In a world where convenience is constantly being redefined, today’s leaders must do more than keep pace—they must set it. The 2026 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.
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25 Years expereince in Retail w/ Executove level roles at BP and Circle K running businesses but also in Sales, Marketing, operations, and Fuels. Currently running Retail engagement and membership at NACS as well as Research and Education.
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Matt Havens is an international keynote speaker, former corporate leader, son of a comedian, and firm believer we overcomplicate work by overthinking the solutions. Matt’s high-energy, engaging presentations deliver insightful, actionable strategies – all with a surprisingly entertaining twist.
With 14 years of leadership experience in finance, sales, and customer service at a multi-billion dollar company, Matt gained invaluable in-the-trenches experience that informs his approach to solving business challenges and ensures his message relates with his audiences. Whether tackling change management or building dynamic team cultures, Matt has done it firsthand – including leading a massive strategic overhaul which transformed one of America’s most iconic brands.
Those experiences also taught Matt something was missing in the working world. As the son of a headlining comedian, Matt grew up in the back room of comedy clubs around the world, where he witnessed the infectious impact of laughter. He believes business growth and fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive – a philosophy which has made him a trusted partner for organizations like RE/MAX, Lockheed Martin, Baker Tilly, and Allstate, as well as countless government and industry associations from nearly every trade.
Matt doesn’t just speak about personal and professional growth – he lives it. He recently checked off a major bucket list item by completing an Ironman triathlon, cheered on by his wife and twin daughters. They currently reside in Dallas, TX.
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Kevin O’Connell is the Executive Director of the NACS Foundation, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) philanthropic arm. Under Kevin’s leadership, the Foundation is advancing its mission to unify and amplify the charitable efforts of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. It focuses on key pillars such as serving first responders, combating hunger, supporting healthy children and families, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Kevin spearheads transformative initiatives, including expanding 24/7 Day—a nationwide event honoring first responders that has grown by over 2,000% in five years—and the strategic development of programs to address food insecurity, educational scholarships, and community resilience. As the Foundation embarks on its next chapter, Kevin is focused on building sustainable revenue streams, fostering strategic partnerships, and elevating the Foundation’s impact on communities across America.
Kevin brings over 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and storytelling. Before joining NACS, he founded and served as a strategic advisor to FYN Creative, where he empowered universities and nonprofits through campaigns, digital content, and trainings. Before FYN Creative, he also launched The Niche Movement, a global platform helping thousands of students and young professionals redefine their career paths. Kevin also served as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University School of Business, where he taught courses in leadership and marketing.
An advocate for community engagement, Kevin actively volunteers with organizations such as Food & Friends in Washington, DC. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.A. in Leadership and Public Administration from Centenary University.
Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for storytelling inspire his work in creating impactful programs, mobilizing resources, and redefining the role of convenience stores as community cornerstones. He is a sought-after speaker on nonprofit growth, community engagement, and innovative fundraising strategies.
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With a pivotal role in launching IBM’s Watson in 2011, a groundbreaking application of Artificial Intelligence on a global scale, Sol Rashidi has consistently been a trailblazer in the ideation, conceptualization, design, and development of Data & AI applications. Boasting over three dozen large-scale implementations and a remarkable record, Sol holds eight granted patents, with 21 filed, and has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of the “Top 100 AI People” in 2023.
Sol’s impact is evident in her presence on the “Global 100 Power List” for consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), recognition as one of the “Top 20 CDOs Globally” in 2022, and being named “Chief Analytics Officer of the Year” in 2022. Further, she earned the “Isomer Innovators of the Year” award for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and has been acknowledged as one of the “Top 100 Innovators in Data & Analytics” from 2020 to 2023. Adding to her achievements, Sol was listed among the “Top 100 Women in Business” in 2022. Her other accolades include: “Top 75 Innovators of 2023,” “Top 65 Most Influential Women in 2023,” and earning the title of “Forbes AI Maverick of the 21st Century” in 2022. Additionally, she has been honored with the “Top 10 Global Women in AI & Data” award in 2023, the “Top AI 100 Award” in 2023, and inclusion in the “50 Most Powerful Women in Tech” in 2022.
Throughout her career, Sol has held significant C-Suite positions in Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, including roles such as Chief Analytics Officer at Estee Lauder, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Merck Pharmaceuticals, EVP and Chief Data Officer at Sony Music, Chief Data & AI Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Senior Partner leading the Digital & Innovation Practice at Ernst & Young. Her impactful tenure at IBM as Partner leading Watson Go-To-Market further solidifies her expertise in the field.
