Signature Events

Inspired by Bill Waltons’s traits of Humility, Curiosity, Generosity, Invention & Reinvention

Our three key events each year, bring the SDSI Community together to inspire greatness, think our of the box, and uplift others. You can anticipate hearing from visionaries like Adam Cheyer (Sirf), Guy Kawasaki (Apple), as we expand our connections and our minds to what’s possible.


“Ask the Expert” Series

Tactical business guidance you can implement directly into your business now.

In an intimate and small group setting we bring subject matter experts to discuss relevant and timely business issues such as digital strategy, fulfilment, funding, legal, marketing, sourcing, forming a board of directors and much more. This series is all about supporting entrepreneurs and connecting them with the knowledge & resources needed for business success. These meetings facilitate tactical and strategic collaboration to help solve business challenges and expose opportunity.

A Big Thank you to Kevin Sullivan and Wells Fargo Capital Finance for their generous support of the Ask the Expert Series and their ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship


Lesson From the Trenches

The best way to get where you are going is to ask the person on their way back” – Bill Walton, SDSI Executive Chairman

Turning experience and scar tissue, into learnings.  Hear from the people behind the brands as they share their stories and the lessons they’ve learned from the “trenches” of business. Leave with the knowledge of those that came before your, new relationships to foster and the support of the community. Past Speakers include: Scott Tilton (Hookit), Kevin Tighe (Beachly Brands), Bob Hurley (Hurley), Cynthia Herrera (Sun Bum), Beaver and Pam Theodasakis (prAna)

 A big thank you to Steve Espino and Bannar Bank for their generous sponsorship of Lesson from the Trenches, for their endless support in local business and seeing the value in shared knowledge to the betterment of all.


Quarterly Happy Hours

Bringing our one of a kind community together!

These are more than just another networking event—they are true mixer of our amazing community of brand leaders, disruptors, creators and mentors who are shaping the San Diego Lifestyle industry. What's on the menu? Delicious tacos, cold beer, and plenty of opportunities to build relationships in the SAL space or reconnect with old ones, this is the place to be!


Community Connect

Giving you access to the community with personalized introduction

Along with our organized programs, we also provide personalized introduction to connect people within our community. This includes both the people behind the brands AND qualified Service Providers to help you take your business to the next level. And not just nay service providers, those that are experts in their fields, AND experts in the San Diego Lifestyle Industry.  Meet the Industry and Serive Provider Members.


Founders Peer Group

early scale up CEOs

Ongoing roundtable for early stage Founders facing similar challenges in managing their companies though early growth stages. Must be a graduate of the Accelerator or WIN to qualify.


CEO Peer Group

Sustain and scale CEOs

Ongoing roudtable of CEO’s facing similar challenges in looking to continue thier growth path


Industry Specific Sessions

sessions for industry segments to network, compare notes, share ideas

A recent session included all San Diego sports teams. The San Diego Pro Sports Military Alliance is a great example of the output of these sessions and the power of an industry segment to make San Diego great - when we all have our oars in the water together.