Education Sessions

Expanding your store count comes with big decisions. This session explores the pros and cons of acquisitions, new builds, and remodels, along with insights on financing, market research, cultural fit, and finding the right opportunities. Attendees will also hear real-world lessons learned from operators on what happens after the deal closes and how to set a growth strategy up for long-term success.

Pinnacle Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc.

Irfan Tejani

CEO & President

The largest fuel marketers leverage their volume position to secure the best wholesale prices for their stores, reducing costs and boosting margins. Some smaller and medium-sized operators might think this advantage is not available for them – but there are things they can do to give them a leg up on the market. This session will discuss strategies and tactics retailers can use to improve their supplier contracts, protect themselves from unexpected market movements, optimize their supply logistics and strengthen their pricing position on the street while boosting profitability.

Discover how new technology makes unattended retail possible without sacrificing compliance.

Verifone, Inc.

James Hervey

Director, Product Management, Americas Petroleum Solutions

TruAge

Lisa Rountree

Head of Customer Experience and Marketing

With foodservice having a large role in convenience retail, designing stores to support a strong food offer is paramount—from layout and customer flow to kitchen space, equipment, operations and brand experience. Featuring perspectives from retailers involved in planning and executing these locations, hear how thoughtful site design supports foodservice growth, operational efficiency and customer experience.

Rusty Lantern Markets, LLC

John Koch

Manager/CEO

This session will feature the winner of the “Smartest Store in the World” competition, announced in June 2026, that celebrates innovative and high-performing retail operations. Get an inside look at the winning store’s strategy and execution—from AI-driven insights to advanced analytics and operational excellence. Join us to see what is setting the world’s smartest store apart, and how its success can inspire the future of retail.

NACS

Gray Taylor

Strategic Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

Insight Research

Dan Munford

CEO & President

Accenture

Brian Gray

Managing Director

Designed for first-time attendees and new NACS members, learn how you can make the most out your NACS Show experience. Learn how to navigate the Expo, identify can’t-miss events and build valuable connections throughout the week. The session will also highlight how NACS membership delivers value year-round long after the NACS Show ends.

NACS

KC Kingsbury

Director, Retail Engagement - East

Hear how real career journeys into leadership roles within the convenience industry often begin at the store level. Through personal stories and practical examples, attendees will explore how to identify internal talent, create visible career pathways and help frontline employees see convenience retail as a long-term profession with meaningful opportunities for growth and leadership.

QuikTrip

Aisha Jefferson

Corporate Communications Manager

Prince Oil/Junction Management

Jhaddaka (JD) Leverette

Retail Analyst/I.T Manager

Can tobacco and loyalty programs work together? Learn what is needed from the tech stack, how participating retailers compare to non-participants, and ways to evolve loyalty programs beyond traditional discounts. Case studies and real-world lessons will highlight practical strategies, common challenges and the tactics that delivered strong results.

Weigel's Stores, Inc.

Jessica Starnes

Director of Loyalty/Tobacco Category Manager

Discover how new technology makes unattended retail possible without sacrificing compliance. See how identity connects payments, loyalty, promotions, age verification, and more into a seamless customer experience. Consumer expectations and regulations are changing fast. Learn what retailers need to know now. How real-time reporting uncovers missed age verifications before they become violations. Learn how AI-powered search is changing customer discovery—and what you can do to stay visible. See how mobile driver's licenses and digital IDs are changing in-store verification—and what retailers

Is a commissary right for your business? Hear two contrasting perspectives on the commissary model on the operational advantages and the potential challenges. From building consistency, efficiency and scale to introducing complexity, this candid discussion will offer a framework for evaluating whether a commissary aligns with your foodservice strategy and growth plans—or not.

Cumberland Farms, Inc.

Nathan Bartlett

Director of Culinary Center Operations

Despite recent headwinds, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) will continue to expand and demand for public fast charging is projected to increase significantly as more customers who do not have access to home charging acquire lower priced and used EVs. Convenience retailers are perfectly positioned to serve these customers, but how to gain their loyalty will require attention to details. This session will present findings from a new study by the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI) that dives deep into the driver experience when using a public fast charger, giving retailers the insight

Dover Fueling Solutions

Scott Negley

Senior Director, Dispenser Product Management

NACS

Gen Comtois

EV Liason

Electric Era

Quincy Lee

CEO

Industry experts and retailers will explore common scams affecting retailers today, from cash-out and gift card fraud to social engineering and phone-based schemes. Through real examples and interactive audience participation, attendees will learn how scams happen, how much they can cost and practical strategies to deter them, including employee training, operational safeguards and tools that spot and stop fraud before it happens.

Wawa, Inc.

Heather Hearn

Supervisor of E-commerce Fraud and Physical Security

Cumberland Farms, Inc.

