Media Registration Policy

NACS welcomes members of the working editorial press who regularly cover the global convenience and fuel retailing industry to cover the NACS Show and report upon its activities and provides complimentary registration to qualified media.

The NACS Show is not a consumer-facing event. It is a business event for the global convenience and fuel retailing industry. NACS media registration is open to working journalists with commercial news organizations only. This does not include research organizations.

NACS has developed a media registration policy to ensure that the value of media credentials is maintained for qualified journalists. Here are the guidelines:

  • The reporter/writer must intend to cover the NACS Show, or some aspect that reflects on NACS and the convenience and fuel retailing industry for the news outlet. Further, specific coverage must be the reporter/writer’s focus: NACS does not grant passes for those who simply wish to “make contacts” and “learn about what’s new.”
  • All credentialed media are expected to publish coverage of the NACS Show within 90 days of the event. Failure to do so may result in denial of press credentials for future NACS events.
  • NACS reserves the right to refuse media credentials for publications that cannot be verified or that it deems not substantive in reach or content; all requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Advertising and sales representatives/public relations staff with exhibiting publications should register for exhibitor passes; sales/marketing representatives from non-exhibiting companies should register through general registration. These personnel may be unable to attend other NACS events.
  • Media credentials/badges from other events that are not related the NACS Show are not considered valid media credentials. If you are found onsite at the NACS Show with a non-NACS Show badge, you will be removed from the premises and banned from attending future NACS events.
  • Companions and other non-credentialed guests of media representatives are not eligible for complimentary media registration.
  • NACS reserves the right to revoke previously issued media credentials when appropriate.

NACS Show Suitcasing Policy

The NACS Show Suitcasing policy for exhibitors applies to media attending the NACS Show: Any attendee who is observed soliciting business or conducting commercial activity in the aisles, another company’s booth, public spaces (including but not limited to hotel guest rooms, hospitality suites, restaurants, clubs, or any other public place of assembly) will be asked to leave immediately.

Notice

All media requesting credentials may be asked to provide any or all of the following:

  • A business card with name, editorial title and media outlet’s logo
  • A copy of the masthead, which clearly displays name and editorial title
  • A bylined industry-related article written and published within the last 12 months

Credentialing Requirements

  • Only reporters or editors of consumer, industry trade or business media publications are eligible to attend. Research organizations do not qualify. Specialty publications that cover other industries and do not have a regular focus on the convenience and fuel retailing industry are not necessarily eligible for complimentary media registration, nor are internal corporate newsletters.
  • Publishers, sales vice presidents, advertising and sales representatives and other non-editorial staff do not qualify for complimentary media registration and must register through general registration.
  • Freelance writers and photographers must present a letter of assignment from a publisher, editor or producer (on letterhead) of the media outlet to be considered.
  • Reporters and camera crews from broadcast television or radio stations must present a letter of assignment (on letterhead) from an approved outlet to receive media credentials.
  • Web-based programs such as podcasts, blogs and social media influencers/profiles must cover the convenience and fuel retailing industry regularly to even be considered for media credentials and will be evaluated based on written proposals of coverage submitted to NACS.
  • All credentialed media companies are expected to publish coverage of the event within 90 days of the event. Failure to do so may result in denial of press credentials for future NACS events.
  • Only journalists with news web sites or blogs qualify for media badges. Sites that are primarily for business or sales purposes (i.e., B2C or B2B) do not qualify.
  • Online journalists must have bylined articles on the site, as well as business cards verifying their positions/titles.
  • Non-editorial positions are not eligible for media credentials.

NACS will review the following: Social media content creators who consistently produce original content at least twice a week, and can demonstrate relevant coverage of broad retail trends, as well as products and services within the convenience retail industry for a minimum of one year. Applicants must have a following of over 10,000 individuals on any single social network. Only content creators are eligible; those whose primary role is generating partnerships or paid advertising do not qualify for media credentials.

To qualify for NACS Show media credentials, interested registrants must provide the following information:

  • Social media handle(s); link to website (if applicable)
  • Follower and engagement statistics
  • A brief description of intended coverage for the 2025 NACS Show
  • A brief description of the target audience