When the NACS Show opens next month in Las Vegas, it promises to be the most exciting Show ever. You’ll find thousands of new products and technology solutions across 425,000 square feet of expo space, 250+ new exhibitors and 45+ education sessions.

More than 23,000 people typically attend the NACS Show from over 70 countries, and more than 1,200 companies regularly exhibit.

Now is the time to come together to reconnect and seek inspiration. This year’s Show will equip you to not only build a stronger business but also a more connected community.

LEARN TOGETHER

When it comes to learning, the power of peers is unequaled. Only at the NACS Show can you connect and share with real-world industry insiders and retail superstars who are shaping the future of convenience. NACS offers education sessions, hands-on workshops and engaging keynotes designed to make sense of this challenging business environment and put you on the path to success.

Take a look at some of the sessions that will inspire you:

CATEGORY MANAGEMENT

Turning Private Label Into a Powerhouse Brand
Saturday, October 1
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

How do you get started with private-label brands? What benefits are there to making the investment to get into private label? Is my company big enough to do private label? These questions and more will be answered by retailers well into their private-label journeys. They will explain the strategy behind their private-label brands, as well as some tips and tricks they have learned along the way.

Behind the Boom: Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Are Shaking Up the Cold Box
Saturday, October 1
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

C-stores have limited cold box space, and beer (where offered) has a significant number of new items when factoring in craft products. The SKU rationalization process for convenience stores is massive. Come to this session for a deep dive into the ready-to-drink format, and walk away with forward-leaning insights for what is next.

Promotions Customers Actually Want
Sunday, October 2
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Some products sell themselves, but additional marketing and promotion can take your convenience-store sales to the next level. Come to this session for a discussion on how shoppers’ habits and preferences have evolved, and walk away with fresh ideas to create more meaningful promotions your customers actually want and marketing tactics they’ll respond to.

Supply Chain Success Stories
Monday, October 3
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Product procurement throughout the supply chain was a major challenge for convenience stores and their supplier partners throughout the pandemic, and it continues to challenge our industry today. However, the challenges have led to a greater level of collaboration between convenience retailers and their suppliers: 66% of supplier companies said their overall relationship with convenience retailers is better than a year ago, and 44% said their level of partnership and collaboration with the convenience retailing channel is better than other channels. Come to this session to hear a panel discussion between retailers, a distributor and a supplier as they share their insights and success stories in overcoming supply chain challenges.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Building a Digitally Enabled C-Store
Saturday, October 1
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Technology has changed the world forever. Retail is the new frontier for disruption, and there’s no going back. In this session, some of the industry’s foremost thought leaders share their strategies for using digital technologies to reinvent everything from operations to customer.

FOODSERVICE

Menu Optimization: Think Like a Restaurant
Saturday, October 1
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

As retailers add foodservice to their operations, there are growing pains, and it often takes time to turn a profit. However, there are learnings we can glean from the restaurant industry. Come to this session to hear ideas on how to better manage your foodservice operations and respond to the current climate.

Global Foodservice Trends & Menus
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

The biggest and most coherent change for convenience and fuel retailing around the world is the move from fuel to fast-moving consumer goods to foodservice. Convenience players around the globe have either invested, are investing now or have plans for immediate investment in offering more, better, fresher and/or healthier foodservice options. During a panel discussion, retail leaders from different continents will showcase how they have invested and succeeded with their foodservice programs. The panel will then discuss the latest trends in foodservice, followed by an audience Q&A session.

Foodservice Analytics: The Recipe for Success
Monday, October 3
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

As more c-stores add foodservice to their operations, they are quickly discovering how important data and analytics are to running a profitable enterprise. From back-of-the-house to using technology to manage waste, report data, manage food cost, plan production and data-driven menu creations—the need to embrace technology is evident. Come to this session to hear how retailers are successfully using technology and data to support their foodservice operations.

Gulp! Reinvigorating Dispensed Beverages
Monday, October 3
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages took a profit hit during the pandemic, and the categories were a definite strain on store profits. Once pandemic restrictions eased, and it made sense for retailers to reintroduce dispensed beverage programs in their stores, many retailers and suppliers seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the category. Attend this session to hear recent trends and research in the dispensed beverages category, as well as the unique approaches that three different retailers and suppliers are taking to reinvigorate and grow this tried-and-true category.