Now serving as an advisor, consultant, and fractional CDO & CAIO, Sol is dedicated to assisting companies in advancing their business objectives. As a global keynote speaker, she leverages her technical expertise and storytelling abilities to articulate the business value of data, AI, and technology. Her Amazon bestselling book, Your AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons Learned from Real-World AI Deployments, is made for business leaders without a technology background. Sol’s hallmark is simplifying the complex and helping leaders realize that innovation doesn’t always require cutting-edge solutions but often involves cutting through the noise.
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Kristin K. Seabrook is the Chief Legal Counsel for Global Partners LP, where she leads a multifaceted team responsible for legal affairs, environmental, health and safety (EHS) and fuels compliance. Global Partners, a Fortune 500 master limited partnership, operates or maintains dedicated storage at 54 liquid energy terminals, with connectivity to strategic rail, pipeline, and marine assets, spanning from Maine to Florida and into the U.S. Gulf States. Additionally, Global Partners owns, operates, and/or supplies approximately 1,700 retail locations across the Northeast states, the Mid-Atlantic, and Texas. Prior to joining Global Partners, Kristin spent 18 years at Pilot Travel Centers LLC, serving as General Counsel/Chief Legal Counsel. She is a seasoned legal professional with experience in negotiating and drafting various types of agreements, overseeing corporate policies and procedures, and managing complex litigation matters. Kristin has also served as an Associate at Butler, Vines & Babb, and as a Deputy District Attorney at the Clark County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office. She holds a dual degree in Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond and has been actively involved in various professional affiliations and community organizations.
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Erin Stafford is a marketing guru, burnout survivor, hyper-growth business leader and social psychologist. From working with the world’s highest achievers throughout her 20+ year international career, being a Type A poster child herself and interviewing Olympians, start-up founders, Fortune 500 CEOs, leading researchers and celebrity coaches, Erin has seen firsthand how Type A personalities and constant over-achievement are coveted in the world of business, yet can lead to debilitating burnout.
After six years heading up marketing for the country’s largest healthcare staffing company where she led dozens of marketing professionals and helped the organization grow by 27x in six years, Erin has made it her mission to help leaders everywhere identify and break free from the Type A Trap so they can stay at peak performance for the long haul.
All 2026 Leadership Forum events and accommodations will take place at:
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Telephone: (800) 548-8886
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: $419+tax; $42 resort fee/night
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
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 Fontainebleau Miami Beach immediately following confirmation of your reservation.
Hotel reservation links will be provided in your registration confirmation once registration is complete.
Attendees must book their own flight accommodations. The cost of flights and ground transportation are not included in the event registration fee.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
- 11.2 miles from hotel
-
Travel time: 20 minutes
All transfers must be arranged by the attendees and are not included in the registration fee. Ubers and taxis are abundantly available from Miami International Airport to the hotel.
Car Service Information
For questions regarding hotel, please contact
Kaitlin Payne
Meetings & Events Manager
kpayne@convenience.org
+1 703-518-4249
What is Leadership Forum?
The NACS Leadership Forum is an invitation only event. Invitations are predominantly offered to operations, marketing, and food service executives of medium and large convenience retailing companies; to individuals in leadership roles from retail companies that demonstrate substantial engagement with NACS and is an exclusive membership benefit to our Hunter Club Suppliers.
What changes have been made to the registration and benefits?
NACS has implemented changes to the fees and benefits available to invited guests of the NACS Leadership Forum. These necessary changes ensure NACS can continue to provide high-touch networking, engagement and executive-level programming—hallmarks of the NACS Leadership Forum— while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our association and to the NACS supplier member companies who so generously support this industry event.
What is the Agenda for Leadership Forum?
The 2026 Leadership Forum will begin on Tuesday, February 10 – Thursday, February 12. Top-to-Top meetings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, while the committee meetings held in conjunction with the Leadership Forum will take place on Tuesday morning, February 10 and Thursday afternoon, February 12.
Will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?
All travel expenses are the responsibility of the attendee.
What meals are included in my registration?
Coffee breaks and some meals are included in your registration. See chart below for specifics.
|
Day
|
Breakfast
|
Lunch
|
Reception
|
Dinner
|
| Tuesday, February 10 |
Committee Members Only |
On Own |
|
On Own |
| Wednesday, February 11 |
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, February 12 |
|
Committee Members Only |
N/A |
N/A |
What is the attire for this event?
