Gulf Coast Shelling Convention 2026
By Nikki Larose · Nov 12, 2026 6:40 PM — Nov 14, 2026 6:40 PM
The biggest shelling convention on the Gulf Coast! Join hundreds of shell collectors for two days of talks, vendor booths, shell trading, live identification demos, and beachcombing excursions. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, there is something for everyone.
Sanibel Island Convention Center, FL
General Admission $25 · VIP $75 · Kids under 12 free
Parking Info
Free parking available at the Convention Center garage (500 spaces). Overflow parking at the adjacent public lot — $5/day.
Vendors
Shell dealers, jewelry artisans, fossil vendors, marine art, books & guides, collecting supplies
Activities
Live shell ID demos, beach walks, shell trading tables, kids crafting station, raffle drawings
General Admission
$25.00
Access to all vendor booths, talks, and activities for both days
VIP Pass
$75.00
Everything in General Admission plus early entry, exclusive beach walk with Dr. Santos, and swag bag
Kids Pass
$0.00
Free admission for children under 12. Includes kids crafting station access
$25.00
Access to all vendor booths, talks, and activities for both days$75.00
Everything in General Admission plus early entry, exclusive beach walk with Dr. Santos, and swag bag$0.00
Free admission for children under 12. Includes kids crafting station accessSpeaker Schedule
The Hidden World of Mollusks: What Your Shells Can Tell You
Nov 12, 9:00 AM
Marine biologist with 20 years of research on Gulf Coast mollusks. Published author of Shells of the Southeast.
Best Shelling Beaches You Have Never Heard Of
Nov 12, 11:00 AM
Charter boat captain and lifelong shell collector. Knows every hidden sandbar from Naples to Cedar Key.
Shell Photography: From Beach to Gallery
Nov 12, 2:00 PM
Award-winning nature photographer specializing in macro shell and marine photography.
Climate Change and Shifting Shell Populations
Nov 13, 10:00 AM
Ecologist studying how warming waters are changing which species wash ashore on Florida beaches.
Starting Your Collection: A Beginner's Complete Guide
Nov 13, 11:00 AM
Educator and collector who runs shelling workshops for families and school groups.
Vendor Booths (6)
Premium specimen shells from around the world. Rare conchs, cowries, and murex.
Handcrafted jewelry made from ethically sourced shells and sea glass.
Fossilized shells, shark teeth, and marine specimens from the Miocene era.
Field guides, identification books, and shelling maps for every US coastline.
Shell display cases, mounting supplies, labels, and storage solutions.
Original paintings and prints featuring shells and marine life by local artists.
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