Retailers Engage in Conversations Around IDEAs

On October 4, join your industry peers for conversations on inspiring change and building inclusive workplace cultures.

September 08, 2021

By Chris Blasinsky

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—An organization is only as good as its culture, and for most convenience retailers their culture continues to evolve and grow into constructive, inclusive and safe workplace environments. To keep that momentum moving forward, NACS is hosting the first IDEA Conference on October 4 in Chicago.

Facilitated by Michelle Duguid, associate dean of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Cornell University, industry leaders from 7-Eleven, Sheetz, GetGo Café+Market, Thorntons, EG America, RaceTrac, Kum & Go, Pilot and Casey’s will share 30-minute quick-fire presentations that tap into their company’s perspectives, experiences and plans—all designed to spark ideas and dialogue to help the convenience retail industry begin its journey on advancing inclusion strategies.

“With the NACS IDEA Conference, we’re creating a space for convenience retailers to help set a foundation for inclusivity throughout our industry,” said Henry Armour, NACS president and CEO. “We are not the experts—I think it’s important to make that point clear—which is why we are bringing in Michelle Duguid to facilitate what I believe is a timely and important conversation our members want to have.”

During the past few years, NACS has listened to its convenience retail community that there is a need to help members forge a path forward with a focus on culture, accountability, values, respect and trust both at headquarters and at the store-level.

“For those in our industry who are new to this journey, I encourage them to attend the IDEA Conference and engage with their peers openly and honestly about how they can develop long-lasting and impactful roadmaps that ultimately create opportunities for a more engaged and talented a workforce,” said Armour.

“This is much more than a conference, and while we may not have all the answers, we are excited to start an industry-wide journey where anyone who wants to join us can do so with purpose and a desire to help our industry inspire change and build an inclusive workplace culture,” said Armour.

Chris Blasinksy is the content communications strategist at NACS and can be reached at cblasinsky@convenience.org.