Business Transition Planning the Theme of 35th Hardware Conference
The Hardware Conference is set for August 18-20 at the JW Marriott right on the water in Marco Island, Fla.
No matter where you are in your hardware retailing career, it’s never too late to start planning an exit strategy. The home improvement industry has been undergoing massive change in the past few years as numerous retailers head for the exits and complete the sale of their businesses. Many of the remaining retail players are actively seeking out acquisition targets. That’s why it makes sense for this year’s Hardware Conference to adopt the theme of Business Transition Planning.
The 2023 Beacon Award winners will be honored during an awards banquet on Friday evening.
Join your fellow independent retailers as the Business Transition Planning theme gets discussed throughout this year’s Hardware Conference in Marco Island. The 2023 Hardware Conference will take place August 18-20 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Fla. It is the perfect opportunity to bring your whole family to a five-star resort located right on the Gulf of Mexico with miles of beautiful white beaches.
This year’s Hardware Conference is a special occasion, as Directors Craig and Shanti Cope will be celebrating the event’s 35th anniversary. It has always been held in Marco Island, providing a neutral forum for retailers from different wholesaler programs to network and discuss business strategies.
Retail attendees have a chance for one-on-one dialogue with vendors.
The Conference began in 1988 with a small group of hardware retailers, led by Tom Chasteen, who wanted to get together once a year with key manufacturers. Do it Best and Orgill both actively support the Conference.
Upgraded a few years ago to JW Marriott status, the top-notch resort offers an oasis of luxurious comfort with activities designed for the whole family.
It’s hard to beat a Marco Island sunset.
Interact with key vendors on how to increase sales in your store 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.
Meals are a great time to network and relax with other retailers.
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 Spa by JW® or a relaxing walk along the white sand beach. Saturday afternoon is set aside with a golf outing, beach activities and Everglades airboat excursion.
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 11th edition of the Beacon Awards is co-sponsored by The Hardware Conference and The Hardware Connection. Epicor, Ettore Products, Fluidmaster, Do it Best and Orgill provide additional sponsorship support for the program.
