Convenience stores are one of the fastest growing food segments, with foodservice (prepared food, commissary, hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages) representing nearly 27% of inside sales in 2023, according to NACS State of the Industry data.
With more labor intensive and sophisticated foodservice programs being developed and executed within our industry, food safety is essential. It's also important to make sure your teams have a solid foundation in the whys behind your company's food safety procedures and protocols.
The NACS Food Safety Forum is developed and administered by convenience industry food safety, foodservice, quality assurance and risk management leaders. This is the only retail-focused event of its kind for the global convenience community.
Content focuses on four principles:
- Consumer safety
- Clean and quality experiences
- Protecting our brands
- Empowering our teams to do the right thing
Participants will become more engaged and empowered to:
- Recognize how certain behaviors can enhance and protect their teams, customers and brand.
- Lead collaborative solutions that address safe food handling challenges.
The agenda is subject to change; please check back for updates.
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1:00–1:15 pm
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. Jay Ellingson, Chief Science Officer, Kwik Trip Inc.
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1:15–2:30 pm
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Preparing for FSMA 204: FDA's Traceability Rule
Dr. Jennifer McEntire, Founder, Food Safety Strategy LLC
Jon Cox, VP of Retail Foodservice, McLane Company Inc.
The Food Traceability Rule takes effect on January 20, 2026. Find out what you need to do now to prepare and how the new rule will impact your operation. Session speakers will break down frequently asked questions and highlight key requirements necessary for compliance.
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2:30–3:15 pm
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Utilizing Tech and Data to Improve Efficiencies
Jason Borror, Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, NA, Circle K
Lee Hawkinson, Head of Global Foodservice Support, Circle K
Learn how Circle K stores have invested in tech-driven tools like sensors and digital temperature monitoring to streamline food safety protocols, as well as optimize labor, reduce waste, and deliver ROI that extends beyond food safety measures.
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3:15–3:30 pm
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Networking Break
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3:30–4:15 pm
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Building Consumer Trust in Food Safety
A recent Gallup poll suggests that consumer trust in the government's ability to keep food safe has significantly declined. With more retailers investing in sophisticated and high-quality foodservice operations, learn how you can build and maintain trust in your food program, beginning with food safety.
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4:15–5:00 pm
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From the Top: CEO Insights on Shaping Food Culture and Their Brands
Kevin Smartt, CEO/President, TXB Stores
Dr. Scott Zietlow, CEO and Chairman, Kwik Trip Inc.
Join us for an engaging conversation with two industry leaders as they talk about the importance of food safety, their brands and empowering their teams to do the right thing. This high-level discussion will offer valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the future of food and food safety in convenience retail.
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5:00 pm
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Closing Remarks/Adjourn
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Show Bio
Jon Cox is vice president of retail foodservice for McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. Jon leads McLane’s foodservice strategy for its retail customers, driving innovation and helping customers implement programs tailored to their specific goals.
Jon oversees the McLane Fresh team, which manages the McLane Fresh suite of foodservice programs including Cupza!, McLane’s award-winning beverage program, Central Eats, fresh grab-and-go products for all dayparts, the groundbreaking freezer to oven program, Prendisimo, and McLane’s private label brand, CVP. Jon also led development and launch of McLane’s Innovation Kitchen, a full-scale c-store showcase for customers to explore the latest in foodservice menu and equipment innovation.
Jon joined McLane in 2023 and has more than 25 years of extensive leadership experience across retail, grocery, and convenience store organizations including Giant Food, HEB, Target, and Sears Holding Corporation. Prior to McLane he served as chief merchandising officer for Giant Eagle’s subsidiary Getgo Café + Market and WetGo.
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In 1995, Dr. Ellingson received his Ph.D. in molecular microbiology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From 1995-1997, Dr. Ellingson did his postdoctoral fellowship training with the USDA, Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, where he developed and patented a molecular diagnostic method for the detection of Johne’s disease in dairy cattle. This method has also been applied to the detection of the specific bacterium in both meat and dairy products. From 1997-1999 he then served as a staff molecular microbiologist with the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Center for Veterinary Biologics, heading up the written regulatory requirements for both molecular-based animal diagnostic tools and vaccines.
From 1999-2006, Dr. Ellingson served as the Director of Marshfield Clinic Laboratories - Food Safety Services, Marshfield, Wisconsin. During this time, Dr. Ellingson developed and patented molecular diagnostic methods for detection of E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella. Starting in 2004 he also served as Chief Scientific Officer for the Marshfield Food Safety, LLC, a network of on-site process control food safety laboratories.
2006-Present, Dr. Ellingson is currently the Chief Science Officer for Kwik Trip, Inc. He is responsible for the development and execution of Kwik Trip, Inc’s Food Protection Management System, which includes all aspects of Food Protection: Food Safety, Food Safety Science, Food Regulations, and Food Defense/Security.
