Education Sessions

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.

Irfan Tejani

CEO & President

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.

Discover how new technology makes unattended retail possible without sacrificing compliance.

Verifone, Inc.

James Hervey

Director, Product Management, Americas Petroleum Solutions

TruAge

Lisa Rountree

Head of Customer Experience and Marketing

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.

Rusty Lantern Markets, LLC

John Koch

Manager/CEO

This session will feature the winner of the “Smartest Store in the World” competition, announced in June 2026, celebrating the most innovative and high-performing retail operation across formats and markets. Attendees will get an inside look at the winning store’s strategy, technologies, and execution—from AI-driven insights to advanced analytics and operational excellence. The session will highlight how this standout retailer is achieving faster transactions, higher margins, and an enhanced customer experience through intelligent design and data-powered decision-making. Join us to learn what

This session is designed for first-time NACS Show attendees and new NACS members looking to make the most of their experience. Participants will learn how to navigate the show floor, identify can’t-miss events, and build valuable connections throughout the week. The session will also highlight the many ways NACS membership can deliver value year-round, helping retailers tap into resources, education, and industry insights long after the show ends.

NACS

KC Kingsbury

Director, Retail Engagement - East

NACS

April VanApeldorn

Director, Retail Engagement – West

This session highlights real career journeys within the convenience industry, showing how leadership paths often begin at the store level. Through personal stories and practical examples, attendees will explore how to identify internal talent, create visible career pathways, and help frontline employees see convenience retail as a long-term profession with meaningful opportunities for growth and leadership.

QuikTrip

Aisha Jefferson

Corporate Communications Manager

Prince Oil/Junction Management

Jhaddaka (JD) Leverette

Retail Analyst/I.T Manager

Can tobacco and loyalty programs work together, and what does it take to make them successful? This session explores how retailers are using loyalty strategies, technology, and customer data to drive engagement, measure ROI, and create meaningful sales lift across tobacco and other key categories. Attendees will learn what is needed from the tech stack, how participating retailers compare to non-participants, and ways to evolve loyalty programs beyond traditional discounts. Through case studies and real-world lessons learned, the session will highlight practical strategies, common challenges,

Weigel's Stores, Inc.

Jessica Starnes

Director of Loyalty/Tobacco Category Manager

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.

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.

Cumberland Farms, Inc.

Nathan Bartlett

Director of Culinary Center Operations

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

Dover Fueling Solutions

Scott Negley

Senior Director, Dispenser Product Management

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated—and convenience retailers are frequent targets. In this session, experts and retailers will explore the most common scams affecting stores 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 in-store tools to help teams spot and stop fraud before it happens.

Wawa, Inc.

Heather Hearn

Supervisor of E-commerce Fraud and Physical Security

EG America

Courtney Trieger

Manager of Retail Asset Protection Support

Great merchandising meets customers where they are. This session dives into how retailers can align product assortment, promotions, and displays with key seasonal moments to drive engagement and sales. Learn how to create compelling in-store experiences that stand out, stay fresh, and deliver results.

Rutter's

Philip Santini

Sr. Director of Food Service & Bar Strategy

RaceTrac, Inc.

Anna Kjerrumgaard

Director, Category Management- Center Store

In this data-driven session, delivered using the NACS State of the Industry Summit format, attendees will delve into an extensive analysis of key performance metrics gleaned from the proprietary NACS C-Store Exchange (CSX) database. Through compelling charts and graphs, a comparative assessment of financial health, operational efficiency, and overall effectiveness will be presented, highlighting areas of strength, and identifying opportunities for improvement. By leveraging this benchmarking data, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their competitive position, enabling them to make

NACS

Chris Rapanick

Managing Director, NACS Research

Retailers have more customer data than ever before—but knowing which insights actually drive results is the real challenge. This session explores the data sources that matter most, from POS and loyalty data to geolocation, app engagement, weather, vendor insights, and demographic overlays. Attendees will learn how leading 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. The session will also address common retail data myths and why intuition alone is

Understand what really influences your online reputation and practical ways to improve it.

NACS

Christina Scala

Director, Business Development

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

Accenture

Brian Gray

Managing Director

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.

NATSO

Amy Toner

NATSO, Chief of Staff NATSO Foundation, Executive Director

RaceTrac

Nick LaFalce

Senior Marketing Manager – Fuel Programs and Partnerships

LV Petroleum

Monica Androsko

VP of Brand, Mobility & Risk

ONRAMP

Jeremie Myhren

Co-Founder

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

Culinary Tides, Inc.

Suzy Badaracco

President

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.

Casey's

Amy Costello

Sr. Director - Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Cumberland Farms

Jeremy Zenlea

Vice President, Health and Safety

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?

S&P Global

Debnil Chowdhury

Vice President, Americas Head of Refining and Marketing

OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Denton Cinquegrana

Chief Oil Analyst

Consumer expectations and regulations are changing fast. Learn what retailers need to know now.

NACS

Matt Durand

Deputy General Counsel

NACS

Jon Taets

Director, Government Relations

For small operators, culture matters. It shapes how employees show up, how customers feel in the store, and how your business connects with the community. This session will share simple, realistic ways to build a positive culture through local giving, team engagement, and everyday customer interactions. Attendees will hear ideas for supporting causes that fit their brand, creating a fun workplace, and building goodwill that can lead to stronger loyalty and long-term growth. The session will also offer a practical roadmap for creating a culture that works for your store, your team, and your

InConvenience Inc

Lindsay Griffith

Marketing and Community Engagement Manager

InConvenience Inc

Tiffany Fraley

CEO

NACS

Kevin O'Connell

Executive Director, NACS Foundation

Convenience retailers are expanding beyond traditional offerings to provide new services that drive traffic and deepen customer engagement. In this session, retailers will explore how amenities like Amazon lockers and returns, car washes, specialty ice, propane exchange, refillable water stations, recycling, Coinstar, and drive-through pickup are creating additional reasons for customers to visit. Through real-world examples and operator insights, attendees will learn how these services can enhance the customer experience, generate incremental revenue, and position stores as everyday

Sheetz

Scott Soisson

Car Wash Sales Manager

Sheetz

Riley Buszek

Program Manager Drive Thru/Curbside