Coastal Connections partners with Surf Expo to deliver educational programming

Six complimentary educational sessions for coastal retailers will take place during Surf Expo, Sept. 16-18, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Coastal Connections is bringing its signature educational programming to Surf Expo Sept. 16-18, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, offering coastal retailers an opportunity to gain valuable business insights while attending one of the industry's premier trade shows.

Designed for coastal retailers, Coastal Connections at Surf Expo will feature six expert-led sessions throughout the three-day event, delivering practical strategies and actionable insights that retailers can put to work immediately. Topics will include merchandising, inventory management, marketing, systems, artificial intelligence and profitability — all tailored to the unique needs of coastal retail. Best of all, the sessions are complimentary for qualified retailers registered to attend Surf Expo.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and immediately explore Surf Expo's expansive marketplace of products and brands. Two Coastal Connections sessions will be offered each day, giving retailers plenty of time to discover new products, connect with exhibitors and experience all Surf Expo has to offer.

"Coastal Connections was created to provide education specifically for coastal retailers," says Kristin Ely, program director of Coastal Connections. "This partnership with Surf Expo allows us to bring together practical business education and one of the industry's leading marketplaces, creating an experience where retailers can learn new strategies and immediately put them into action as they explore the show floor."

Produced by Breakwall Publishing, the publisher of Seaside Retailer and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazines, Coastal Connections launched as a standalone conference in 2022 and has served as a platform for owners and managers of coastal stores seeking business-focused education and peer connections.

"We're excited to welcome Coastal Connections to Surf Expo," says Roy Turner, senior vice president of Surf Expo. "Education has always been an important aspect of the Surf Expo experience, and this partnership strengthens our commitment to providing retailers with resources that help them thrive. Coastal retailers will leave with practical takeaways they can implement immediately, along with inspiration from the incredible brands represented on our show floor."

A wave of top retail talent will headline this September’s Coastal Connections at Surf Expo, including Dane Cohen of Management One, Melissa Steadman of Moonbridge Consulting, Jennifer Johnson of The Confident Entrepreneur, Ciara Stockeland of The Inventory Genius, Michael Hale of Retail REHAB and Kathy Cruz of Savvy Shopkeeper.

"At Breakwall Publishing, our mission has always been to provide retailers with the information, insights, connections and resources they need to succeed," says Karen Carr, publisher of Breakwall Publishing. "Coastal Connections at Surf Expo represents an exciting evolution for the conference. It allows us to deliver the same high-quality educational content our attendees have come to expect while enhancing the experience through Surf Expo's unmatched energy, scale and industry reach."

Coastal Connections sessions will take place throughout Surf Expo, Sept. 16-18, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees will enjoy a dedicated learning space conveniently located within the convention center in room W209.

Attendance is complimentary for qualified retailers registered to attend Surf Expo. Retailers are encouraged to preregister for Coastal Connections sessions at www.coastalconnectionsconference.com/registration. The first 100 attendees to arrive will receive a welcome bag filled with products from leading coastal brands, and additional product giveaways will be available from session sponsors.

For more information about Coastal Connections at Surf Expo, visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com or email Kristin Ely, Coastal Connections program director at kristin@breakwallpublishing.com.

About Coastal Connections

Coastal Connections at Surf Expo is produced by Breakwall Publishing, the publisher of Seaside Retailer and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazines. Launched in 2022 as an extension of the Seaside Retailer brand, Coastal Connections brings the magazine's trusted insights, industry expertise and coastal perspective to life through in-person educational experiences.

About Surf Expo

Surf Expo is the largest and longest-running board sports and coastal lifestyle trade show in the world, bringing together buyers and brands from the surf, resort, boutique, coastal gift and outdoor lifestyle markets.