CONVENIENCE RETAIL IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING. From customer expectations and experiences to foodservice growth, technology solutions and category management, the retailer and supplier members of the Convention Content Committee have crafted more than 50 Education Sessions with your business goals and needs in mind.
Schedules are subject to change.
New hires leaving within their first 90 days is costly and avoidable. This hands-on session will show you how to create a structured onboarding plan, deliver targeted training and foster early engagement. Discover actionable tools and tips to keep new employees invested, confident and contributing beyond their first three months.
Pavilion 3/4
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.
Ballroom C
Discover how new technology makes unattended retail possible without sacrificing compliance. Please note that attendance is first come first serve, and space may be limited!
NACS Future of Convenience Booth (C400)
Take an inside look at how Cumberland Farms leverages a commissary to support its foodservice program. From food safety requirements and centralized production to menu innovation and waste management, this session will break down the core components of a successful commissary operation. Whether you're evaluating a commissary for the first time or looking to optimize an existing model, you'll leave with practical insights, examples, and lessons learned from a leading convenience retailer.
Ballroom A
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.
Pavilion 10/11
Jessica Starnes, Kathy Williams +1 more
Category managers put serious time into building the right assortment and space strategy. But at the shelf, the story is often different. Disconnected tools, manual planogram workflows, and static allocation models mean that strong category plans routinely lose their impact before they reach the store. Join RELEX Solutions for a practical session on closing the gap between category strategy and shelf reality. We'll show how space planning connected to live demand data, replenishment, and floor planning helps retail teams turn category insight into consistent, profitable in-store execution
Pavilion 1/2
What does it take to modernize a large, complex retail and travel center operation while keeping customers at the center of every decision? This session explores the strategies, technologies, and operational approaches driving growth and transformation. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and scaling innovation.
Ballroom B
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
Pavilion 10/11
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
Ballroom A
Scott Negley, Gen Comtois +2 more
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.
Pavilion 3/4
John Koch, Jim Francoeur +2 more
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.
Ballroom E/F/G
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.
Ballroom C
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.
Pavilion 1/2
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.
Ballroom B
Understand what really influences your online reputation and practical ways to improve it. Please note that attendance is first come first serve, and space may be limited!
NACS Future of Convenience Booth (C400)
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.
Pavilion 1/2
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.
Ballroom C
Amy Toner, Nick LaFalce +2 more
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
Ballroom A
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.
Pavilion 10/11
Amy Costello, Jeremy Zenlea +1 more
What happens when business strategy meets a genuine love for the communities you serve? Explore different approaches to community engagement that build customer loyalty, strengthen vendor relationships, and create measurable impact. Hear what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth repeating and leave with practical tools you can put to work.
Pavilion 3/4
Lindsay Griffith, Tiffany Fraley +1 more
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?
Ballroom B
Debnil Chowdhury, Denton Cinquegrana +1 more
Consumer expectations and regulations are changing fast. Learn what retailers need to know now. Please note that attendance is first come first serve, and space may be limited!
NACS Future of Convenience Booth (C400)
Strong networks don’t happen by chance; they’re built with intention. In this interactive roundtable session, participants will connect with peers across the convenience industry while exploring strategies to grow their network, increase visibility and create meaningful professional relationships that last. While centered on advancing and empowering women in the industry, all are welcome to join.
Ballroom E/F/G
Elizabeth Salceda, Susie Engemann +1 more
The NACS Interfaith Prayer Breakfast is a meaningful opportunity to come together with colleagues and friends for reflection, fellowship and a thoughtful start to the day. The program will feature reflections from industry colleagues. Coffee and light pastries will be provided. RSVP is required to attend.
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