At the 2024 NACS Leadership Forum, we believe in a future of convenience that is people focused, purpose driven, and community centered. As leaders in the industry, it's vital to embrace these principles to stay competitive, foster growth and navigate disruptive forces. This annual invitation-only event offers a unique opportunity for prominent retailers and suppliers to join together to advance the industry through strategic networking, engaging with industry peers on emerging issues and innovation all bespoke to fuel your business growth.
In today’s challenging and complex convenience landscape, it's essential to be people focused. When employees are engaged, well-supported, and empowered, they are more likely to provide the level of service and experience that drives increased trips, loyalty and engagement. We’re digging into the ways in which your organization can drive growth with people-first leadership. You’ll be ready to take the steps that drive employee engagement, belonging and super-charge your culture in ways that will positively transform your business.
Leadership without purpose is directionless. To drive growth and inspire your teams, it's crucial to be purpose driven. This entails having a clear vision and purpose that guides your decision-making and breathes energy into your organization's culture. Throughout the event, speakers will uncover the profound impact that a well-defined purpose and a compelling vision has on your leadership and your organization. Participants will discover how aligning actions with a meaningful purpose and charting a clear vision not only guides strategic direction but also cultivates a culture of motivation, innovation, and enduring success.
Convenience is not just about transactions; it is about building thriving communities. Being community centered means actively engaging and empowering the communities in which you operate. By supporting local initiatives, fostering belonging and addressing community needs, you can create a positive impact. We’ll get hands on with retailers and leaders who are successfully implementing and leveraging community-centered strategies to strengthen their employee value proposition and deepen community ties.
Join us at the 2024 NACS Leadership Forum as focus on what makes convenience retail unlike any other industry: our commitment to our people, our enduring purpose and strengthening the communities we serve.
To join with us at the heart of convenience retail, visit our registration tab to request your exclusive invitation.
This agenda is regularly updated. Check back often for updates.
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11:00 am – 5:30 pm
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Registration Open
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1:00 pm – 4:55 pm
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Top-to-Top Business Appointments (by invitation only)
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5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
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Leadership Spotlight: Leading with Purpose
Travis Sheetz, President and CEO, Sheetz, Inc.
Henry O. Armour, PhD, CEO and President, NACS
For nine of the last 10 years, Sheetz has been recognized by Fortune magazine among its list of the 100 best companies to work for – at No. 58 in the 2023 ranking. As one of the fastest-growing, family-owned and operated convenience retailers with stores across six states, Sheetz employees more than 24,000 employees and serves over 1.5 million customers each day. Unique benefits and advancement opportunities reflect a genuine concern for employees’ well-being – a respect that is not only felt within work groups but extends across the counter through their Total Customer Focus. Travis joins Henry Armour of NACS to talk about how the Sheetz focus on culture and community engagement strengthens their employee value proposition and their marketplace success.
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6:15 pm – 6:30 pm
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Master of Convenience Awards Presentation
NACS honors industry leaders who have earned the designation of Master of Convenience as a result their successful completion of three or more of the five NACS Executive Education programs. With the support of their organizations, recipients of the NACS Master of Convenience designation have prioritized self-improvement, which in contributes to the growth and excellence of not just their company but also the convenience retailing industry as a whole.
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6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
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NACS Welcome Reception
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Evening
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Open Evening for Dinner
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8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Registration
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8:00 am – 9:00 am
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Networking Breakfast
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9:00 am – 10:00 am
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Culture Rules: How to Release Untapped Human Potential and Performance
Mark Miller, Vice President of High-Performance Leadership, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Culture is the cumulative effect of what people see, hear, experience, and believe. Building a high-performance culture - where people and organizations win - comes as the result of high-performance leaders committed to leading their organizations to new levels of productivity and success. Mark Miller shares how three simple rules determine the healthy, vitality and sustainability of an organization's culture and how you can use them to release tremendous reserve of untapped human potential and performance throughout your organization.
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10:00 am – 11:00 am
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The Future is Human: Creating People-First Work Cultures
Hannah Ubl, Co-Founder, Good Company Consulting
We are living in a new era of work, one where businesses win when leaders are compassionate, communication is empathetic, and people are prioritized. But that transformation, much like any kind of change, requires a great degree of intention and care. By embracing the workplace lessons learned in the wake of the global pandemic, opportunity exists to design the kind of organization people aspire to work in, and a culture all can be a part of.
