Event

November

2026

1-6

NACS Innovation Leadership Program at MIT

Cambridge, MA, United States

Add to Calendar 00/01/2026 04:00 AM 00/06/2026 05:00 AM America/New_York NACS Innovation Leadership Program at MIT Building on MIT’s prestigious reputation and innovative culture, this program combines research-based management frameworks with practical hands-on experiences, and offers networking opportunities for top-tier convenience industry leaders. Cambridge, MA, United States

Date & Time

Nov 01-06, 2026

Location:

Cambridge, MA, United States
MIT Sloan School of Management

Countdown:

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Virtual Program Orientation: October 15, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM EDT

About

Innovate Purposefully

Innovation is essential. Especially in our fast-paced industry where lightning-speed, ease and seamlessness is expected by customers. Building on MIT’s prestigious reputation — this program delivers a curriculum customized specifically for the needs of the innovation-driven convenience industry.

Senior execs will not only learn research-based management frameworks, but also take part in the practical, hands-on application that will enable them to build innovation capability and improve business.

The NACS Innovation Leadership Program offers convenience leaders the opportunity to:

Learn how to build an innovation culture – focused on skills, desire, freedom of action, high commitment and high integrity
Recognize and overcome mental models that inhibit innovation
Leverage the principles and processes of design thinking
Identify choices for responding to disruptive competition
Develop digital business models
Apply innovative methods for designing work and operating models that engage employees/create competitive advantage
Experience first-hand MIT’s entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem

The power of innovation at MIT can’t be denied. A 2015 research study determined that MIT alumni have created over 30,000 companies with over 4.6 million employees and nearly $2 trillion in annual revenues – which would be the world’s 10th largest GDP if measured as a country.

Support provided by

It was a wonderful experience. Mentally powerful and rewarding, also exhausting. Thanks to NACS for staying focused on our industry and helping raise the tide with education courses like this.”

Joey Hobson, VP Marketing, Maverik, Inc.

Attendee Profile

As a life-long learner, and someone who desires to constantly sharpen the saw, I see tremendous value in this program. I plan on attending Cornell next, and will send several more of my team members to these courses.”

Gary Price, VP of Operations, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

Schedule

The NACS Innovation Leadership Program at MIT is designed to be relevant, engaging and useful to senior level executives who are interested in driving innovation across their firms, particularly in the areas of:

Customer experience b
Operating models
Supply Chain
People engagement and culture change
Leveraging AI and Technology

The program integrates lessons and tools drawn from the worlds of strategy, design thinking, digitalization, machine learning, ecosystems, neuroscience and organizational psychology. This is a program not just about creativity, ideation, or managing the product development process. Participants also gain firsthand experience with the MIT campus and its innovative ecosystem.

Participants leave with a change plan focused on implementing selected innovation opportunities in their organizations. To get a better understanding of what the program offers, take a look at a sample schedule and curriculum (PDF) for the week. Attendees should plan to arrive no later than 2:30 PM on Sunday, November 1 and depart after 3:30 PM on Friday, November 6.

Speakers

Hotel/Travel

Classroom
All sessions will take place in the MIT Sloan School of Management building.

MIT Sloan School of Management
100 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
617-253-1000

Lodging
Scheduled meals are included in the total cost of the program, but lodging and travel are not included. Participants are responsible for their own hotel accommodations and travel. NACS does not have a hotel block secured for this event, however, there are several hotel options located just a short distance from the MIT campus. Here is a list of hotels around the MIT campus. We encourage you to ask for the MIT rate however it’s always good to also compare rates with other sites such as Hotels.com. Remember to book early to ensure the lowest rate possible.

FAQ

What is the cancellation policy for my Executive Education registration fees? +

Transfer of registration to another person within your company may be possible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Cancellations received on or before September 1 will be charged a $500 administrative fee. After September 1, the full amount of the registration fee will be forfeited. Registration cancellations or transfer requests must be emailed to [email protected] by September 1, 2026.

What is the official Executive Education hotel cancellation policy? +

Since attendees are required to book their own hotel accommodations, please contact the hotel directly to ensure your individual reservation has been canceled.

How will I be notified of updates or changes? +

All registered participants will be notified of updates or changes via direct email as soon as they are made. In addition, the program’s webpage will also be kept up to date.

Is there any pre-work? +

Yes, the MIT team will share the pre-work assignments prior to the onsite program. Pre-work assignments include mostly pre-readings and to come prepared with an innovation idea in mind.

What is the suggested attire for the week? +

Classes are conducted in an informal setting; business casual attire is recommended. Layering is the best idea for our climate and temperature variances in the building.

MoC-logo_770x320

The NACS Master of Convenience designation acknowledges the hard work and investment NACS members have made in their personal leadership development. It is awarded to convenience retailers who have attended 3 or more of the 5 NACS Executive Education programs. For questions, contact Brandi Mauro, NACS Education Program Manager: [email protected] or (703) 518-4223.

Now Open

Registration

NACS Member Pricing - $4,995

Support provided from Gilbarco, Shell, and PMI U.S. makes this program most affordable for all participants. The registration fee includes instruction, course materials, scheduled meals and entertainment. Participants are responsible for lodging during the week. A portion of each registration fee goes to support NACS Alumni Network activities.

Please note: Registration is limited to retailer, distributor, and state association member companies only. State Associations, please contact Brandi Mauro at [email protected] to register.

Contact

Brandi Mauro

Program Manager, Executive Education

NACS

(703) 518-4223

Read Bio +

Brandi Mauro combines her project management expertise with a passion for building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for growth. She leads the development and execution of NACS education programs, including five Executive Education programs, the HR Forum, and the Food Safety Forum, and supports educational programming for the NACS Show. She oversees program design, production, and delivery, while cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance key events and create meaningful experiences for attendees.

In her free time, she enjoys family time with her husband, Chris, and their three active boys, Alex, Sam, and Teddy.

Not sure which program to attend?

Please contact NACS Education to schedule an advising session.

Schedule Consultation >

(703) 518-4223

NACS serves the global convenience and fuel retailing industry by providing industry knowledge, connections and issues leadership to ensure the competitive viability of its members’ businesses.

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Alexandria, VA 22314

703-684-3600

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