All daytime events are business casual. Jacket (no tie), and equivalent formality for ladies, is suggested for dinners and receptions.
We invite you to wear your best tropical attire for the NACS Networking Dine-Around on February 11.
What are the Breakout Activities?
New to the 2026 program, on February 11 Breakout Activities: Powering Your Network will be taking place in the afternoon from 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm. During registration attendees will be able to choose from one of the following immersive experiences: Beach Games, Sip & Paint, or Cocktails Around the World.
Each experience is facilitated to ensure conversations flow, introductions happen, and your network grows with purpose. Whether you're looking to build strategic partnerships, explore collaborative opportunities, or simply expand your circle within the industry, Powering Your Network offers the perfect environment to do just that — with a touch of style and a lot of connection.
What is the NACS Networking Dine-Around?
Network through the night - escape to Havana for a night of bold flavors, vibrant music, and spirited connections. Enjoy a dynamic evening of heavy strolling food stations, handcrafted cocktails and lively entertainment with fellow leaders in the convenience and fuel retail industry.
Will there be a NACSPAC Event?
Yes, there will be a NACSPAC VIP Party on Wednesday, February 11 from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm on the Glimmer Terrace. All participants must be a current NACSPAC contributor to attend. For any further questions about the NACSPAC VIP Party, please inquire with Katie Bohny.
What is the deadline to register for Leadership Forum?
Please register by Friday, January 16, 2026, so we can confirm your schedule. Registrations will be accepted after January 16th, but meetings with retailers and suppliers are subject to availability.
How do I book a hotel room for Leadership Forum?
Using the link provided in your registration confirmation, you will be able to make your own hotel reservations at the Fontainebleau Miami. The hotel cut-off date for reservations is Friday, January 9, 2026. Hotel rooms cannot be guaranteed after the deadline and are subject to availability. The hotel may sell out of group rated rooms, so please book your rooms early. The group rate is $419 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Will a copy of the attendee list for Leadership Forum be provided?
Yes. The final attendee list will be made available on-site at the event. Please note, NACS does not share email addresses of any event attendees without expressed consent.
What other meetings are happening during Leadership Forum?
NACS hosts a number of committee meetings during Leadership Forum. These meetings are open to committee members and invited guests only. Participation in the committee meetings does not guarantee an invitation to Leadership Forum.
What are Top-to-Top Business meetings?
A key feature of the NACS Leadership forum program, Top-to-Top Business meetings are 35-minute sessions where participating Hunter Club supplier companies can request to meet with participating retailers. There are nine (9) time slots for these meetings over the course of the event. The intended goals of these meetings are to strengthen relationships and facilitate forward-looking business conversations.
As a Retailer, how can I participate in the Top-to-Top Meetings?
During the registration process, all retailers will need to indicate if they are available for Top-to-Top Business meetings for each day. If you indicate you are available, your name and company will be shared with the participating suppliers for them to request a meeting with you. If a request is received, you will be made aware before the NACS team confirms your meeting time slot. Full participation is encouraged when meetings are requested. Exceptions can be made in the instance of business conflicts. All communications related to Top-to-Tops for participating retailers will come from NACS.
As a Supplier, how can I participate in the Top-to-Top Meetings?
A limited number of suites are available for purchase by Hunter Club members to host one-on-one private meetings with Retailers. Meetings are 35-minutes long and will take place on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Please contact Leigh Walls for more information.
What is your cancellation policy for this event?
NACS Leadership Forum is a world-class, invitation-only event made possible by the generous financial support of the participating supplier companies. Invited retailer attendees are strongly encouraged to be available for Top-to-Top Business Appointments and all other networking events when requested by suppliers. Final review/confirmation of all your event details will be provided approximately one week prior to the event.
Registration Cancellation/Changes: To cancel your participation, please contact Anna Serfass on or before January 16, 2026. Any fees paid will be returned in full if written cancellation notice is provided by January 16, 2026. After January 16, NACS will review all refund requests to assess forfeiture, full or partial refund depending on circumstances. Substitution or transfer of your event registration to another person within your company can be done at any time without penalty.
Hotel Cancellations/Changes: Please remember to cancel or change your hotel reservation at least 72-hours prior to your arrival. You make these changes directly with the Fontainebleau Miami by calling (800) 548-8886, or by emailing Kaitlin Payne. NACS is not responsible for any costs associated with hotel cancellations.
Is there any fine print I should be aware of?
By attending the event, all attendees consent to the terms and conditions below.