Join us on the open waters of Tampa Bay, surrounded by fellow industry professionals, casting your line for a day of relaxation and connection. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, this event is for everyone.
All registered attendees of the NAG Conference are welcome to attend this opportunity. The add-on cost for this experience is $175 for NAG Members and $250 for Non-Members. Space is limited, so secure your spot for the fishing charter during registration.
3:00 PM
Event Check-in Opens
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
40 Under 40 Reception * (YEO Members Only)
The CStore Decisions 40 Under 40 class of 2023, selected in December 2023, have just been added to an elite network of peers who demonstrate the highest aptitude for leading the convenience retail industry for years to come. This invite only reception will offer this year's class of 40 Under 40s a proper welcome into the Young Executives Organization (YEO), the NAG membership group for leaders under 40. Each selected 40 Under 40 honoree and all current YEO members are encouraged to attend to celebrate this outstanding achievement.
Where
The Terrace
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Opening Welcome Reception
Open to all conference attendees, this reception will get the week started off right! Grab your name badge, a cold drink, and stroll the sponsor tables. This is a great time to reconnect with your industry friends, or meet new ones, before we launch into our conference agenda Monday morning. This reception will be held on the second level of the hotel, where all the conference activity will be the following days.
Where
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Social Networking
Back by popular demand, our after dinner networking space will be open to all conference attendees. This laid back environment is designed to keep conversations going and the energy up. Be sure to stop by to enjoy a refreshing beverage overlooking the water.
Where
The Terrace
March 11, 2024
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome & Event Overview
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Using AI to Improve the Customer Experience
By Michael Maxwell SVP, Technology - Dining & C-Store | Bounteous
An estimated $300 billion of incremental enterprise revenue will be created from AI in 2025. The evolution of traditional AI and the advent of generative AI represent a sea change for retail and foodservice, and opportunities abound for c-store retailers. But how do you begin to take advantage of what AI can do?
Where
Grand Ballroom Salons E/F
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Coffee Break / Sponsor Tables Open
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Marketing Your Food Offers to Win Against Other Channels
By Kay Segal Founder and President | Business Accelerator Team, Denise Jenkins VP Marketing, Insights and Loyalty | United Dairy Farmers, Gaurang Maniar Executive Director of Marketing | The Wills Group/Dash In Food Stores
Who is your food offering competition? For many, the answer is other convenience operators. However, if the chain has an MTO program, it includes QSR outlets. Further, and more encompassing, with our ability to offer perishable foods and some exceptional center store items for ready to eat, ready to heat or ready to prepare, the competition may also be the grocery deli, café or bodega down the road.
Foodservice & Food Retail Marketing must become a more strategic focus if convenience operators are going to effectively compete with their identified competitive set, whether QSR, Fast Casual, grocery, other convenience outlets or something else. With better food offerings and in many instances great value for consumers, retailers have a tremendous opportunity to market their foodservice, perishable grocery items and other retail food products in a more succinct manner.
During this panel discussion, our guests will discuss the steps to foundational marketing strategy development, organizational opportunities to foster marketing strategy, Consumer identification (the basis of marketing strategy), use occasions and marketing strategies, and how marketing influences merchandising tactics.
Where
Grand Ballroom Salons E/F
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch / Sponsor Tables Open
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Retail Leaders Exchange (Retailers Only)
During this bespoke retailers only session, each participant will be welcomed into a non-competing round table to discuss open ended topics such as "what keeps you up at night," "what was your biggest victory in the last 6 months," "what is your primary focus in the next 12 months," and most importantly, "how can your peers help!?"
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Coffee Break / Sponsor Tables Open
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Legislative Landscape Ahead of the 2024 Elections
A presidential election and the administration changes that follow can affect all businesses, seemingly overnight. As we prepare for elections nationwide this November, what is on the table and what do you need to keep top of mind to help protect your business.
Where
Grand Ballroom Salons E/F
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Retail Innovation Tour Overview
In lieu of a traditional store-tour, we have prepared an overview of non-convenience/non-fuel retail innovations near the event hotel that offer unique features and offers that c-store operators can use as inspiration for their own growth. There is dedicated time for attendees to explore the retail sites through out the week! Walking directions will be provided. Grab a friend and add a learning moment to your walk to dinner.
Where
Grand Ballroom Salons E/F
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Social Networking
Back by popular demand, our after dinner networking space will be open to all conference attendees. This laid back environment is designed to keep conversations going and the energy up. Be sure to stop by to enjoy a refreshing beverage overlooking the water.
This workshop is available only to pre-enrolled YEO members. The workshop will run concurrently with that morning's general session. Learn more about the program here!.
NAG Convenience has partnered with GALLUP® to offer tailored leadership skill training for members of the Young Executives Organization, through our newly launched Leadership Discovery Program (LDP). As part of the LDP, each participant will complete the robust diagnostic, CliftonStrengths®, to map their unique leadership strengths. Along with their with their peers, participants will then learn exactly how to best leverage each strength for professional growth.
Ensuring the success of the next generation of leadership in your company can be a long and robust training process. When your business is family run, the process can be even more intricate. Hear from prominent family run convenience leaders on how they’ve approached the organization and implementation of change when it’s time for generational transitions. We’ll discuss strategy, successes, and potential hazards that all leaders can learn from as they work to safeguard business continuity for generations to come.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Break / Sponsor Tables Open
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch / Sponsor Tables Open
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Refining Labor Retention & Development Strategies
By Lorissa Martin Talent Acquisition & Performance Manager | The Wills Group / Dash In, Melanie Disney Director of Human Resources | Weigel
Staffing shortages continue to pose major challenges for c-store retailers. This session explores staffing trends in the industry and how some retailers are positioning themselves to attract and retain employees in today’s tough labor market. Managing scheduling, appealing to Gen Z, investing in training and offering sought after benefits is just the start. In this session we will zoom out on best practices and explore strategies to empower your workforce as an asset to your company.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Coffee Break / Sponsor Tables Open
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Burning Issues Exchange
The foundation of NAG remains its world-class Information Exchanges, which allow retailers the opportunity to connect with other non-competing retailers in an intimate setting that is conducive to learning. During this second round of breakouts, retailers will freely select from the topics below. To learn more details about each topic, visit this page.
- Building relationships with your suppliers to drive inside sales.
- Security and risk as a small operator
- Sustainability initiatives post-covid19
- Pizza Power Report
- CBD and OTP as an on-ramp to THC
- Activating your community hub
- Winning the customer as trip drivers evolve
Some car manufacturers have pledged to become 100% electric while power grids around the country struggle to endure extreme summer heat and winter frosts. Will looming policies make it easier to own an EV? How will convenience retailers be empowered to compete as a fuel provider even if EV is not in high demand in their community? This session will be a deep dive into the complex world of operating a convenience store amongst electric vehicle policies, threats, and unexpected opportunities.