Retail Reinvented—Experience It in Shanghai
Step into the future of convenience retail at the 2026 NACS Convenience Summit Asia in Shanghai, China—recognized as one of Asia’s most innovative regions. Join global convenience retail leaders as they explore the trends, technologies and strategies shaping the next era of retail.
Why Attend?
- See What’s Next
Immerse yourself in the NACS Ideas 2 Go store tours featuring Asia’s iconic and innovative brands. Discover how digitization, automation and sustainability are redefining customer experiences.
- Learn From the Experts
Hear insights and research from global and regional experts on AI-powered retail, Gen Z and consumer behavior shifts, supply chain resilience and the future of food in convenience.
- Connect With Convenience Leaders
Build strategic relationships with senior executives from more than 25 countries (70% from Asia Pacific region). Exchange ideas and find solutions to today’s—and tomorrow’s—industry and business challenges.
- Celebrate Innovation
Join us for the NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific dinner on March 11 to honor excellence in four categories: Innovation, Convenience Cares, Store of the Year and Leadership. For more information and to participate, click on the Awards tab above.
Who You’ll Meet
- CEOs & Presidents
- Heads of Retail Operations
- Marketing & Sales Executives
- Global and Local Convenience Retail Leaders
- NACS Global Committee Members
Shanghai Is Calling. Are You Ready to Lead the Future of Convenience Retail?
便利零售新势能，尽在上海
Retail’s New Momentum, All in Shanghai
三天沉浸式体验，全球便利零售领袖面对面，探索行业未来。
Three immersive days to connect with global leaders and explore the future of convenience.
- 洞察未来趋势
前瞻视角，引领行业发展
全球与本地专家分享人工智能、自动化、可持续发展与Z世代消费新趋势，助您把握未来十年零售脉动。
Gain insights into AI, automation, sustainability, and Gen Z trends from global and local experts.
- 构建战略关系
汇聚全球智慧，拓展合作网络
与来自25+国家的高层零售与加油行业领导者面对面交流，建立深度合作关系。
Meet senior executives from 25+ countries and build meaningful partnerships.
- 沉浸式学习体验
走进“新零售”，亲身感受创新力量
实地参访上海标志性门店，参与案例分享与互动讨论，获取可落地的解决方案与行业标杆经验。
Tour iconic Shanghai stores and engage in hands-on learning and best practice exchanges.
View who attended the 2025 event in Tokyo.
- 24Seven Retail Stores
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Northern Star Energy
- PetroChina
- Petronas
- Secoma Co., Ltd.
- Shahin Enterprises
- Shell International Petroleum Company Limited
- And more
For general event inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Paul
Meetings and Events Manager
mpaul@convenience.org
+1 703.518.4208
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7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Registration Open
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8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
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Welcome
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
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The Market Consumer in China: Trends and Opportunities for Convenience Retailers
Lynn Wang, Executive Director, NielsenIQ China
Session Description
China is home to the world’s most dynamic and digitally advanced retail market, offering a glimpse into the future of global consumer behavior. This session explores how Chinese shoppers are reshaping convenience retail through mobile-first commerce, frictionless payment systems, and rapid delivery expectations. Experts will share key consumer trends, innovative formats, and partnership opportunities to inspire growth strategies for global and local retailers.
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9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
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Store Tour Briefing
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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NACS Ideas 2 Go – Shanghai – Bus & Walking Tour
Expect moderate walking time. Wear comfortable shoes.
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1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
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Lunch; Exhibits Open
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1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
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Government Official Welcome Address
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2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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Global Strategic Industry Issues
Henry Armour, Chairman Emeritus & CEO International, NACS
Session Description
What are the most significant strategic issues that our industry faces, where are threats and opportunities most mature, and what can we learn from best practices in different countries and regions? Henry will unveil the latest results of NACS’ Global Issues Survey and connect global developments with the region's status to give an outlook on what retailers across the Asia Pacific must focus on.
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2:45 PM -3:30 PM
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The Chinese Convenience- and Fuel Retailing industry development
Kevin Peng, Chairman, CCFA
Session Description
Explore how China’s convenience and fuel retailing sectors are rapidly transforming through digital innovation, evolving consumer behavior, and new retail formats. This session highlights key trends, competitive shifts, and growth opportunities, shaping one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets.
