Better insight drives better decisions. Stay tuned for details about our NACS Show Education Sessions. Equip your cross-functional team with the actionable market intelligence and expert strategies needed to navigate the evolving convenience retail landscape.
56 Sessions
What if your store managers could spend less time on paperwork and more time leading people? This session highlights practical ways to lighten the load, including centralized recruiting models and streamlined administrative processes that cut hours of daily work. Hear how companies like TXB are redesigning responsibilities so managers can focus on hiring decisions, team development, and culture, not tasks.
Retail media networks are quickly becoming a powerful revenue and marketing tool for retailers—but what exactly are they, and how can operators take advantage of them? In this session, experts will define retail media networks and share real-world case studies showing how retailers are using them to create value for both brands and stores. Attendees will also learn practical strategies for launching or participating in a network, including how smaller operators can get started and ensure their media offerings deliver measurable ROI.
Retail never stops, and neither does AI. This session explores how agentic AI is transforming store operations by moving beyond dashboards and alerts to continuous monitoring, decisioning, and action. Through real-world retailer examples across pricing, promotions, forecasting, and financial performance, attendees will see how AI can operate at a speed and scale to identify issues and opportunities before they impact the business. The discussion will highlight how shifting from lagging to leading indicators enables smarter, faster decision-making at both the store and enterprise
This introductory session cuts through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence to help retailers understand what AI really is—and what it isn’t. Using plain language and real-world retail examples, attendees will learn the differences between automation, AI, and agentic AI, along with where these tools can meaningfully improve operations and customer experience. The session also addresses common misconceptions, helping retailers identify practical opportunities while avoiding costly distractions. Participants will leave with a grounded understanding of AI as a business tool—not a magic
In this highly interactive session, attendees will participate in a series of expert-led roundtables covering key operational areas such as loss prevention, HR, accounting, and more. Designed in a “speed dating” format, participants rotate between tables to ask questions, share challenges, and gain practical insights directly from industry experts. This open, conversational setting creates a safe space to ask candid questions, exchange ideas, and learn what’s working for others across the industry.
The back bar is evolving rapidly as new nicotine products, alternative consumables, and emerging categories compete for limited space. In this session, industry experts will explore how retailers can strategically allocate back bar space across inhalable products, oral nicotine, traditional tobacco, and emerging categories like THC and other alternatives. Attendees will gain practical insights on merchandising different back bar sizes, balancing profitability with security concerns, and preparing for what the future of the category might look like.
This Conexxus spotlight session explores how digital wallets and emerging payment rails are reshaping retail transactions beyond traditional credit cards. Through live demos and practical examples, attendees will learn how retailers are using instant payments, promotions, and redemption capabilities to reduce costs, improve flexibility, and better control margins. The session also offers a straightforward introduction to stablecoins and why these technologies are quietly gaining momentum across the industry.
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 critical first three months.
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.
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.
This session will showcase key findings from the NACS Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council’s latest study on trip drivers in convenience retail. Attendees will gain insight into what motivates consumers to visit stores, what influences purchase decisions, and how these behaviors are evolving. The discussion will highlight actionable strategies retailers can use to better align with shopper needs and increase trip frequency and basket size. Walk away with a clearer understanding of how to turn insights into in-store execution that drives growth.
Is a commissary the right move for your business? This session explores two contrasting perspectives on the commissary model, examining both the operational advantages and the potential challenges. Attendees will gain insight into when a commissary can drive consistency, efficiency, and scale—and when it may introduce unnecessary complexity. Through real-world experiences and candid discussion, retailers will leave with a clearer framework for evaluating whether a commissary aligns with their foodservice strategy, growth plans, and operational goals.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building a meaningful connection with your audience. This session will explore how to amplify your brand values through effective and authentic stories. Learn how to craft narratives that resonate with your customers, reinforce your brand's mission, and build loyalty. Through case studies and expert insights, discover actionable strategies to weave your values into every story you tell.
While liquid fuels will dominate transportation for decades to come, the market for gasoline is projected contract as vehicles continue to become more efficient. This means competition for the fuel customer will become more intense. How can you position yourself to win that competition, to retain and expand customer fueling visits and generate loyalty from your fuel customers? This session will look at what different customer segments want from their fueling visit, evaluate the appeal of fuel brands (both independent and major), and explore differentiation strategies to help your site
As foodservice continues to play a larger role in convenience retail, designing stores to support a strong food offer has become increasingly important. This session will explore the key considerations involved in developing a foodservice-focused site—from layout and customer flow to kitchen space, equipment, operations, and brand experience. Featuring perspectives from retailers involved in planning and executing these locations, attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful site design can support foodservice growth, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.
As more convenience retailers expand beyond traditional store formats, travel centers are emerging as a major growth opportunity. In this session, industry leaders will explore why brands are investing in larger travel center formats and what it takes to operate them successfully. From staffing and capital investment to trucker loyalty, parking, safety, and expanded services, attendees will gain practical insights and lessons learned for retailers considering their own move into the travel center space.
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
Convenience stores processed 13.5 billion fuel transactions in 2025 and the forecourt generated 65% of industry sales and 39% of gross margins…can you get more from your fueling customer? Enticing customers to come inside store during their fueling visit can significantly boost revenue and requires a targeted strategy to turn the forecourt into a marketing engine. This session will explore a range of options to move customers from pump to store, such as effectively leveraging your loyalty program, taking advantage of new opportunities through artificial intelligence, employing dynamic
Explore the flavor, ingredient, and menu trends expected to shape convenience foodservice in 2027. This research-driven, interactive session combines consumer insights, culinary expertise, and industry data to help identify which trends are worth testing and how to turn emerging ideas into practical, profitable menu innovation.
Strong food safety practices are essential to building customer trust and operating a successful foodservice program. In this session, attendees will explore the top food safety risks facing convenience retailers and receive a practical “playbook” of resources and operational guidance designed specifically for smaller operators. From training and procedures to daily execution and accountability, the session will provide actionable takeaways retailers can use to strengthen food safety across their organization.
As GLP-1 medications and high-protein diets influence how consumers eat, foodservice strategies in convenience retail are evolving. In this session, retailers will explore how changing dietary habits are shaping menu development, including examples like Sheetz’s Eat Smart menu. Attendees will learn what today’s health-conscious consumers are looking for and discuss the winning formula for balancing nutrition trends, protein-focused offerings, and craveable convenience food.
As convenience retailers expand their foodservice offering, building a credible foodservice program requires more than adding menu items. This session explores how to define foodservice in today’s c-store environment, identify a signature offer, and compete with QSRs through the right investments in space, equipment, people, and partnerships. We’ll focus on the operational fundamentals including food safety, cleanliness, training, and culture that ultimately determine success or failure.
This session will provide an update on the key legislative and regulatory issues shaping the convenience retail industry in 2026. Industry experts will break down the latest developments in areas such as tobacco and nicotine regulation, labor policies, payments, and emerging product categories, and explain what they mean for retailers moving forward. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the current policy landscape and the issues likely to impact their businesses in the months ahead.
As foodservice drives growth in convenience retail, competition with quick-service restaurants intensifies. Learn how to elevate food offerings through menu innovation, kitchen design, and digital integration to meet evolving consumer demands.