Experience the Coastal Connections Conference

Calling all coastal retailers! Registration for the Coastal Connections Conference is open and early bird rates are still available. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet with and learn about top beach, coastal and nautical brands in a laid-back setting ideal for making connections, what sets the Coastal Connections Conference apart are the educational and networking opportunities.

The event kicks off Sunday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. with a keynote presentation from Dane Cohen of Management One. Cohen’s session, “Mastering the Inventory Game” provides out-of-the-box ideas and proven tools that will make managing your store’s merchandise less work, more fun and even more profitable.

Following the keynote session, hiring and retention will be addressed. Attendees will hear what other coastal retailers are doing to create a loyal hardworking team in their retail operation.

Immediately after the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to unwind and make connections with other seaside retailers from across the country during the Welcome Party from 6-7 p.m. Live music, delicious food and beverages and great conversation will all be on tap.

On Monday, Oct. 23, sessions will cover a range of topics from “45 Rewarding Ideas in 45 Minutes,” to “Putting Experiential Retail into Action,” “Creating Coastal Connections” and “It’s Your Time to Shine Online.” See page 28 for a full list of speakers from prominent retail organizations and consulting firms.

Education isn’t the only thing on the menu. Attendees will enjoy evening parties and a generous welcome bag filled with goodies.

A special awards ceremony honoring Seaside Retailer’s Starfish Award winners from the past year will also be held Tuesday.

The Boardwalk Chat, a series of short sitdown interviews with vendors exhibiting at the next day’s The Boardwalk event will close out the day’s educational sessions.

Retailers will continue making meaningful connections with retailers as well as wholesalers exhibiting at The Boardwalk during The It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Party that evening.

During the final session at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, Michael Hale, founder of Retail Rehab will share, “Visual Merchandising Tips and Tricks.” Immediately following, attendees will gain exclusive entrance to The Boardwalk, featuring over 30 of the most sought after beach, coastal and nautical brands.

Attendees will also receive a welcome bag filled with products from leading beach, coastal and nautical brands to consider carrying in their store. Several product and service giveaways will also be held throughout the event.

The early bird rate of $495 is available until Aug. 31. Don’t delay, register today for the only retail conference for seaside retailers!

Take a stroll on The Boardwalk

Coastal Connections Conference buying event is designed to build relationships.

While education is an important aspect of the Coastal Connections Conference so are opportunities to connect with wholesalers and brands that can enhance coastal retailers’ store offerings. During the Boardwalk, Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to explore exciting new products and get to know vendors in a fun, relaxing and casual environment.

With The Boardwalk Chat taking place in advance of The Boardwalk, attendees will get to know vendors even more closely before the doors to The Boarwalk open, giving them a chance to learn about the products being offered in-person from the comfort of their chairs. All vendors will have the opportunity to sit down with Conference Sales Director and Seaside Retailer Publisher Karen Carr Tuesday afternoon for a short chat to discuss trends, top-selling product offerings and other pertinent topics.

“It was a great way to learn about each brand and what they offered. It made meeting them at The Boardwalk event more efficient and personable,” said January attendee Cici Davis, of Cinnamon Bay Resort, St. John, Virgin Islands.

Boardwalk participants also appreciated the opportunity. Returning exhibitor, Victor Armendariz of Wild Republic, had this to say about the entire experience after the January event: “What I found most advantageous was The Boardwalk Chat. Having an opportunity to address a room full of current and potential buyers is fantastic.”

The It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Party takes place directly after The Boardwalk Chat giving attendees and vendors plenty to talk about over cocktails, appetizers and live music.

PREVIEW GUIDE