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3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
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Networking Break; Exhibits Open
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4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
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Who is Gen Z as Customers and Employees—and What About Gen Alpha?
Lynne Ran, Executive Director, Ipsos China
Session Description
Explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping convenience retail. Learn how to engage these digital-native generations through tech-enabled environments and modernized operations.
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4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
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The Future of Food in Convenience Stores and How to Win Against QSRs
Thomas Kilroy, Senior Partner, McKinsey Co.
Xin Huang, Partner, McKinsey & Co.
Session Description
As foodservice drives growth in convenience retail, competition with quick-service restaurants intensifies. Learn how to elevate food offerings through menu innovation, kitchen design, and digital integration to meet evolving consumer demands.
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5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
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Break and Transport to Reception Venue
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Off-Site Welcome Reception
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7:30 PM
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Self-organized Dinners
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7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Registration Open
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8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
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Welcome
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
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What the Last Mile of Your Supply Chain Could Look Like in the Future
Will Zhao, Executive President, Neolix Al Pte. Ltd.
Session Description
Discover how emerging technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and new delivery models are reshaping the future of last‑mile logistics. This session highlights the innovations, efficiencies, and strategic opportunities that will define how products reach customers in the years ahead.
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9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
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Store Tour Briefing
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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NACS Ideas 2 Go – Shanghai – Bus & Walking Tour
Expect moderate walking time; wear comfortable shoes.
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1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
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Lunch
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1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
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Store Tour Debrief
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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Interview with the 2026 NACS Industry Leader of the Year
Henry Armour, Chairman Emeritus & CEO International, NACS
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2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
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Digitizing the Business
Ren Zhongwei, VP Sales Asia, Dmall
Session Description
Discover how digital touchpoints—from mobile apps to smart kiosks—are reshaping customer expectations. Learn how to meet customers where they are and stay competitive in a connected world.
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3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
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Networking Break; Exhibits Open
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4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
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Cyber Attacks and How to Prepare for Them
Melody Quian, Senior Vice President, Lockton Companies (Hong Kong) Limited.
Neville Manekshaw, Cyber Risk Advisor, AIG
Session Description
Cyber threats are a daily reality. This session explores vulnerabilities in convenience retail and offers practical strategies for protection, response planning, and resilience.
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4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
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Retail Case Study
Liu Zhihua, Chairman, Easy Joy, Sinopec
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6:45 PM - 7:45 PM
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NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific: Reception
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7:45 PM - 10:30 PM
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NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific: Dinner & Ceremony
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8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Registration Open
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9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
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Welcome
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
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The Customer’s Digital Journey and How Convenience Retailing Plays into It
Allen Zhang, Managing Director & Partner, BCG
Session Description
Discover how digital touchpoints—from mobile apps to smart kiosks—are reshaping customer expectations. Learn how to meet customers where they are and stay competitive in a connected world.
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10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
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Retail Case Study
Haibin Wu, FamilyMart (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
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10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
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Networking Break
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11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
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Actual AI Implementations in Convenience & Fuel Retailing
Brian Gray, Managing Director, Accenture
Session Description
AI is already transforming retail—from pricing and inventory to HR and fuel forecasting. Hear real-world examples and learn how to start or scale your own AI journey.
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12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
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What Have We Seen, What Have We Learned
Henry Armour, Chairman Emeritus & CEO International, NACS
Session Description
A powerful wrap-up session highlighting key takeaways from tours, presentations, and discussions. What’s next for your business?
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12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
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Store Tour Briefing, Final Remarks & 2027 Teaser
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
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1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
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Lunch
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1:45 PM - 5:00 PM
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NACS Ideas 2 Go – Shanghai – Bus & Walking Tour
Expect moderate walking time. Wear comfortable shoes.
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5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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Networking Reception
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6:30 PM
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Self-organized Dinners
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For inquiries on the event agenda, please contact:
Mark Wohltmann
Director of NACS Global
mwohltmann@convenience.org
+1 703.518.4284
For general event inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Paul
Meetings and Events Manager
mpaul@convenience.org
+1 703.518.4208
Show Bio...