Hannah Ubl shares wisdom on how to create a healthier, happier, and a more successful company culture by putting people first. Steeped in years of research and listening – really listening – to employees at all levels, she brings to life what the future of work can and should look like, and how you can take steps to begin immediately.
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11:00 am – 11:20 am
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Break
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11:20 am – 12:15 pm
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Building a Culture of Belonging
Tameka Harper, Global Chief Diversity Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
Colette Matthews, Global Vice President of Customer Experience & Inclusion Executive Sponsor, Alimentation Couche-Tard
Belonging — the belief that we are connected, supported, and respected — is a basic human need. It is also a critical component of creating cultures of equity, diversity, and inclusion at work. Belonging in the workplace can pave the way for greater performance, innovation, satisfaction, and persistence through challenges.
Join as three of the industry's most respected companies share how their efforts to build a more diverse and connected culture is generating positive results across innovation, employee satisfaction, collaboration, and beyond.
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12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
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Lunch
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1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
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Convenience Health Check with Dr. Scott Zietlow
Dr. Scott Zietlow, CEO and Chairman, Kwik Trip, Inc.
Henry O. Armour, PhD, President, and CEO, NACS
It has been one year since Scott Zietlow turned in his stethoscope and stepped down from his role as Professor of Surgery in the Trauma, Critical Care and Surgery Division of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to become the CEO and Chairman of Kwik Trip.
In this one-on-one conversation with Henry Armour, Dr. Zietlow will share the lessons he has learned - and rediscovered - in his first year leading Kwik Trip. We will learn his thoughts on leadership, culture and the unexpected similarities between a renown medical institution and a chain of thriving convenience stores.
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2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
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Convenience Industry Long-Term Imperatives to Become the Employer of Choice
Hunter Williams, Partner – Retail & Consumer Goods, Oliver Wyman
Kevin Lewis, Chief Growth Officer, Alimentation Couche-Tard
Melanie Isbill, Chief Marketing Officer, RaceTrac, Inc.
Industry members of the NACS Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (NCCRRC) share insights from a just-released industry action plan that focuses on the power of collaboration in the quest to solve for key impediments that stand in the way of convenience retail being recognized as an employer of choice for workers.
Based on an extensive study completed by the NCCRRC with Oliver Wyman in late 2023, these leaders will dig into the study’s learnings and discuss the ways in which the industry must hold hands and collectively address labor challenges that persist across all retailers.
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3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
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Convenience Gives Back
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3:30 pm – 5:25 pm
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Top-to-Top Business Appointments (by invitation only)
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6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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NACS Reception
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7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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NACS Dinner
(Must be a Friends of NACS member to attend)
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9:00 pm
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NACSPAC Lounge
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8:00 am – 11:00 am
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Registration
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8:00 am – 9:00 am
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Networking Breakfast
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9:00 am – 10:00 am
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Cultivating a Vibrant Community with Heart: Strategies for Sustainable Success
Stephanie Sikorski, VP, Marketing, NACS and Executive Director, NACS Foundation
In a world where the convenience and fuel retailing industry moves faster than ever, building a strong sense of community is the key to success. Discover the heart of community engagement with our panel of esteemed industry leaders, as they share their personal strategies and insights for cultivating meaningful connections with their customers and communities in the digital age.
Join us for this engaging 60-minute session, where top-level executives and thought leaders will discuss novel approaches to fostering belonging among your customers, employees, and other key stakeholders. Our panelists will reveal the secrets to creating authentic and lasting relationships with diverse audiences.
Gain valuable insights on how community engagement fuels brand loyalty, enriches customer experiences, and drives business growth, all with the added heart of building connections that matter.
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from industry pioneers, as they inspire you to take your organization to the next level by harnessing the power of community. Join us for this extraordinary discussion, and leave ready to make a difference by embracing strategies that build lasting, emotional connections to drive sustainable success in the convenience and fuel retailing industry.
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10:00 am – 11:00 am
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Unstoppable Teams: The Power of Aligned Winning
Alex Weber, Award-Winning Speaker, Author, TV Host and American Ninja Warrior
In our unpredictable environment, we must create teams that bond together, grow together, and achieve together to realize our goals. But building sincere trust that is rooted in genuine care between the team members, leaders, and the organization is not for the faint of heart!