Dr. Ellingson is an adjunct professor in the Microbiology Department of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and has mentored and graduated several “Masters of Science” students in the Microbiology program. Dr. Ellingson has been a member of numerous State and Federal Food Protection and Food Safety boards and associations. He has authored numerous scientific manuscripts, articles, and publications.
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Dr. Jennifer Cleveland McEntire left the role of chief food safety and regulatory officer at the International Fresh Produce Association in May 2023 to launch Food Safety Strategy, LLC, a consulting firm focused on developing critical thinking skills within the food industry and facilitating action-oriented initiatives that will have the greatest impact on public health. She held previous food safety leadership positions with the Grocery Manufacturers Association, The Acheson Group and the Institute of Food Technologists. While with IFT and TAG, McEntire led the FSMA 204 traceability pilots. She earned a PhD from Rutgers University as a USDA National Needs Fellow in Food Safety and received a Bachelor of Science with Distinction, magna cum laude, in food science from the University of Delaware. She’s a member of the technical committee for the Center for Produce Safety, serves as a peer reviewer for several food safety journals, and was the 2020 recipient of the NSF International Food Safety Leadership Award and 2023 recipient of the Harold Barnum Industry Award from IAFP. She has published numerous peer reviewed articles and books, most recently “Food Traceability: from binders to blockchain”.
Show Bio
Kwik Chek Food Stores is a 41-store chain with locations across Texas and Oklahoma. Over the past 15 years, the chain has doubled in size, and has developed a unique customer loyalty program, as well as currently implementing cutting edge point-of-sale technology, while becoming a leader in charitable giving and programs. Today, Kwik Chek and its associated companies employ more than 600 professionals and serve the Texas and Oklahoma markets in retail convenience, petroleum wholesale, propane, and fuel transportation. Kwik Chek is currently transforming its image with a new remodel concept aimed at delivering a high quality MTO fresh food program in Kwikcafe.
Kevin is a currently serving on NACS Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of Research; NACS Executive Committee, Vice Chair, Research; Conexxus, Chairman. Other association membership includes Texas Food & Fuel Association (TFFA) and the Oklahoma Petroleum and Convenience Store Association (OPMCA). He has served on various TPCA committees and as Member of the Board of Directors for the OPMCA. Mr. Smartt also has interest in and serves on Boards involved in Banking, Technology, and Health Care.
Kevin lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife Shelly and three children, Austin, Abby and Grace.
Registration for the 2025 NACS Food Safety Forum is open to both NACS members and non-members. Register today to secure your seat.
- Retailer Member: $329
- Retailer Non-Member: $658
- Supplier Member: $499
- Supplier Non-Member: $2,500
If you have questions regarding registering for the NACS Food Safety Forum, please email foodsafetyreg@convenience.org for assistance.
Media individuals/organizations must be vetted by Jeff Lenard, NACS VP of Strategic Industry Initiatives, to attend the Food Safety Forum. Media individuals/organizations are not eligible to attend/participate in the NACS State of the Industry Summit.
Register Now
Although this event is being co-located with the 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit, a separate registration is required to attend the Summit. You can register for the 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit here.
Conveniently located within the DFW International Airport, the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport serves as the location for the 2025 NACS Food Safety Forum. For room reservations, visit 2025 NACS Food Safety Forum - Hotel Reservations to secure your room online. Reservation deadline is March 21, 2025 to receive the NACS group rate of $199 plus tax, per room per night. Remember to book early! All rooms are based on availability and are not guaranteed until you confirm your own reservation.
Airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Weather:
April weather in the Dallas Area is typically pleasant, with average temperatures in the low to mid-70s during the day and the 50’s overnight, but the meeting rooms may get chilly.
As a sponsor of the fourth annual NACS Food Safety Forum, your company will stand out as a leader in foodservice and safe food handling solutions for the convenience industry. Co-located with our second-largest event of the year for convenience retailers, the NACS State of the Industry Summit, sponsorship ensures high visibility among key industry decision-makers and leaders.
The Food Safety Forum is one of a few NACS event sponsorship opportunities available, providing access to a concentrated audience focused on the latest food safety advancements and protocols. Your support positions your brand as an essential partner in elevating food safety and food protection programs across the convenience industry. If you are interested in securing your sponsorship, then please reach out to Brandi Mauro at bmauro@convenience.org for a list of available sponsorship options.
Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, we deliver comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for customers around the world.
Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers, and serves the world’s most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates, and delivers to nearly every zip code in the US. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Food Safety Fridays is a three-part webinar series designed to spark conversations and share best practices on building a strong food safety culture. Join industry experts on January 31, February 21, and March 14 as we explore key strategies and insights leading up to the main event, the NACS Food Safety Forum, on April 8. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for the future of food safety!
Learn more and register for webinars.