Integrating Freediving and/or Spearfishing into Your Retail Store:
Thursday Jan 12, 2012 & 11:30am
Presented by:
Sheri Daye, Dive Show Producer and Host of Speargun Hunter
Dimitris Kollias, Deep Worldwide Owner and Spearfishing Professional

This seminar will explain what this latest craze is all about and how retailers can benefit. With few barriers to entry and instant gratification, it's no wonder that it's a growing trend. Although it can be taken to an extreme with long breath-holds and hunting for pelagics, even kids can enjoy the simplicity of snorkeling or diving on a shallow reef. The advent of some very good freediving schools has opened up a whole new world to "regular" people. Dimitris will first demonstrate the beauty and the thrill of freediving and spearfishing through video, and then explain why surfers are being lured into this fast growing sport. Sheri will tell retailers what it takes to bring freediving and/or spearfishing into their shops -- the educational resources, the products, the marketing strategies, and more.

Point of Sale Beyond the Cash Register-- Secrets of Successful Retailers:
Thursday Jan 12, 2012 & 2:00pm
Presented by:
Jeff King, Vice President of Research and Development, Boardsports Pro Software

In order to succeed in the internet age, brick & mortar retailers require tools to help them grow, manage and differentiate their businesses. In this informative seminar, you will learn how to use Point of Sale software to enhance profitability by increasing sales and controlling costs. See how to increase customer loyalty, drive foot traffic, manage inventory and elevate yourself above your competition. Don’t fall into the “one size POS fits all” trap. Discover how the implementation and use of the right Point of Sale software can make it easier to take your business to the next level.

Longboarding Course I: How the Heck Did Longboarding Get So Big and What Happens Next?
Thursday Jan 12, 2012 & 3:00pm
Presented by:
Michael Brooke, Publisher, Concrete Wave Magazine; Co-Publisher, AXS Longboard Retailer Magazine

This seminar is a look back on what got us here and where things are going. Brooke will focus on how and why longboarding has started to really gain traction. This would be a great seminar for retailers who are looking for some perspective on the longboard market. This presentation will also discuss some of the reasons shy a retailer would want to carry longboards, a bit on the history of why folks start longboard companies, and what he believes will come next.

Stand Up Paddleboarding – National Education Curriculum:
Friday Jan 13, 2012 & 11:30am
Presented by:
Chris Stec, American Canoe Association (ACA) Chief Operating Officer, SUP Instructor Trainer

Join Chris Stec, the ACA’s Chief Operating Officer, for a presentation and then open discussion on the ACAs national Stand Up Paddleboarding educational curriculum. The ACA’s National Paddlesports Instruction Program is recognized as the primary resource for paddlesports education across the country and abroad. This presentation will provide an overview of the current SUP Educational Program as well as focus on the development of the advanced curriculum (ocean surf and whitewater) in 2012. During the open discussion portion of the presentation, there will be an opportunity for everyone to provide feedback and comments on lifejacket wear, leash wear, entry-level courses and advanced (ocean surfing and whitewater) courses. Ideas and suggestions are encouraged.

The New Era of Merchandising – Tips, Trends and Techniques:
Friday Jan 13, 2012 & 2:00pm
Presented by:
Chris “Cheeto” Batten, Surf City Surf Shop Buyer and Merchandiser

As the industry shifts and evolves, so has the look and feel of the independent retail shop. Brands are battling to wrap your shop front with their graphics and to build the biggest mini-shop in your store. Hanging footwear displays are calling for a shift in real estate from your backstock to your floor space. And with the rise in popularity of Stand Up Paddleboarding, freedive, accessories like socks, underwear and a whole lot more, merchandisers are faced with a variety of new challenges. Cheeto, an award-winning merchandiser and seasoned buyer for Surf City in Wrightsville Beach, NC shares creative ideas and solutions for today’s board and beach retailer.

Longboarding Course II: Niches Within the Category – How Innovation Drives Longboarding:
Friday Jan 13, 2012 & 3:00pm
Presented by:
Michael Brooke, Publisher, Concrete Wave Magazine; Co-Publisher, AXS Longboard Retailer Magazine

Longboarding encompasses at least FIVE major different sub categories – entry level, downhill, long distance, carving and freeriding/sliding. This seminar will provide detailed information about each category and the product innovations that move things forward. Brooke will also explain how precisely a shop can cater to each specific type of longboard customer.

Building Your List – Effective Email Strategies for Retailers:
Saturday Jan 14, 2012 & 11:30am
Presented by:
Lydia Snider, Marketing Consultant

Who owns your customer contacts—you or Facebook?

If your Facebook fans or Twitter followers are not also in your database, your business is vulnerable. How many customers would you have contact with if your social media accounts were obliterated tomorrow? One of your business’ most valuable assets is your List. A well cultivated email list can significantly increase your sales, open the possibilities of profitable joint ventures and even increase the resale value of your business. Don’t make the mistake of letting some third party own your customer contacts. Lydia Snider will teach you how to convert your fans and followers into direct contacts, how to turn email subscribers into customers, and how to leverage your list in creating joint ventures and strategic partnerships to grow your business and customer base.

Longboarding Course III: Five Longboard Trends That Your Shop Can't Ignore:
Saturday Jan 14, 2012 & 11:30am
Presented by:
Michael Brooke, Publisher, Concrete Wave Magazine; Co-Publisher, AXS Longboard Retailer Magazine

This seminar will provide attendees with information that will help them sell more product. When you understand what is truly happening in longboarding, you'll get a sense of the true potential that longboarding brings to retailers.
1) Internet trends-- How many unique visitors are hanging out at a certain longboard site? The answer will amaze you.
2) The heavy consumer of longboard product is spending a phenomenal amount. Just how much is mind-blowing.
3) You Tube and its impact on longboarding. The number of views of certain longboard company in New Jersey rival Old Spice.
4) Replenishment doesn't come in the form of wood.Longboarders definitely come back to shops often, but they aren't generally replacing decks. They are buying something else.
5) The XX factor. Nothing to do with soft porn or Simon Cowell—we promise.