The NACS Show heads to McCormick Place in Chicago this year, with the event kicking off October 14 and running through October 17. More than 24,000 people will converge on the Windy City for ideas on how to better run their business, networking, inspiration and fun.
Education Sessions take place October 14-16 and cover everything from underground storage tanks to the art of negotiation to building a tech stack. There’s something for everyone.
Here are just a few of the Education Sessions taking place:
Leveling Up Your Social Media Strategy
Tuesday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. CST
Social media is key to attracting and keeping your customers engaged with your brand. In this session, learn how to partner with sports figures, lifestyle creators, community advocates and more to build brand loyalty and boost visibility. This session will cover tips for creating engaging content, using platform tools effectively, and measuring success. Real-world examples from the convenience industry will show you what works and how to make it work for you.
Connections That Launch Careers
Tuesday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. CST
This session is designed for retailers who are new to the industry and looking to build meaningful connections and gain practical career insights. Through personal stories and shared experiences, attendees will explore the value of mentors, coaches and peer relationships in navigating their careers.
Forecourt Strategies to Increase Trip Frequency and Conversion
Tuesday, October 14 at 1:45 p.m. CST
Customers are relying more on driver-assist technology in their car and on their phones to guide their routes and purchasing decisions. It is important to ensure your forecourt (traditional and electric) offer fulfills their needs. How can you ensure that your store is easily found, remains appealing and is connected to these customers to maintain trip frequency? This session will discuss the technological, strategic and design opportunities to drive customers to your forecourt and into your store.
GLP-1s and the New Snack Equation
Tuesday, October 14 at 3:15 p.m. CST
The rise of GLP-1 medications is reshaping consumer behavior, and convenience retail is at the forefront of this shift. As appetite patterns change, so do shopping habits. This session dives into how GLP-1s are influencing snacking trends and consumer choices and what it means for the future of convenience retail. Learn how to adapt your product offerings and marketing strategies to meet the needs of a population with smaller appetites and higher expectations.
Hot Today, Gone Tomorrow? Navigating Flavor Trends
Wednesday, October 15 at 8:00 a.m. CST
In this session, experts will break down the lifecycle of flavor trends and Limited Time Offers (LTOs), from their initial buzz to their mainstream appeal (or quick fade). Using a retailer case study, the session will explore the process of identifying a hot flavor, developing it, and then deciding whether it has the potential for long-term success or is just a flash in the pan. Attendees will hear from experts across foodservice, marketing, and operations on how to spot trends, execute LTOs and market these innovations to customers. We’ll also dive into real-world examples, including a "wall of shame" showcasing LTOs and flavor trends that didn’t work.
State of the Industry Updates
Thursday, October 16 at 9:00 a.m. CST
In this data-rich session, attendees will analyze key industry benchmarks from exclusive NACS State of the Industry data. The presentation will focus on the U.S. c-store industry's financial performance, operational trends and market positioning, highlighting strengths and potential growth areas. Attendees will leave with a more precise roadmap for driving strategic initiatives in 2026, enhancing their competitive advantage and positioning their organizations for long-term success.
Check out the full list of Education Sessions taking place at the 2025 NACS Show here.