FUELS

EV Economics: Fact vs. Fiction
Saturday, October 1
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

It’s no secret that no one is currently getting rich off of installing EV chargers at their stores. That doesn’t mean however that the industry can ignore the need and future demand. During this conversation, industry veterans tasked with figuring out the philosophy and strategy for integrating EV into their footprints will discuss their current EV strategy, how they are preparing for the future and ways they plan to monetize EV long term.

Capitalizing on Your Liquid Fuels Offer
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Many retailers are looking for ways to optimize their liquid fuels offer. With so many strategies to consider, it can be hard to choose one that works best for your business. Come to this session to hear a presentation from a fuels retailer and an expert from the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) to help you navigate through options that can enhance your offer.

Reality of EV Transitions
Sunday, October 2
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

The expansion of the electric vehicle market is rife with forecasts and pledges that promise dramatic change in a short period of time—but how realistic are they? According to research done on behalf of the Fuels Institute, S&P Global Mobility indicates that the transition may be more gradual than declared by media headlines. In fact, their data show that electric vehicles may only account for 6% of vehicles in operation by 2030, and 73% of these vehicles will be located in just 15 states. In this session, Mark Boyadjis, global technology lead, consulting services, S&P Global Mobility, will share insights into realistic electric vehicle sales and fleet projections, the emerging demand for charging infrastructure and where retailers should be focusing their attention to ensure they take advantage of emerging opportunities at the right time.

State of the Industry: Fuels Edition
Sunday, October 2
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Although fuel demand almost returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, supply issues during the first half of 2022—including labor and truck driver shortages—remained a pain point for both operators and consumers at the pump. Denton Cinquegrana, chief oil analyst with OPIS, will break down the 2022 energy landscape, including the future of alternative fuels, and address the current industry headwinds in a year that’s already experienced record-breaking gas prices.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Upcoming Elections and What They Mean for Convenience
Sunday, October 2
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Much is at stake during the upcoming midterm elections—all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate will be decided. Will there be a Republican wave like some predict, or will the Democrats maintain their control of Congress? While there remains much uncertainty, we do know there’s a tremendous amount riding on the elections this November, especially the fate of President Joe Biden’s agenda. Join us as we learn from political analyst Jim Ellis about which races to keep an eye on during this election season, and how these elections could impact the convenience and fuel retailing industry.

What the New Tobacco Signage Requirements Mean for Retailers
Monday, October 3
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

The Department of Justice and tobacco manufacturers settled a long-standing litigation over in-store corrective statement signs over the summer. This litigation requires tobacco companies to supply court-ordered signs to retail stores that have contracts with any of them. The settlement also requires those retail stores to post at least one sign carrying one of the 17 different, pre-approved health messages that will be distributed at random to retailers around the country. Join us as we hear details on the agreement, what it means for retailers and how to comply with its terms.

HR/LABOR

Make Your Employer Brand Stand Out
Monday, October 3
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Everyone is struggling with recruitment and retention in 2022, which means that everyone is hiring. In a sea of “Help Wanted” signs, how do you make your employer brand stand out and become an employer of choice? Join five retailers in this rapid-paced lightning-round session to hear examples of how each of them are improving and showcasing their employer brands. 

OPERATIONS

Max Your NACS
Saturday, October 1
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

This session will provide ideas, tips and recommendations for maximizing your time at NACS, so you can maximize your investment. An experienced group of industry professionals will share tips and ideas on how to navigate the NACS Show to help you get the most out of the four-day event. Additionally, the NACS Membership team will provide an overview of the entire NACS ecosystem and how it is designed to help you, your business and your people thrive all year long. Whether this is your first NACS Show or perhaps it’s been a while since you attended, get off to a great start with the Max Your NACS session.

Mergers & Acquisitions Town Hall
Saturday, October 1
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Do you ever wonder what the next step will be for your business? Will you grow through acquisition, organic growth or will you sell? This town-hall-style session will start with presentations from both sides of a recent acquisition and educate you on how to get started with the process, what to expect and pitfalls to avoid along the way. The second half of the session will be an open town hall where you can ask questions of the acquirer and acquiree, as well as a broker, who helps make such acquisitions possible.

