Coastal Connections Conference returns to Orlando in September 2026

Attendees can now align their Coastal Connections plans with Surf Expo and The Gathering for expanded networking and opportunity.

Breakwall Publishing is pleased to announce the Coastal Connections Conference is returning to the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Sept. 18-20, 2026. The new September timing and enhanced schedule provides unparalleled opportunities for coastal retailers to learn and connect in a laid-back setting ideal for making connections.

Billed as the retail conference with a coastal vibe, the Coastal Connections Conference is produced by Breakwall Publishing, publisher of Seaside Retailer and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazines. Every aspect of the event — from educational sessions to networking and vendor engagement — is tailored specifically for owners and managers of coastal brick-and-mortar stores. Conveniently timed to begin just as Surf Expo and The Gathering conclude, the September schedule offers coastal retailers a smart, streamlined way to make the most of their time in Orlando.

“We’re thrilled to return to Orlando for the third Coastal Connections Conference,” says Kristin Ely, conference director. “Operating a brick-and-mortar retail store in a coastal location has many unique opportunities and challenges. Attendees will gain practical, actionable strategies from leading retail experts who have tailored their sessions specifically for this audience — all in an island like paradise only Margaritaville Resort Orlando can provide. It’s why past attendees call it a can’t-miss event for coastal retailers.”

The Coastal Connections Conference kicks off with a Welcome Party at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. This allows retailers who come in early for Surf Expo or The Gathering to finish their time at those events before transitioning to Margaritaville.

Eight targeted seminars will cover profitability, inventory management, disaster preparedness, visual merchandising, increasing foot traffic, effective social media strategy and more. Saturday, Sept. 19, opens with keynote speaker Kathy Cruz of Savvy Shopkeeper presenting “A Coastal Retailer’s Profit Playbook,” followed by three additional sessions and the Starfish Awards ceremony honoring retailers for their charitable efforts.

On Saturday afternoon, The Boardwalk Chat is an opportunity for attendees to hear from vendors exhibiting at the Coastal Connections Conference’s The Boardwalk event during sit down Q&A interviews. The Boardwalk, which will immediately follow the session is an exclusive buying experience for attendees offering curated access to leading coastal brands in a relaxed setting designed to foster stronger vendor–retailer relationships.

Capping off the evening is the Sunset in Margaritaville Party where attendees and vendors can continue making meaningful connections while sharing ideas and experiences over cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment.

“The Boardwalk is a true highlight of the conference experience,” says Karen Carr, publisher. “It’s an intentionally curated buying experience that gives retailers direct access to beach, coastal and nautical brands in a relaxed, relationship-driven setting designed to spark discovery, encourage meaningful conversations and foster partnerships that continue to support their stores long after the conference ends.”

The education continues on Sunday, Sept. 20, with four powerful sessions designed to energize and inspire growth and sales as well as a panel on how to prepare for and handle the aftermath of natural disasters.

“It’s so different from other events I attend around the country,” says past Coastal Connections Conference attendee Kim Springsteen-Abbott, owner of Lady Gryphon Shop in Tarpon Springs, Florida. “They truly care about the retailer and want us to grow through education. That value isn’t offered elsewhere.”

Register soon to take advantage of Super Early Bird rates. For event updates and registration details, visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com.