The Battle for Back Bar Space

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

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

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