Throughout the year there are many different events that are specifically intended to benefit the convenience store industry. From food and drink expos, to discussions about new government regulations, there is an event that every c-store owner can benefit from. Look through the list we compiled below to see which events you will want to keep tabs on this year.
February
22nd-24th Convenience Retailing University – Glendale, AZ
CRU is a conference to allow c-store owners to stay current, become inspired, increase business, build connections, share insights, and hear what the industry's top suppliers have to say about their newest products. Learn how customers think and what their true motives are behind purchases. This event inspires a natural information exchange between leaders and suppliers in the hopes of creating better c-stores in 2017.
March
6th-8th NACS Government Relations Conference – Washington, D.C.
This conference will provide c-store owners with a better understanding of current issues that will affect your business. You will also be able to interact with other owners and learn how they are dealing with the same issues. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to educate members of Congress about issues they’re voting on that affect your store.
14th-16th Hot Dispensed Beverages Forum – Chicago, IL
"Whether it's cold brew, new creamer flavors or branded cups, this meeting helps companies ensure their coffee program is on point with the latest consumer expectations."
27th-29th Upper Midwest Convenience Store & Energy Convention – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa have joined to host the largest regional convention for petroleum marketers in the Upper Midwest.
28th-30th C-Store Loyalty Forum – Chicago, IL
At this meeting, you will learn more about how customers behave and methods to increase sales and overall customer satisfaction.
May
3rd-5th C-Store Foodservice Forum – Chicago, IL
A gathering of leaders concentrating on the foodservice needs of the c-store owners where they can discuss product development and the best operational practices.
23rd-25th Leadership & Crisis Prevention – TBD
Retailers and liability experts are brought together to understand how to better prepare, respond and recover when challenges arise when running a c-store.
June
26th-28th FARE: The Business of Food – Dallas, TX
This conference brings together owners from across foodservice to connect and share ideas. It is the only place where college foodservice directors interact and discuss menu opportunities directly with c-store owners.
August
1st-3rd Total Nicotine Forum – Chicago, IL
Tobacco and OTP category managers meet for the latest analysis of key business ideas, information about regulations and an active discussion around the ongoing changes in nicotine use.
September
25th-27th Cold Vault Forum – Chicago, IL
Whether you manage alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages this meeting gives c-store owners an opportunity to network, build relationships and learn the latest in beverage trends.
November
13th-15th Outlook Leadership – Scottsdale, AZ
Outlook is the convenience retailing industry’s premier event where you’ll find the right decision makers in the room. You’ll have the opportunity to establish key partnerships with executives that can ultimately increase your market share.
14th-15th Southern Convenience Store & Petroleum Show – Macon, GA
This Petroleum show is the largest in the southeast. Come learn more about what products you should stock and what is new in the petroleum industry.
These are gatherings and conventions that we believe are the most beneficial for c-store owners. Even if you are unable to attend, you can read major highlights during and after the events that could benefit your business in 2017.