Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it's here and already reshaping the convenience retail landscape. In this eye-opening session, discover how AI is being used by forward-thinking c-store operators to enhance foodservice operations, streamline labor management, and solve everyday business challenges. You'll learn the steps you should be taking now to lay the groundwork for tomorrow.

In a competitive convenience retail landscape, a profitable foodservice program can be a game-changer — but only if costs are kept in check. This session dives into practical, high-impact strategies to manage and reduce foodservice expenses without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. Join us as we explore strategies for keeping costs down. This session will touch on effective pricing, efficient inventory management, commissary and self-distribution models, and maximizing labor efficiency. Learn how reducing food waste, leveraging local sourcing and integrating the right technology solutions can drive bottom-line results.

In today’s competitive convenience retail landscape, effective merchandising is more than product placement — it’s a strategic tool for driving sales, enhancing the customer experience and boosting basket size. This session will explore proven merchandising strategies tailored for the c-store environment, from optimizing product adjacencies and signage to leveraging data and seasonal trends.

Loyalty in the convenience channel is evolving—fast. In this session, we’ll explore how leading retailers are reimagining loyalty programs to go beyond discounts and points, creating deeper, more personalized connections with customers.

From how to manage multi-generational teams to building culture across an organization, today’s retail leaders must adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Hear how successful retailers are navigating generational differences, encouraging collaboration, and aligning their organizations around core values to thrive amid ongoing transformation.

Retailers break into assigned groups of non-competing retailers to discuss challenges, solutions and opportunities

Nate Brazier, CEO of Stinker Stores, CStore Decisions’ 2025 Chain of the Year award winner, shares an inspiring keynote on the power of company culture. Discover how a strong, values-driven culture can drive performance, attract top talent and foster innovation — and learn firsthand how Brazier has strategically shaped a thriving culture at Stinker Stores, a 105-store chain with locations in Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado, in a relatively short time. Every organization has a culture — whether it’s intentionally developed or passively formed. If you’re not actively investing in it, you’re relinquishing control over what it becomes. In this keynote, Brazier shares why culture isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a strategic advantage — and how leaders can create a thriving, engaged organization from the inside out.

As top-quartile chains expand outside their traditional operating areas, small and mid-sized regional chains are having to adapt to heightened competition. Retailers discuss how they’re staying competitive, from maximizing store profitability and leaning into the advantages that come with being mid-sized to adding vertical integration.

Change is coming fast — and the most successful convenience store operators will be those who prepare for it now. In this forward-looking session, we’ll explore the key trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors reshaping the convenience retail landscape — and how you can adapt to stay ahead.

This session discusses practical ways to engage employees, promote from within, and reduce turnover to build stronger, more effective teams. We’ll explore proven strategies for developing leadership talent, creating clear career pathways, and fostering a workplace culture that encourages growth and retention. Learn how top-performing retailers are investing in their people to drive long-term success, improve morale, and ensure operational continuity across every level of the organization.

In a world of instant marketing, where promotions, trends and customer expectations move at lightning speed, effectively marketing your foodservice program requires focus, flexibility and smart spending. This session will explore how to strategically allocate your marketing dollars, choose the right tactics for your brand and audience and measure return on investment. From digital campaigns to in-store promotions, learn how leading retailers are cutting through the noise, driving traffic and turning foodservice into a powerful growth engine.

Private label presents a powerful opportunity for convenience retailers to boost margins, build brand identity, and deepen customer loyalty—but knowing where to start is key. This session will break down the first steps in developing a successful private label program, from identifying the right product categories to establishing quality standards and branding strategies. We’ll also explore how to strike the right balance between expanding private label and maintaining strong vendor relationships, ensuring that your approach supports overall category growth and collaboration.

In this closing session, participants will come together for an open group discussion to reflect on the key insights, experiences and lessons learned throughout the week. This is a chance to share personal takeaways, exchange ideas with peers and identify actionable steps to bring back home. Whether it’s a new strategy, a shift in mindset or a fresh connection, this session will help translate learning into meaningful action. Let’s talk about what’s resonated most — and how you plan to put it into practice.