Cast your net

Don't let your inventory get the best of you! You'll leave this session with out-of-the-box ideas and proven tools that will make managing your store's merchandise less work, more fun and even more profitable. 

Speaker: Dane Cohen, Management One

Hiring and retaining good employees doesn't have to be difficult. Learn what steps to take to create a loyal and hard-working team in your retail operation so you can worry less and rely on your employees more.

Speaker: William Hill, Margaritaville Resort Orlando Gift Shop

Speaker: Scott Hamblen, Sunshine Ace Hardware

Speaker: Kim Springsteen-Abbot, Lady Gryphon's Coastal Collection Shop

Speaker: Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shopkeeper

Mingle with seaside retailers at the Coastal Connections Conference Welcome Party! Join in on the fun with cocktails and appetizers and get to know fellow attendees.

Get your pen and paper ready, because you're going to want to jot these tips down. From app recommendations that make your life easier to display tips that will turn profits, you'll leave with 45 takeaways that you can put into practice immediately at your retail store!

Speaker: Cathy Nagle-Ervin, Retail Training Tools

Find out how you can elevate the shopping experience inside your brick-and-mortar store with fresh new ideas and perspectives that will help you build a loyal customer base and increase sales. 

Speaker: Holly Daniels Christensen, Dune Jewelry

Speaker: Steve Shultz, Flip Flop Shops

Speaker: Dave Foos, Clarkston Consulting

Back by popular demand! The Creating Coastal Connections session was an attendee favorite at January's conference. Retail panelists and attendees will share ideas, best practices, challenges and opportunities in a lively discussion you won't want to miss. Come ready to participate!

Speaker: Pauline Bresnahan, Pauline's Gifts

Speaker: Anita Cereceda, The Islander

Speaker: Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street

Speaker: Elie Johnson, ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Speaker: Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shopkeeper

Seaside Retailer honors past recipients of the Starfish Award

recognizing each winner for their contributions to charitable causes and conservation efforts in their communities and beyond. 

Get ready to jumpstart your social media mindset and learn how to create meaningful and profitable results! Don't miss this informative session that will cover easy to implement tips and strategies to see your social media soar to new heights.

Speaker: Crystal Vilkaitis, Crystal Media

Get the inside track from top beach, coastal and nautical wholesalers about their latest product offerings, industry trends, buying advice and more during informal sit-down interviews with the vendors who are exhibiting at Coastal Connections Conference’s Boardwalk event. 

Speakers: The Boardwalk Vendors

Unwind after a day of learning at the It’s Five O’clock Somewhere

party. Take this opportunity to continue making meaningful

connections with retailers and wholesalers while sharing ideas and experiences. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment! 

Learn how to create a store layout that captures the coastal vibe while creating opportunities for increased sales. This how-to session will give you new inspiration and actionable takeaways to super-charge your displays!

Speaker: Michael Hale, RetailREHAB

Explore exciting new products and get to know some of the industry’s hottest brands in an exclusive buying experience with a fun and laid-back vibe. A perfect opportunity for building relationships with vendors and getting a head start on placing orders!