Before you hit the 430,000-square-foot Expo floor to check out new products or network with the more than 24,000 industry players here at the NACS Show, ignite your learning with the NACS Show’s 50 Education Sessions designed by your industry peers.

Attendees will find a robust lineup of sessions, trainings, and interactive workshops that address a variety of industry hot topics and issues, ranging from how to leverage AI to the ins and outs of category management to developing loyalty to frontline labor solutions and more. Plus, it’s going to be lots of fun.

“This year, we’ve challenged our speakers to use alternative formats to deliver their content where applicable,” said Jenna Collard, director of education engagement at NACS. “We have a few different game-show formats and even a debate style format for one of our AI sessions. We also have sessions with timers for each question, similar to ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption.”

With all the sessions and learning opportunities to choose from, plan your schedule accordingly to make the most of your Show. The Education Sessions are organized by tracks, with focuses on:

All 50 sessions will provide great value to retailers, but here are just a few from each category that might pique your interest.

Monday

Spilling the Tea on Gen Z

Monday, October 7 at 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Join us as we discuss the unique characteristics, preferences, values, and behaviors of Gen Z (those born between the late 1990s and 2014). We’ll explore effective hiring practices, workplace engagement strategies, and innovative marketing techniques tailored to this diverse and digitally savvy generation. Whether you’re seeking to attract top Gen Z talent or capture this demographic’s attention at stores, this session offers tips to help you succeed.

How to Determine Your Fuel Mix

Monday, October 7 at 12:00-1:00 p.m.

As the transportation market and related legislation undergo rapid changes, fuel retailers need to anticipate the evolving needs of their customers and adapt accordingly. This session, designed for retailers in fuel operations, will focus on identifying strategies and positioning that will enable retailers to serve their customers’ mobility needs successfully through fuel, without complicating the marketplace.

How Inflation Is Changing Consumer Shopping Habits

Monday, October 7 at 1:15-2:15 p.m.

As consumers try to stretch their dollars and meet their shopping wants and needs, understanding the trade-offs being made is essential. Led by an industry expert, this session will provide actionable insights for retailers and suppliers who are looking for guidance in understanding and adapting to the new consumer mindset in an inflationary environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to thrive in an ever-changing retail landscape, whether you are a retailer or a supplier.

Winning the Dinner Daypart

Monday, October 7 at 2:30-3:30 p.m.

According to Food Genius, 80% of Americans don’t know what they are having for dinner by 4:00 p.m. They also don’t particularly enjoy making dinner, which is an opportunity for convenience retailers to grow their food business and gain a bigger share of the dinner daypart. In this fast-paced session, explore strategies and tactics to attract and retain customers during the evening, transforming c-stores as a destination for dinner. Designed for retailers aspiring to grow their dinner daypart business, attendees will explore consumer insights and market trends shaping dinner habits.

Tuesday

Navigating the Future of Retail Talent

Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Frontline jobs in a convenience store are complex. As the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead requires a comprehensive understanding of the skills and competencies that are most valuable in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or new to the field, join us for actionable insights that can help you drive success in talent acquisition.

AI for Everyone

Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00-9:00 a.m.

From automating repetitive tasks to augmenting human capabilities, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the convenience industry and the way we work and interact with technology. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or exploring the world of AI, this session will provide valuable insights on how AI can be harnessed to drive innovation and efficiency in your organization.

Strategies for Boosting Your Alcohol Category Performance

Tuesday, October 8 at 9:15-10:15 a.m.

As consumer preferences change for beer, wine, and spirits, knowing how to navigate emerging opportunities is essential for continued success. Join us for a masterclass session on how industry experts identify key trends and create actionable tactics that help their businesses navigate this evolving landscape. Session speakers will offer insights on driving success in this competitive market.

Wednesday

Improving Synergy Between Merchandising and Operations

Wednesday, October 9 at 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Seamless coordination between merchandising and operations is essential for driving profitability and delivering exceptional customer experiences. In this "Newlywed Game" style session, two retailers will team up—merchandising vs operations to see where they are aligned and where more work is needed. From inventory management to store layout and customer engagement strategies, this session will deliver unique perspectives on organizational success.

Ideas in Action: Solutions From the Frontline

Part 1: Wednesday, October 9 at 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Part 2: Wednesday, October 9 at 9:15-10:15 a.m.

The NACS Leadership for Success Program brings the brightest industry supervisors together to develop their personal leadership skills and become better leaders. For the past five months, the participants have been working on reducing turnover, increasing employee engagement, and developing store managers by creating plans, setting goals and tracking their progress. They are ready to share the results! Hear what worked (and what didn’t) as they sought to develop and strengthen their teams.

Expanding the Power of Private Label

Wednesday, October 9 at 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Private-label products offer a unique opportunity for differentiation and building brand loyalty. Hear retailers discuss the latest trends in private label, consumer insights, and success stories. Whether you're a retailer looking to enhance your private label strategy or a supplier seeking to collaborate with retailers, this session will help you unlock the full potential of private label programs.

You can find a full list of sessions, along with a schedule here.

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