Kristin Ely (KE), executive editor of Seaside Retailer magazine and the director of Seaside Retailer Conferences, recently sat down with Amanda Horan (AH), co-founder of Midwest Shore Society to share details about the upcoming Coastal Connections Conference, Oct. 3-5, at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
AH: What is the Coastal Connections Conference and who is it for?
KE: The Coastal Connections Conference is the first of its kind conference in that it is specifically tailored to beach, coastal and nautical retailers. No other retail conference targets this segment of the retail industry. Sessions, networking and vendor engagement opportunities have all been designed with this target audience in mind.
AH: What led to the decision to launch a conference?
KE: When Karen Carr and I founded Seaside Retailer in 2019, we recognized a need in the marketplace to deliver meaningful content to this dynamic segment of retailers who specialize in carrying beach, coastal and nautical merchandise and are primarily located along the coasts. No other media company was providing much needed resources dedicated to this specialty group of retailers.
We’ve received such amazing feedback from the beach, coastal and nautical community of retailers and wholesalers that we felt like a conference would receive support and be a natural progression and extension of our business. We wanted to make all great advice and ideas that retailers look forward to in each issue of Seaside Retailer available in an in-person event.
There are limited opportunities for beach, coastal and nautical retailers to network with each other and learn during events that are focused buying, so we wanted to give them something they cannot get anywhere else. And we think interacting and building a community where retailers can exchange ideas is critical to the ongoing success of the industry.
AH: What is the significance of the conference name?
KE: We chose the name Coastal Connections Conference because we wanted to emphasize the key objectives of the conference. The word coastal of course describes the type of retailer for whom the conference is geared toward, and that means everywhere from the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, Great Lakes, Hawaii and the Caribbean. The word connection was important to include because as I mentioned before one purpose for bringing retailers together in person is that they make connections with other retailers who have similar experiences that they can share ideas with. And of course the word conference speaks for itself. The Coastal Connections Conference is an educational conference at its core.
AH: How does this event differ from other retail events?
KE: We are really trying to appeal to coastal retailers with this event. In addition to the name, we’ve billed the Coastal Connections Conference as a retail conference with an island vibe. The conference venue is the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a newly completed resort in Orlando named and inspired after the popular Jimmy Buffet song of the same title. The stores who will be attending the conference embrace the beach lifestyle so this venue will make them feel right at home in an environment they are comfortable in. We are also putting the emphasis on the educational sessions. While there will be opportunities to interact with vendors we won’t be overlapping those opportunities. Attendees will be able to focus entirely on educational sessions or meeting with vendors; they won’t have to prioritize one over the other.
AH: What can attendees plan to get out of the conference?
KE: So much. A chance to meet with retailers just like them who are experiencing the same opportunities and challenges that come with running a brick-and-mortar store in a coastal location. So far we have attendees from 11 different states and the Virgin Islands attending.
Second takeways galore. They will leave the conference just brimming with ideas to take back to their store and put into practice.
Thirdly, a chance to learn about and build relationships with vendors. There will be several opportunities throughout the conference to learn about vendors and new products that they can carry in their store. Being able to offer unique, quality beach coastal and nautical merchandise is a major priority for seaside retailers, and we’ll have many chances for them to engage with products and brands.
AH: How do you approach getting the word out for stores to attend?
KE: Luckily for us we have a great outlet for getting the word out to retailers, and that is with our magazine of course. As soon as we knew we were hosting the conference, we announced it in Seaside Retailer magazine and in our newsletters, and we’ve continued to build off that. Every issue includes the latest information about the conference. As we get updates on speakers and events going on during the conference, we’ll make that announcement through our social media outlets, our magazine and website. In addition to Seaside Retailer’s social media and website, Coastal Connections Conference has a dedicated website and social media pages. We send emails to interested retailers and we do whatever we can to stay front of mind to get the word out to industry partners like the Midwest Shore Society, Clarion Events, IMC and ZAG.
