NACS has announced the first round of speakers who will lead its general sessions at the NACS Show this fall. The four days of NACS Show general sessions will focus on how your stores can deliver an amazing customer experience. Each session will feature a lively mix of world-class leaders, compelling insights from Ideas 2 Go videos, and industry experts who will share how our industry can enhance convenience retail through food, technology, design and people.
On October 10, renowned chefs Andrew Zimmern and David Chang—who are big fans of convenience stores and their food offers—will share their passion for how convenience stores can continue to elevate foodservice to stand out among the competition. The session will include a live cooking demonstration showcasing a few simple ideas to evolve traditional offerings—plus a recipe challenge to create a unique dish using common c-store items.
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality, writer and social justice advocate. A star of culinary shows on Travel Channel and The Food Network and the host of two Emmy-nominated shows on the Magnolia Network, Zimmern has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. His newest shows are “Field to Fire” on the Outdoor Channel and “Wild Game Kitchen” on Tastemade.
David Chang is founder of the Momofuku restaurant group and Majordomo Media. Since opening his first restaurant in 2004, Momofuku Noodle Bar, he has been recognized as GQ’s Man of the Year and a Time 100 honoree. Momofuku Ko was awarded two Michelin stars, which the restaurant has retained each year since. David also is the host of The Dave Chang Show podcast and three documentary series: “Ugly Delicious,” “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner,” and “The Next Thing You Eat.” His cookbooks and memoir are New York Times bestsellers. In 2019, he opened a convenience store in New York City called Peach Mart.
Juan Bendaña will serve as the keynote speaker for the October 7 NACS Show general session.
Bendaña is a confidence coach to top CEOs, Olympians and athletes, actors and peak performers. He is an internationally recognized keynote speaker who helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to thrive in any environment. Bendaña uses the art of storytelling, interactive activities and humor to create an unforgettable experience. Drawing from his science-based framework, the Confidence Cycle, he has inspired over 250,000 leaders at companies including Disney, Sotheby’s International and Sony Pictures.
Celebrating its 30th year as part of the NACS Show general sessions, the NACS Ideas 2 Go video series will showcase retail excellence at forward-thinking convenience stores. These videos will debut throughout the four days of general sessions. Get ready to experience how other retailers are elevating the customer experience.
Check NACSShow.com for event updates and additional speaker announcements.