AUSTIN, Texas – Wayne Fueling Systems (Wayne) wrapped up its 2016 Technology Summit with positive attendee feedback.

The event brought nearly 225 Wayne customers, distributors, suppliers and more to Wayne’s North America headquarter city.  Session topics included those relevant to the industry in North America, including payment security and EMV readiness, cloud-based technologies, the future of fuels and connecting with the customer. Additionally, a “Partner Showcase” area allowed Wayne to feature its latest products and solutions, as well as allow sponsors of the summit to exhibit and promote their technologies.  

“If you’re not leading the way, you’re falling behind.  It’s just that simple,” said Bill Reichhold, Wayne’s vice president of North America.

John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, spoke about the future of the fuels market, the emergence of electric vehicles and the evolution of the liquid fuels market, which will remain dominant but will change in the near term. He shared that the market moves slowly, but it is moving. While there is no need for retailers to panic, they should start planning now for eventual change. Eichberger also participated on a panel that discussed the emergence on E15 and electric vehicles.

Mark Gruggett, director of construction at the Kroger Co., commented that the panel discussions were very worthwhile. “They brought together several important contributors, and fielded the questions that were on the audience's minds. The most beneficial parts of the summit were the learnings from the content and individual discussions with other attendees.”

The 2016 Technology Summit took place April 4–7 in Austin. Wayne is planning to host two technology summits in 2017: one in North America and another in Europe.