AH: What topics will be covered?
KE: Programming will address topics including increasing cash flow, effective buying strategies, emerging product trends, maximum impact store ideas, social media strategies and creating coastal connections — all taking into account the unique aspects of retailers with locations and specialties that are beach, coastal and nautical.
We’ll take a deep dive in to all these topics and we’ve allotted time at the end of each session for the audience to ask questions of the panelists. We want retailers to be able to make the most of their face-to-face experience.
A complete session schedule is available at www.coastalconnectionsconference.com.
AH: Who are some of the notable speakers?
KE: Cathy Donovan Wagner, founder of Retail Mavens, is keynote speaker. She is a retail coach and consultant and founder of Retail Mavens. She’s helped thousands of independent retailers increase sales and improve cash flow through cutting-edge expertise in retail and consumer behavior. In her opening keynote titled “Fastest Path to Cash and Calm - Increase Your Cash Flow Now,” Wagner will share powerful action steps to project and improve cash flow so retailers can enjoy the calm of knowing they can pay their bills - even during off seasons.
We also have Maddie Good from Crystal Media. They’re the leading social media ads management and digital marketing company for the retail industry. She’ll show retailers how to transform their store's social media presence.
Another really special session is on Maximum Impact Store ideas, in which attendees will hear from Kate Fratalia, vice president of retail, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida who has helped transform and expand the center’s retail operations; Michael Hale, owner and CEO, Retail Rehab, Los Angeles, with over 30 years’ experience making retail spaces more functional and productive. Retail Rehab clients include Fragrances of Ireland, Princess Cruises, Lowes Resorts and Sheraton Hotels.
William Hill has done a complete overhaul of the 1,700-square-foot gift store since he began with the Margaritaville Resort Orlando in June 2022. Hill brings 15 years of retail management experience to his new role and is taking the store to the next level of upscale resort retail. As the island-inspired resort grows, the retail store is shifting its mix to keep guests and residents in the “5 O’clock” spirit.
We also have several store owners and managers providing case studies and expertise, including Toby Delbridge owner of Barefoot Trader in Englewood, Florida. Tommy Brown, retail manager and conservation buyer from the St. Louis Zoo; speakers from major industry tradeshows, including Lisa Glosson from Clarion and Cindy Henry from IMC, plus so many more experienced retail professionals. Visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com for a complete list of speakers.
AH: What networking opportunities are available during the event?
KE: The Coastal Connection Conference kicks off with a welcome reception on Monday, Oct. 3. Attendees will be able to come and enjoy live music, drinks and appetizers in a laid-back environment suitable for mingling with other retailers for the first time. The following day will feature breakfast, lunch and coffee and refreshment breaks throughout the day where people will continue to make connections. Tuesday evening’s It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Party will provide a fun way for attendees to continue making meaningful connections with retailers as well as wholesalers exhibiting at The Boardwalk on Wednesday.
AH: What opportunities will there be to engage with vendors and products?
KE: Our sponsors are playing a large role in supporting the conference. Each attendee will receive a welcome bag filled with product from several top beach, coastal and nautical vendors, valued at more than $450. We’ll also be doing product giveaways throughout the conference. All attendees will have an opportunity to win quality beach, coastal and nautical products. An exclusive exhibitor experience is taking place on the afternoon of Oct. 5. After the educational portion of the conference concludes, all attendees are invited to attend this event, called The Boardwalk. It will be an opportunity for attendees to meet vendors in person and make quality connections, with beach, coastal and nautical wholesalers who can elevate their product offerings.
AH: How can people register?
KE: Registration is available at www.coastalconnectionsconference.com. Early bird rates are available through Aug. 19. We are also offering a 10% discount to non-profits, ZAG and Purchasing Power Plus members. Special discounts are available for stores who want to send two or more attendees. Contact me at conference@seasideretailer.com, or 858-684-7744 to learn more.