Courtney Trieger

Manager of Retail Asset Protection Support

Successful and impactful merchandising meets customers where they are. This session dives into how retailers can align product assortment, promotions and displays with key seasonal moments that drive engagement and sales. Learn how to create compelling in-store experiences that stand out, stay fresh and deliver results.

Rutter's

Philip Santini

Sr. Director of Food Service & Bar Strategy

RaceTrac, Inc.

Anna Kjerrumgaard

Director, Category Management- Center Store

This data-driven session will review key industry performance, operational and financial metrics from the proprietary NACS C-Store Exchange (CSX) database. Find out what the numbers revealed for the first half of the year, and what the remainder could look like as we head into 2027. By leveraging NACS benchmarking data, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their competitive position and how to use this information to make data-driven decisions.

NACS

Chris Rapanick

Managing Director, NACS Research

With more customer data available, do you know which insights actually drive results? Some data sources matter more than others, from POS and loyalty data to geolocation, app engagement, weather, vendor insights and demographic overlays. Hear how retailers are using customer segmentation, dynamic offers, trigger campaigns, personalized bundles, and “just for you” pricing to create more relevant promotions and re-engage lapsed shoppers.

Alix Partners LLP

Michael Headly

Partner

Alix Partners LLP

Trevor Boomstra

Partner

Understand what really influences your online reputation and practical ways to improve it.

NACS

Christina Scala

Director, Business Development

This introductory session cuts through the hype on artificial intelligence to help retailers understand what AI is and is not. Using plain language and real-world retail examples, attendees will learn the differences between automation, AI and agentic AI, along with how these tools can improve operations and customer experience. The session also addresses common misconceptions, helping retailers identify practical opportunities while avoiding costly distractions.

Accenture

Brian Gray

Managing Director

As more brands invest in larger travel center formats, find out what it takes to operate them successfully. From real estate, staffing, capital investment, parking, fueling positions, safety and expanded services, attendees will gain practical insights and lessons learned from retailers who are committed to expanding their business in the travel center space.

NATSO

Amy Toner

NATSO, Chief of Staff NATSO Foundation, Executive Director

RaceTrac, Inc.

Nick LaFalce

Senior Marketing Manager – Fuel Programs and Partnerships

LV Petroleum

Monica Androsko

VP of Brand, Mobility & Risk

ONRAMP

Jeremie Myhren

Co-Founder

Convenience foodservice and beverages are being reshaped by economic pressure, changing routines, health-driven behaviors, and evolving consumer expectations. In 2027, successful offerings will balance familiarity with discovery, indulgence with value, and function with enjoyment. This session explores the forces influencing food and beverage decisions, from global flavors and snack-first eating to protein, functional benefits, moderation, and customizable drinks. Using a research-driven foresight approach, attendees will learn which trends have staying power versus short-term hype, why they

Culinary Tides, Inc.

Suzy Badaracco

President

Industry experts will identify the top safe food handling risks and share a practical “playbook” of resources and operational guidance designed specifically for smaller operators. From training and procedures to daily execution and accountability, participants will gain actionable takeaways strengthening food safety across their organization.

Casey's General Stores, Inc.

Amy Costello

Sr. Director - Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Cumberland Farms, Inc.

Jeremy Zenlea

Vice President, Health and Safety

The petroleum markets were put through the ringer in 2026 and the global market may never be the same. The disruption to the Persian Gulf in the first half of the year forced a complete reconsideration of the global supply system. Meanwhile, retailers were faced with the market realities of national average gasoline prices around $5 per gallon, with some markets experiencing prices above $7. How might the market reset after the tumultuous experience of this year? What should retailers know about the future of supply and price pressure?

S&P Global

Debnil Chowdhury

Vice President, Americas Head of Refining and Marketing

OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Denton Cinquegrana

Chief Oil Analyst

Transportation Energy Institute

John Eichberger

Executive Director,

Consumer expectations and regulations are changing fast. Learn what retailers need to know now.

NACS

Matt Durand

Deputy General Counsel

NACS

Jon Taets

Director, Government Relations

This session will share simple, realistic ways that small operators can build a positive culture through local giving, team engagement and everyday customer interactions. Learn how creating a fun workplace and building goodwill can lead to stronger loyalty and long-term growth. You will also receive a practical roadmap for creating a culture that works for your store, your team and your customers.

InConvenience Inc

Lindsay Griffith

Marketing and Community Engagement Manager

InConvenience Inc

Tiffany Fraley

CEO

NACS

Kevin O'Connell

Executive Director, NACS Foundation

New services and amenities, such as Amazon lockers and returns, car wash, specialty ice, propane exchange, refillable water stations, recycling, Coinstar and a drive-thru can create additional reasons for customers to frequent a c-store more often. Find out how these services can enhance customer experience, generate revenue and position stores as everyday convenience hubs for their communities.

Sheetz, Inc.

Scott Soisson

Car Wash Sales Manager

Sheetz, Inc.

Riley Buszek

Program Manager Drive Thru/Curbside