PDI Technologies will host its first PDI Connections Live next week, August 25-28 in Washington, D.C. at the Gaylord National Resort.

You may already be familiar with PDI’s annual event, the PDI Users Conference, which the company has been hosting for 31 years. This year the event is not only getting a new name, it’s providing more in-depth training and hands-on workshops, according to the company. The goal is to increase the opportunities to connect in-person with industry peers while delivering thought-leadership sessions for convenience retailers.

The four-day networking and education event includes:

• 150 education sessions, demos, workshops and learning opportunities.
• Networking opportunities.
• An expo.
• Other lively functions, including evening events.

“With the PDI Connections Live event, we get to see our brand come to life. Over 1,000 people are brought together who are maniacally focused and passionate about the exact same thing, and it's our industry,” said Bethany Allee, chief marketing officer at PDI Technologies. “It’s amazing to hear people talk about not just what PDI means to them, but what our industry means to them.”

Allee underscored the networking opportunities at the event, citing several opportunities to make connections throughout the conference and during speed networking sessions that are broken out by role and function within the industry.

“One of the biggest takeaways I hear from attendees after the event is that they got to network with their peers. They talk about how incredible it is to talk to other people who are doing what they’re doing, who are willing to share and collaborate with them,” said Allee. “Even though everyone is working in the same industry, people really are willing to collaborate, which is very refreshing. And you get to see that come to life at Connections Live.”

As important as the networking is, PDI Connections Live is also an event devoted to learning, said Allee. It’s an extension of the company’s PDI Connections platform, which she said is a “an online community database where you can find best practices, ask questions or reference documents,” as well as PDI University, an on-demand learning curriculum of classes, seminars, and discussions for customers that can be accessed year-round with an All Access Pass subscription.

“We've taken the education and networking and really woven them together,” she said.

Keynote speaker Mike Abrashoff will lead a session on leadership on Tuesday, August 27. Abrashoff is the founder of leadership consulting firm Aegis Performance Group, an author of four books on leadership and a former US Naval Officer who developed The Leadership Roadmap, his principles for achieving cultural and performance excellence.

A sample of education sessions at the event include:

• Apps Matter! Practical Mobile App Strategies from Leading Retailers with Rovertown: Held both Sunday 8/25 at 3:15-4:15 p.m. and Monday 8/26 at 4:10-5:10 p.m., retailers in this session will discuss how they’re staying ahead of the curve with their retail branded mobile app.
• Industry Leadership: Over a Barrel Podcast: Attend a live podcast recording on Monday 8/26 at 11 a.m. with GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan for a lively conversation on oil and fuel markets and how current events influence pump economics.
• Loss Prevention Using POS Technology: This session on Monday 8/26 at 1:20-2:30 p.m. led by PDI’s John McCarthy will discuss how POS technology can assist your business in tracking down and preventing losses.
• Insights to Solve Top C-Store Challenges: Held Tuesday 8/27 at 8:15-9:15 a.m., this session will provide a deeper understanding of how potential and current subscribers to PDI Insights can tap into additional revenue opportunities from suppliers.
• Industry Leadership: EV and Alternative Fuels of the Future: Join panelists Tuesday 8/27 at 9:35-10:35 a.m. to discuss the future of the convenience industry as EVs and alternative fuels continue to circle the market.
• Industry Leadership: Innovation, AI, and Emerging Technologies: On Tuesday 8/27 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. panelists will discuss how chatbots, data analysis, AI, and other emerging technologies are becoming prevalent in the day-to-day operations of the convenience industry.

Attendees can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for attending sessions. View the full agenda here.

On Wednesday, August 28 at 7:00-8:30 a.m., NACS Vice President of Research and Education Lori Buss Stillman will host the Women in Convenience Breakfast featuring a panel discussion with Beth Strickland, chief human resources officer at PDI, Bobbi Cobb; divisional controller, retail at Tri Star Energy LLC; and Erica Lynch, IT applications manager at Haffner’s / Energy North Group.

and other female industry leaders who will share invaluable lessons on embracing diversity, leading by example, championing innovation and more.

The event also offers a Sponsor Expo and opportunities for fun, with a game night on Monday and Big Night Out, a customer appreciation event, on Tuesday.

Find more information about PDI Connections Live 2024 here.