Henry O. Armour, Ph.D., is Chairman Emeritus & CEO International of NACS. He grew up working in his family’s retail businesses, Armour Oil Company, rising to the position of vice president and COO in 1977. In 1980, he joined The Standard Oil Company of Ohio, where he served as manager of development strategies. He later founded West Star Corporation, which grew to include 59 NOW! convenience stores, truck stops and quick-service restaurants in the Pacific Northwest until he sold the company in 2004. In 1988, Armour founded Epoch Corporation, which operated retail enterprises in California.
Armour previously served as president and CEO of NACS from July 2005 to December 31, 2025, having also served as the association’s chairman in 2002 and 2003. Armour earned a BA in economics from Stanford University, an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics, and an MBA and PhD in economics from Stanford University.
Show Bio...
Brian is a Managing Director and currently leads Accenture’s Global and North America Fuels & Convenience Retail practice. He has spent the last 19 years working with 20+ fuels and convenience retailers around the world. Brian is passionate in helping to drive innovation throughout the business and ultimately setting clients up to capitalize on future trends. His experience stretches across customer experience, mobility, AI / GenAI, analytics, loyalty, retail site systems, payments, M&A, and large-scale complex deployments – spanning all channels of trade including Company Owned & Operated, Branded Wholesalers, Dealer, and Franchisee models.
Brian holds a degree from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington and is a certified Program Management Professional (PMP).
Brian is married to his wife of 15 years, Emily, with two children, Abby (13) and Connor (9) – with his lovely dog Randall. He enjoys playing golf, racquetball, and basketball!
Show Bio...
In his current role, Mark Wohltmann is responsible for the strategic development of NACS|Global, the exclusive, worldwide network, supporting its members’ businesses and their careers within the convenience- and fuel-retailing industry.
Mark has more than 20 years of experience in research & consulting, with a focus on FMCG/CPG and Retail. Prior to joining NACS in late 2016 Mark worked in Strategic Product Development with the Nielsen Company in Europe, developing solutions for clients from the Convenience Retail, HoReCa, eCommerce and Tobacco industry. Prior to this Mark worked with the start-up USP Market Intelligence, setting up Germany's largest convenience retail panel, as well as with Combera (Advantage Smollan), developing Marketing- and sales strategies for FMCG companies, entering the convenience retail sector.
Mark started his career in the advertising industry, focusing on trade marketing and sales advertising in impulse retail channels, working with Dorland in Berlin and with Grey and BBDO in Duesseldorf after studying business administration at the University of Siegen and being trained in advertising consulting.
Registration for the 2026 NACS Convenience Summit Asia is now open!
Registration Pricing:
Early Bird Rate - $2195 (until 2026 January 31)
Regular Rate - $2395 (2026 February 1 until 2026 March 12)
Register Now
Your registration will include:
- Access to all store tours, receptions, lunches and the NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific Dinner, where we’ll celebrate award-winning solutions and meet the people who made them happen
- Access to all presentations
- Access to best-in-class strategies that are all focused on unlocking growth
- Dynamic conversations and renewed strategic connections with 125+ senior leader delegates from 25+ countries
- A first look at innovations in store design and robust technology solutions
All registration cancellations received on or before 2026 February 21 will be refunded in full. After February 21, the full amount of the registration fee will be forfeited. Transfer of registration to another person within your company can be done at any time without penalty. To make changes to your registration, please contact Melissa Paul.
Any public space where other people are present holds an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. By attending this event, I agree to voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure and agree to not hold NACS or any of their affiliates including partners and sponsors, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, or sponsored venues liable for illness. I will take necessary precautions while at the event as recommended at that time by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. I agree to not attend any NACS event if I feel ill or had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case.
Event Registration: Melissa Paul, mpaul@convenience.org
Global Supplier Council: Leigh Walls, lwalls@convenience.org
For more than a decade, the NACS Convenience Summit Asia has proudly hosted the NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific. This prestigious competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the Asian retail communities. The awards—judged by leaders in the convenience industry—showcase global convenience retailing excellence. Winners are selected in four categories:
- NACS Industry Leader of the Year Award
- NACS Convenience Store of the Year Award
- NACS Convenience Innovation of the Year Award
- NACS Convenience Cares Award
Award submissions for 2026 close on January 9th, 2026.
The NACS Convenience Retail Awards recognize and promote convenience retailing excellence and provides retailers with the opportunity to showcase their innovation and creativity to the global retailing community.