De-Escalate Customer Issues
Saturday, October 1
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

When is a guest at your store no longer a customer, but someone who needs to leave due to the disruption they are causing? How are other guests impacted when someone has a loud complaint or altercation in your store? As an industry, convenience stores pride themselves on good customer service, but sometimes the customer is not always right, and their complaints and issues can negatively impact the morale and engagement of employees.

In this session, risk management and asset management professionals from Casey’s and McDonald’s will share best practices in de-escalating those issues so you can promote a safe environment for both guests and staff.

Using Data to Remain Competitive in Spite of Inflation
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Decades-high inflation has increased the importance of price competition within retail. To maintain margins, retailers must pass some increased costs onto consumers, but what is the right balance? Where are the opportunities? Come to this session to be inspired with ways you can become a destination through promotions, balancing price with demand and developing a pricing strategy for multichannel sales—all based on consumer data. 

MARKETING

Build a Better Brand
Saturday, October 1
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Using real-life, before-and-after examples, the presenters will take you through a fun, informative and interactive session that will show you (whether you are a small or large operator) how to discover what your brand is, how to make it better and how to promote it both within your company and to prospective customers.

Benchmarking to Improve Loyalty Outcomes: Lessons From PDI and Coen Markets
Monday, October 3
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Loyalty isn’t just a program. It’s an outcome that must work equally well for both retailers and consumers. Join Todd Gulbransen, senior vice president, consumer marketing, and Greg Crow, vice president, insights, at PDI as they explore loyalty outcomes, KPIs and benchmarking with Keith Broviak, chief marketing officer, and Colin Dornish, director of operations, Coen Markets Inc. From the successes to the challenges, learn how to measure and manage a data-driven loyalty strategy by hearing their real-life examples. What defines a “good” strategy? How does one declare success? They’ll cover this and more as they examine which KPIs and benchmarks to track, how to adapt based on actionable insights, and the overall best practices to develop deeper relationships with today’s c-store shoppers.

Supercharge Your App
Monday, October 3
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of your sales come from 20% of your customers. Whether that figure is accurate at your company, the point is that repeat customers are critical to growth. One way to increase customer loyalty is to leverage your mobile app. Successful retailers use their apps to drive foot traffic while making the in-person shopping experience easier, safer and way more fun. Attend this “show-and-share” session to hear from three retailers as they display their apps and discuss some of the differentiating features and strategies they have taken to get the most out of their apps.

SUPPLIER

Supplier Session: How the Evolving Customer Journey Is Redefining Industry Partnerships With Unified Commerce
Sunday, October 2
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Industry consolidation, a global pandemic, elevated gas prices, record inflation and supply shortages have disrupted convenience retail operations from all directions. As we move forward, how can we do so in unison to serve the needs of c-store shoppers before the (next) unexpected happens? In this session, our seasoned panel answers this question through an in-depth discussion of Unified Commerce—what it is, how retailers are investing in it and how all suppliers play a key role in delivering a seamless experience for shoppers inside the store, at the pump and across an increasingly digital environment.

TECHNOLOGY

Self-Checkout Strategies
Saturday, October 1
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Given the current state of labor, some stores see self-checkout systems as a way to mitigate hiring challenges, as low-paid employees seek better opportunities elsewhere during a period of high-quit levels. But is self-checkout really the answer? With so many different vendors and self-checkout strategies to consider, it can be a daunting area to enter (while working to mitigate your labor woes and please the customer). Come to this session to hear a discussion between retailers who have implemented self-checkout successfully and their advice for the industry.

Future Proofing Convenience: Using Search, Social and Ratings and Reviews to Drive Visibility and Growth
Monday, October 3
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Shoppers today have questions, and they expect their device to have answers. To win the convenience-minded shopper, retailers cannot rely on having the best physical location. They must take steps to develop and manage their multilocation presence on the top of the localized marketing digital channels that influence shopper buying decisions. Ensuring data is accurate and consistent across Google, Facebook, Yelp, Waze and the plethora of consumer tools applications is essential in the quest to future proof your business and meet customers when and where they are looking for solutions and discovering new options. If you are looking to grow your stores’ reach by being visible earlier in the customer journey, you’ll want to join this session and learn from the experts.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Industry Mentors Share Sage Advice
Saturday, October 1
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Convenience retailers eagerly soak up any information and advice that helps them grow their businesses and become stronger leaders. This is the first time in NACS Show history that several industry icons, who are well known and respected mentors in the retail community, will offer advice on business management, industry challenges and more. This is your chance to pick their brains and find out how they successfully developed world-class teams, pitfalls to watch out for and what success in our industry looks like.

