NACS Leadership Forum
Date & Time
Location:
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Countdown:
In a world where convenience is constantly being redefined, today’s leaders must do more than keep pace—they must set it. NACS Leadership Forum is your launchpad for breakthrough thinking, bold strategies, and high-impact leadership.
This exclusive 3-day experience convenes top executives from the most forward-thinking companies in the convenience retail industry. Together, we’ll explore how to lead with agility, scale with purpose, and innovate with intent in a retail environment that demands speed and precision.
Through dynamic sessions led by world-renowned speakers and industry trailblazers, you’ll gain actionable insights into the forces shaping the future of convenience—and how to harness them to drive measurable results.
What sets this forum apart? An abundance of high-touch, high-value networking opportunities. The premier Top-to-Top Business Appointments between Hunter Club supplier companies and retail attendees are designed to spark collaboration, unlock innovation, and expand the shopper experience.
Whether you're looking to align your leadership team, uncover new growth opportunities, or accelerate performance across your organization, the NACS Leadership Forum is where momentum begins.
Performance. Power. People.
The 2026 NACS Leadership Forum focused on smarter tech, growth strategies that lead to success and what’s at the core of convenience retail.
2026 Leadership Forum Highlights
Contact Kaitlin Payne for questions about invitation qualifications or applicable fees.
Leadership Forum Invitation Request Form
All inquiries are subject to review. Individuals who are selected for a 2027 invitation will be contacted by the NACS Leadership Forum team.
The Leadership Forum is an exclusive event made available to our Hunter Club supplier members. NACS reserves the right to limit the number of additional registrations in order to maintain an appropriate balance between retailers and suppliers.
Hunter Club Registration Fees
| Number of Invitations | Cost (per registration) | Additional Attendee Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Club Gold | 4 | $6,199 | $7,999 |
| Hunter Club Silver | 2 | $6,199 | $7,999 |
| Hunter Club Bronze | 1 | $6,199 | $7,999 |
Join Hunter Club
Please contact Leigh Walls, Director, Supplier Relations and Hunter Club Liaison for more information on becoming a NACS Hunter Club member.
All 2027 Leadership Forum events and accommodations will take place at:
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Telephone: (904) 277-1100
Hotel Reservations
All attendees are responsible for booking and guaranteeing their own hotel accommodations. A link to reserve your hotel will be included in your registration confirmation.
NACS Group Rate: $349/night + tax & resort fee
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, December 18, 2026
NACS has negotiated a group rate of $349/night + tax & resort fee on your behalf. All charges and hotel reservations are the responsibility of the guest. A form of payment will be required when booking your hotel accommodations. Confirmation numbers will be provided by the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island immediately following confirmation of your reservation.
Hotel Reservations for Invited Retail Attendees
Invited retailer attendees are eligible for up to 2 nights complimentary if all attendance requirements are met.*
Attendees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and a form of payment will be required at the time of booking. Upon attendance requirements being met, room nights will be put to the NACS master account. Paid retail attendees will be responsible for the cost of their entire stay.
| Benefit | Benefit Deadline |
|---|---|
| Registered Invited Retailers will receive 1 night's room rate + tax complimentary* | n/a |
| Registered Invited Retailers will receive a 2nd night's room rate + tax complimentary* | Register by October 31, 2026 |
*Attendance requirements include participation in scheduled Top-to-Top appointments, and breakout activities.
Hotel Reservations for Supplier Attendees
All Hunter Club attendees will be responsible for the cost of their entire hotel stay. A link to reserve your hotel will be included in your registration confirmation.
Supplier attendance is limited to NACS Hunter Club Member companies. For more information, please contact Leigh Walls.
Flight Information
Attendees must book their own flight accommodations. The cost of flights and ground transportation are not included in the event registration fee.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
27.9 miles from hotel
Travel time: 50 minutes
Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport
1 mile from hotel
Travel time: 5 minutes
Ground Transportation
Arrival Transportation
Arrival transfers must be arranged by the attendees and are not included in the registration fee. Below is information Barrs Transportation to reserve transfers to/from the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Cost vary depending on the number of passengers in the transfer.
Ubers and taxis are available from Jacksonville International Airport to the hotel; however due to limited Uber/taxi availability on Amelia Island, advance return ground reservations are highly recommended.
Barr's Transportation
Website
Tel: (904) 642-1662
Make a reservation
Departure Transportation
NACS will be offering departure shuttles from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) following the end of programming on Thursday, February 18, 2027. Attendees are responsible for their own departure transportation outside of the times outlined below.
Departure Transportation Schedule
Departure shuttles will be available from 11:30am to 8:00pm on Thursday, February 18, 2027.
A communication will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event to confirm departure transportation shuttle times.
Parking
Valet Parking on property only. Self parking not available.
The daily valet fee is $40.00 per day.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island also has electric vehicle charging stations (subject to availability).
Contact
For questions regarding hotel and travel, please contact:
Convenience Cares Charity Golf Outing
The Golf Club of Amelia Island
Tuesday, February 16, 2026
7:30am - 1:00pm
Join fellow industry leaders for the Convenience Cares Charity Golf Outing on February 16, 2027 at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. Enjoy a memorable day of networking and friendly competition while supporting the mission of the NACS Foundation. Proceeds from the outing help advance the Foundation’s work to support first responders, fight food insecurity, and develop the future workforce of the industry. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking to connect with peers for a great cause, this event offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying one of Amelia Island’s premier courses.
Attendees can indicate their interest to participate in the Golf Outing during registration.