Convenience and fuel retailers from the award regions may submit entries. Supplier partners and advertising, design and PR agencies are welcome to submit entries on behalf of their retail partners, but they must have the approval of the retailer for which they provide services.
NACS will offer Convenience Retail Awards in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
- Latin America includes retailers from Mexico, Central America, and South America.
- Asia-Pacific includes the continent and islands of Asia, including India, New Zealand and Australia.
- Europe includes the entire European continent, from Iberia to the Caucasus and Scandinavia to Malta.
Convenience and fuel retailers can showcase their innovation and leadership in four prestigious award categories:
- Convenience Retailer of the Year
Our global recognition honors the most innovative and successful convenience and petroleum retail store of the year. The winner earns the accolade of “the best convenience store in their region” This award honors flagship stores that break new ground and set new innovative standards for the industry. All-sized businesses can enter, and entries can refer to broader initiatives or format roll-outs in a wider business. Successful entries will focus on one particular store as the central showpiece.
- Convenience Industry Leader of the Year
Industry progress is not only driven by innovative companies, but by the energies, determination and inspiration of the individuals who lead them. This award recognizes and honors the contribution of the most successful and influential convenience industry leader of past year.
- Convenience Cares Award
This award recognizes companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to doing good for people—whether customers, employees, communities, or the environment. This award honors meaningful initiatives that reflect compassion, social responsibility, and a genuine dedication to improving communities while creating positive, lasting impact.
- Convenience Innovation Award
This recognizes a company, product, or idea that transforms the convenience retail experience. This award celebrates creativity, fresh thinking, and real impact—honoring innovations that make convenience stores more efficient, engaging, and future-ready.
There are no fees to enter the NACS Convenience Retail Awards.
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Region
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Presented at
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Entry Open
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Entry
Close
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Winner Announced!
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Latin America
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2025 NACS Show
McCormick Place,
Chicago, IL
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June 30, 2025
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September 10, 2025
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October 15, 2025
Global Colleagues Reception
at the 2025 NACS Show
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Asia-Pacific
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Convenience Summit Asia
Tokyo, Japan
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closed
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closed
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February 26, 2025
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Europe
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Convenience Summit Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
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closed
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closed
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May 29, 2025
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| Award |
On Site Contact/Nominee |
Company Logo |
Description of success in award area |
Powerpoint overview of solution or success |
High-Res photos of nominee or solution |
2-5 Minute video of nominated store |
| Retailer of the Year |
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| Industry Leader of the Year |
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Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
| Retail Sustainability Award |
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Optional |
Optional |
| Retail Technology Award |
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Optional |
Optional |
Each year, a grand jury panel of industry experts consisting of former retail executives, consultants, subject-matter-experts, and NACS representatives judge the award winners based on criteria specified for each award.
Convenience retailers, their suppliers or their customers are invited to nominate convenience retailers that are pursuing noteworthy and meaningful business initiatives. In each confidential submission, the advocating organization should share a proven business case. The judges use a rubric consisting of the criterion below to evaluate all submissions and select an award winner from each award category.
Technology & Sustainability Awards will be scored on:
- Leadership and management of the initiative
- Customer engagement with the solution
- Impact of the initiative on organizational performance, financial performance or the customer experience
- Degree of creativity, uniqueness and innovation exemplified by the initiative
Retailer of the Year will be scored on demonstrated excellence in:
- Format Innovation
- Technology/loyalty/payments
- Product Range
- People Development (HR)
- Customer Service Initiatives
- Results/Performance
- General Impression & Relevance
Industry Leader of the Year will be determined by:
- Impact the individual has had on organizational performance, financial profitability, and the customer experience
- Influence the individual has had on improving the convenience retailing industry overall
- Demonstrated commitment to their community
Convenience retailers, their suppliers or their customers are invited to nominate convenience retailers that are pursuing noteworthy and meaningful business initiatives. In each confidential submission, the advocating organization should share a proven business case. The submission must include supporting justification as to:
- Why the convenience retailer deserves to be recognised
- What makes the initiative truly innovative and differentiated
- How leadership and management of the initiative is conducted
- How the retailer has demonstrated a company-wide commitment to the initiative
- What the impact of the initiative has been to organizational performance, financial profitability or the customer experience
- How customers have interacted with the solution
While fun, the submission development process can take time to complete. So, begin early. You will need to collect and provide photos and evidence that will make your submission stand out from the competition. Keep in mind that only complete submissions will be judged.
