The NACS Show happens over the course of four days, but in the NACS building it’s a year-long project. We’re already working on the NACS Shows for 2024 and beyond. The actual week of Show is a blur for the whole organization. Almost everyone who works at NACS travels to the site of the Show and pitches in, often in an onsite role that has nothing to do with their regular job.

The 2023 Show in Atlanta was my first, and it didn’t disappoint. Here’s what some other NACS first-timers thought of the Show.

Ever since my first day at NACS, I have heard nothing but amazing things about the Show from my coworkers, our members and even employees of other trade associations who view NACS as the standard. Even with all that hype, I still felt it was undersold. This show is an incredible team effort and really speaks to NACS’ dedication to advancing convenience and creating amazing opportunities for our members to network, learn from each other and lift each other up.

—Melissa Paul, meetings and events manager

If I had to describe the NACS Show in three words, I would use: engaging, informational and fun. It was overwhelming in the best possible way—not only learning so much but being inspired by all the members I was able to meet.

—Leah Ash, assistant editor

Being able to experience the show in its entirety, from setup to shutdown and everything between, was an overwhelming feeling (in a good way, of course). My favorite highlight by far was working in the Cool New Products Preview Room because I was able to get a first glimpse of all the new, unique products.

—Siara Corprew, member services specialist

It felt like I was inside all the convenience stores at the same time. Now I have context for the scope and significance of the industry.

—Batya Levy, editor

NACS Show exceeded all of my expectations with its scale, scope and the professionalism of our team. You can’t explain it. You’ve got to experience it. My highlight was definitely meeting John Cena, although I couldn’t “see” him. What a show!

—Jay Lee, qualitative survey research analyst

Someone outside the company warned me that not all trade shows are like this one, and I can see why—it was a wonderful spectacle filled with interesting, dedicated people who are the smartest in the industry … and lots and lots of delicious goodies.

—Shannon Carroll, editor/writer

Check out our extensive Show coverage, including our top takeaways, insights from the education sessions and a recap of the action on the floor. And a big thanks from me to everyone I met at the Show!