theme of “Engage & Evolve,” this year’s gathering of skate industry executives and retailers once again coincided with the The Skateboarding Hall of Fame induction ceremony and ended with The Vans Pool Party.  Next Up Foundation was invited to participate, for its 5th consecutive time, now at the INNOSkate Global Innovators panel.

Innoskate is IASC’s ongoing partnership with The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the study of Invention and Innovation, focused on looking at the topic through the lens of skateboarding. A large international group of innovators was assembled on stage to share their experiences, including Oliver Percovich from Skateistan, Miles Jackson from Cuba Skate, Israel Dejene from Megabi Skate in Ethiopia, Vinicius Tinoco from Next Up Foundation, and Chico Brenes from Central Skateshop and Central Skate Camp in Nicaragua. Common through all the organizations were some very tangible wins and inspiring progress, but also a continued need for resources.

Photos: Chris Sanchez