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Beacon Awards Set the Stage at Hardware Conference

The Hardware Conference is set for August 21-23 at the JW Marriott right on the water in Marco Island, Fla.
The Hardware Conference is set for August 21-23 at the JW Marriott right on the water in Marco Island, Fla.»

It’s hard to beat relaxing on sandy beaches while learning new ways to improve your business. Start making plans to attend the 2020 Hardware Conference, set for August 21-23 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Fla. It is designed to be affordable and family-friendly.

The event, now in its 32nd year, is the industry’s largest event bringing together independent retailers regardless of wholesaler affiliation. The Hardware Conference offers the perfect opportunity to find ways to improve your business while having fun at a world-class resort right on the Gulf of Mexico, with miles of sandy white beaches.

Recently upgraded to JW Marriott status, the resort offers an oasis of luxurious comfort with activities designed for the whole family. Discover the latest new products from leading vendors during open exhibit hours, then pick up new ideas for your store while interacting with fellow retailers at three cocktail receptions, two breakfasts and two dinner banquets.

Retail attendees have a chance for one-on-one dialogue with vendors.
Retail attendees have a chance for one-on-one dialogue with vendors.»

The Conference schedule leaves you and your family plenty of time to enjoy three swimming pools, a wide variety of water activities, spa services at the newly remodeled Spa by JW® or a relaxing walk along the white sand beach.

Conference directors Craig and Shanti Cope host a family-friendly, affordable event that provides independent retailers with a forum for sharing ideas and discussing business issues with key suppliers.

The industry’s premier event for the independent retail hardware channel offers an awards program that was launched in 2013 to recognize the “best of the best” retailers. The Beacon Awards are co-sponsored by The Hardware Conference and The Hardware Connection. Apex Tool Group, Epicor, Ettore Products, Rust-Oleum, Ace Hardware, Do it Best Corp. and Orgill provided additional sponsorship support for the 2019 program.

In addition to Retail Beacon Awards for each of the participating wholesalers, the awards banquet honors the industry’s best new stores in two categories: over 20,000 square feet and under 20,000 square feet.

The 2020 Beacon Award winners will be honored during an awards banquet on Friday evening.
The 2020 Beacon Award winners will be honored during an awards banquet on Friday evening.»

The 2020 Beacon Awards banquet will be held Friday evening, August 21, at the JW Marriott Marco Island. Winners will receive all-expense paid trips for two to the 2020 Hardware Conference including conference registration, airfare, hotel and meals. They will also receive a special Beacon Award trophy and be featured in an article in The Hardware Connection.

Get your nominations in now for the Best New Store category—the entry deadline is May 1, 2020. For more information on the nomination process, contact Editor Chris Jensen at chris@thehardwareconnection.com.

Leading vendors participate in the Conference with tabletop booths showcasing their latest product introductions. Dealers can engage in informal conversations with manufacturers without the pressure of buying, both during exhibit hours and at meal functions and receptions.

The Conference is designed for the whole family, with Saturday afternoon set aside with vendor-sponsored golf, beach activities sponsored by Wooster Brush, a shelling excursion and Everglades airboat excursion. For more information, go to www.thehardwareconference.com or contact Craig or Shanti Cope at 305-853-0049.

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