The panel includes Bill Douglass, chairman, Douglass Distributing; Sonja Hubbard, principal, Yates Group; and Jeff Miller, CEO, Millers Energy. Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president, strategic industry initiatives, will moderate.

The Personality of Success
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Organizations spend time, money and energy on an array of behavioral assessments and training. But does it make a difference? Discover why these sessions get rave reviews, yet overwhelmingly fail to create a lasting impact. You will learn how to infuse personality into your culture and transform the way people work together and lead others. From meaningless alphabet soup to the training methodology itself, we will deconstruct today’s current personality assessment model and reinvent a new one for the future. Instead of styles and types that reside in short-term memory and create only momentary “Ahas!,” this session reveals a brain-friendly approach to rewire your employees so the styles trigger at the exact moment they are needed. Reimagine how you can drive engagement with personality.

To see a list of all NACS Show Education Sessions, visit www.nacsshow.com/education.

SMALL OPERATOR WORKSHOPS

NACS is offering four hands-on training workshops to help solve the challenges unique to smaller operators. Small Operator Workshops are limited to the first 50 attendees on-site. These are working sessions where participants should only join if committed to staying for the full class.

Handling the Angry Customer on the Front Line: When a SNICKERS Bar Is Not the Solution
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Dissatisfied customers can become angry customers very quickly—we have seen this lately on numerous news reports. The cashier is usually the first person an unhappy customer speaks to in a convenience store. The cashier needs to be prepared to neutralize this customer professionally and quickly. This session will show actions needed to diffuse the escalation of a complaining customer to an angry customer and keep the cashier safe by understanding the ways to handle the situation. Attendees will work on developing store policies and protocols for employees to follow. 

When the Supply Chain Becomes Your Weakest Link to Profits
Sunday, October 2
8:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Keeping your inventory fresh, new and interesting for your customers is key to profitability. You and your customers are both frustrated by empty shelves. In the current economic cycle,
the supply chain is not keeping up with demand. We will address avoiding the empty shelf, basic store layouts, merchandising tips to keep the store inviting and anticipating inventory issues by following inventory turns.

Identifying Profit Opportunities: Offsetting Increased Labor Costs
Monday, October 3
8:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Inflated wages are the hot button issue as we move away from the COVID-19 years. Now that you have the staff in place, the task is to increase sales to cover the payroll demand. The key is to understand where you actually make the money the quickest. We will study NACS industry benchmarks and use them to compare shelf space analysis, velocity reports and category management. Participants will leave with “10 Things to Implement to Improve Sales Based on your Inventory.”

Training Managers To Be Trainers
Monday, October 3
8:00 – 10:15 a.m.

In most convenience stores, the manager is responsible for training the team. It is important for the staff to perceive the manager as the ship’s captain while keeping the store dynamic on an even keel. This session will outline coaching techniques to assist you in making your manager a better leader and trainer for your store(s). We will work with better implementation of store policy and procedure manuals and establish the foundations of an effective five-day employee training program. 

DISCOVER NEW PRODUCTS

Explore 425,000 square feet of expo space, featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors across five categories of interest: Merchandise, Candy & Snacks, Technology, Facility Development & Store Operations, Fuel Equipment & Services, Food Equipment & Foodservice Programs. 

The New Exhibitor Area features companies that have never exhibited at the NACS Show. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to be one of the first to engage with the latest technology, products and companies entering the convenience store market, including emerging categories. 

The New Exhibitor Area is open early for attendees to explore emerging products before the expo opens.

Retailers and convenience distributors also have exclusive access to the popular Cool New Products Preview Room, where the hottest new products available to convenience stores are on display.

Attendees use the NACS Show mobile app to capture product details and access exhibitor contact information, plus save a custom “shopping list” for a visit to the main expo. Take advantage of exclusive Preview Room hours before visiting the expo.