A convenient time to connect
By Kristin Ely

The Coastal Connections Conference is strategically timed.

I hear it time and again from seaside retailers when they learn we launched a conference this fall. “What a great idea — there’s never been a retail conference specifically designed to bring together our unique subset of retailers,” they say.

When Seaside Retailer chose the location, time and venue for our Coastal Connections Conference, we did so with coastal retailers in mind. We wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to take you away from important trade show buying. We didn’t want to put you in the tough position of choosing between an educational conference and meeting in-person with vendors.

We also wanted to pick an off-season time for coastal shops and a part of the week when it’s easier to get away. We purposefully chose Oct. 3-5, a Monday through Wednesday. The date is also is spaced two weeks or more away from key fall buying shows, so you aren’t away from your store longer than you need to be at one time.

The location in Orlando, Florida, is convenient so retailers in Florida and the Southeast can easily drive, with lots of flights available from other parts of the country and the Caribbean.

Then there’s the venue, the Margaritaville Resort. What better backdrop for a coastal retailer conference than a hotel that embodies the laid-back beach lifestyle we all embrace? You’ll even have a chance to enjoy a cocktail or two while you are there.

But that isn’t the most important reason for coming to Orlando this fall. The Coastal Connections Conference has two major objectives. First, to deliver education tailored for your specific business needs.


"Now’s your opportunity to ask questions and get the answers you’ve always wanted to know from expert panelists and other retailers like you." — Kristin Ely



There’s no other conference like it. 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.

Making connections is the second goal of the Coastal Connections Conference (thus the name). We want to create a forum where coastal retailers like yourself can develop relationships with other similar retailers who also understand the challenges and opportunities of running a seasonal retail business.

You read about retail stores’ success stories in Seaside Retailer magazine. The Coastal Connections Conference will elevate that experience. Now’s your opportunity to ask questions and get the answers you’ve always wanted to know from expert panelists and other retailers like you. It’s also your chance to exchange ideas.

What are you waiting for? Make your plans to attend the inaugural Coastal Connections Conference by visiting www.coastalconnectionsconference.com. Your seaside retail store will thank you.