The NACS Convenience Retail Awards program is recognised by your peers and partners across the globe for its prominence and selectiveness. An award win heightens your credibility as an industry leader and elevates your brand’s profile as an innovative trailblazer.
Whether you win or are one of our esteemed participants, you will receive unparalleled global exposure and visibility through trade, national and international media coverage. Winners will receive:
- Recognition in NACS and Insight Research social, print and digital publications, which collectively reach an audience of 50,000+ global retailers, and various industry trade publications to extend the news even further.
- International press release announcing all award winners.
- Recognition at the NACS Show.
- And most importantly, celebrating your victory with global retailers, suppliers and colleagues at the Awards Reception!
*Travel and hotel not included in Summit registration rate. Visit www.xe.com for the latest exchange rate information.
The 2026 NACS Convenience Summit Asia program will be held at:
Mandarin Oriental Pudong
111 Pudong Road (S), Pudong, Shanghai, 200120, China
Attendees must book their own hotel accommodations. Cost of accommodations are not included in the event registration fee.
Book Your Accommodations
The Mandarin Oriental Pudong is approximately a 40-minute drive (38 km) from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and approximately a 32-minute drive (23km) from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
As you prepare for your upcoming participation in CSA, we kindly remind you to verify the visa requirements for entry into China. Visa policies vary depending on your nationality, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate travel documentation in place prior to your departure.
Visa Policy of Mainland China:
Mainland China
Mainland travel permit required
Visa not required (90 days)
Visa not required (60 days)
Visa not required (30 days)
Visa-free indirect land side transit policy eligible (10 days)
Visa required for entry and all landside transit, and sometimes for airside transit
Start Your Visa Process
We strongly recommend checking with the nearest embassy or consulate of China as early as possible, as visa processing times can vary. If a visa is required, please allow sufficient time for application and approval to avoid any travel disruptions.
Should you need an official invitation letter or supporting documentation from NACS as the event organizers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Visa invitation letters will be processed in batches by our partner company in China. We are unable to process invitation letters individually, and instead will be releasing them in groups.
Below are the four deadlines to submit your request, along with when you can expect to receive the final invitation letter:
- Requests sent before December 15 will receive the letter on or before December 22
- Requests sent before January 3 will receive the letter on or before January 10
- Requests sent before January 17 will receive the letter on or before February 2
- FINAL: Requests sent before February 2 will receive the letter on or before February 12
Submit Invitation Letter Request Here
For questions regarding hotel or travel accommodations, please contact:
Melissa Paul
Meetings and Events Manager
mpaul@convenience.org
+1 703.518.4208
Buyer Beware: Please be vigilant if dealing with companies or services other than the official NACS event headquarter hotel (noted above) that imply or claim an affiliation with the NACS. We have been made aware of other housing companies that may market to you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposed significant discounts. Unfortunately, some past attendees (and exhibitors) have fallen prey to these companies and have either: lost significant deposit amounts; been relocated to an alternative hotel with little or no warning; not had the guest rooms they thought they had booked; or not received reservations at the hotel they had thought were confirmed. This has caused great hardships and significant financial loss to these companies and individuals. Reservations made through an agency other than the NACS official hotel event hotel link will be at your own risk. If you are contacted by another housing company attempting to sell hotel rooms, please notify NACS Management at mpaul@convenience.org.
See why leading convenience and fuel retail brands around the globe attend the NACS Convenience Summit Asia. If you want to see the future of convenience, then there’s no other event like this.
Here’s a review of the 2025 Convenience Summit Asia Tokyo programme:
What We Have Seen, What We Have Learned (PDF)
Henry Armour, CEO and President, NACS
In his always highly rated summary of the Summit, NACS President & CEO Henry Armour shares Summit highlights…from store tours to presentations to panel discussion outcomes and impart what topics dominated the networking sessions from our days in Tokyo.
2025 Ideas 2 Go Tokyo – Store Tour Booklet (PDF)
The NACS Convenience Summit Asia is proud to partner with industry suppliers for this global event. Opportunities for company/brand visibility and connections vary.
Our thanks to the 2026 NACS Convenience Summit Asia Partners:
For partnership inquiries, please contact:
Leigh Walls
Director, Supplier Relations
lwalls@convenience.org