Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, known as Jay and Silent Bob from the 1994 movie “Clerks,” will be keynote speakers for what should be a freewheeling Closing General Session on October 17 at this year’s NACS Show in Chicago. The duo will share stories about their careers, specifically focusing on the convenience retailing industry, as well as advice on branding and effective storytelling.

The groundbreaking movie “Clerks” centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. The indie film won the “Award of the Youth” and the “Mercedes-Benz Award” at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, the “Filmmakers Trophy” at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards. The movie also launched the careers of Smith and Mewes. “Clerks” is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time.

Smith wrote, directed, co-produced and starred as the character Silent Bob of stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob in the “Clerks.” The characters Jay and Silent Bob also appeared in “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” “Clerks II,” “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” and “Clerks III.”

Since 2011, Smith has mostly made horror films, including “Red State” (2011) and the comedy horror films “Tusk” (2014) and “Yoga Hosers” (2016). He owns Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in Red Bank, New Jersey, a comic bookstore that became the setting for the reality television show “Comic Book Men” (2012–2018). He also is a popular podcaster.

As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Mewes became a pop culture icon since his debut in “Clerks.” Mewes has captured audiences with his rebellious banter against Kevin Smith, his unspoken other half and longtime friend.

Outside of his work with Smith, Mewes has appeared in “The Last Godfather” with Harvey Keitel and TV shows like “Supergirl” and “The Flash.” He also streams his virtual video gaming escapades on Twitch, appearing alongside Smith in the live podcast “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old” and telling the tumultuous tales of his absurdly unique life in his solo show, “Jay Mewes and his A-Mewes-ing Stories.”

The NACS Show is the industry’s most comprehensive event of the year and one of the most dynamic retail and food-focused trade shows in North America. In 2024, a record 26,124 attendees experienced four days of education, networking and a look at what’s hot and new in the global convenience retail industry.