With a focus on "Aligned Winning", Alex Weber brings his positive energy, entertaining style, and message of empowerment to teach us how to take a human-first approach to build and strengthen meaningful bonds within our teams.
Alex will share how to avoid the pitfalls that cause most teams to fall victim to the Silent Dividers, where contempt and apathy take over. No matter the challenge, building an Unstoppable Team will be the backbone of a united, cohesive, and driven team set on achieving record-breaking success - together.
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12:00 pm
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Post-Forum Committee Meetings
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Read bio >>
Henry Armour is the president and CEO 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.
He became president and CEO of NACS in July 2005, 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.
Read bio >>
Tameka is Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) at The Coca-Cola Company – leading the company's global DEI strategy, as well as implementation of measurable programs and initiatives. In her role, Tameka leads a talented team focused on operationalizing the company’s DEI strategy. She works closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors, networked team of operating units and functional leaders as well as partners across The Coca-Cola Foundation, Global Supplier Diversity, Legal and Public Affairs.
Tameka has held a variety of leadership roles across several functions during her 22-year career at Coca-Cola. Before becoming the CDEIO, Tameka led Transformation & Value Delivery for the company’s Platform Services division, where she connected with internal and external stakeholders, driving collaboration and transparent performance management with operating units and functions.
Tameka is a native of Atlanta and an alum of Georgia Tech where she earned a degree in electrical engineering. She received her MBA from Mercer University and currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Greater Women’s Business Council, where she chairs the Engagement Committee.
Read bio >>
Melanie Isbill, Chief Marketing Officer, joined RaceTrac in 2008 as Commercial Analyst. After leaving to earn her master’s degree, she returned in 2011 as Private Label Brand Manager. She served as Director of Brand Communication and Executive Director of Marketing before assuming her role as Chief Marketing Officer.
In addition to being a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Melanie is also actively involved in RaceTrac’s Women’s Leadership Business Resource Group, LEAD. In 2016, Melanie was honored as a Who’s Who in Marketing at Leading Retailers by Shopper Marketing and was named a Women of the Year as a Top Women in Convenience by CSNews in 2021. Melanie also serves as a Board Member for the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Prior to joining RaceTrac, Melanie was an intern at The Coca-Cola Company and Product Assistant at Macy’s Merchandising Group. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in marketing and Italian language. She earned her MBA in marketing and finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Melanie and her husband, Steve, have two children, Lily Ray (5) and Eddie (3), and a dog, Max.
Read bio >>
Mark Miller is a seasoned business leader, a Wall Street Journal and international best-selling author, and a dynamic communicator. He worked for one of the world’s great organizations for almost 45 years. Mark began his Chick-fil-A career as an hourly team member and recently retired as the Vice President, High Performance Leadership.
Mark began his Chick-fil-A career working in one of the chain’s local restaurants as an hourly employee. Since those early days, his roles have spanned much of the organization. Mark joined the corporate staff working in the warehouse and mailroom, he then provided leadership for Corporate Communications, Field Operations, Training & Development, Quality and Customer Satisfaction, Leadership Development, and more. For the last twenty-five years, much of his time has been focused on helping the organization grow its leadership capacity.
Mark’s passion is serving leaders. He has traveled to dozens of countries around the world in response to his calling. Whether speaking to global audiences or individual leaders, his message is consistent and pragmatic: Lead Every Day.
Mark and his team at Chick-fil-A have invested a quarter century and millions of dollars searching for and validating ideas that work. Over the years, they have focused on numerous topics including building High Performance Teams, High Performance Organizations, Employee Engagement, Execution, Personal Leadership Effectiveness, and most recently, Culture. These projects have each culminated in globally acclaimed books. Today, more than one million copies of Mark’s books are available in 25+ translations.
Mark is also an avid photographer. His expeditions have taken him to some of the world’s most difficult to reach destinations. He has photographed silverback gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda, icebergs in Antarctica, Maasai warriors in east Africa, Nepalese culture at Everest Base Camp, and much more. More adventures are in the works.
Mark is married to Donna, his high school sweetheart. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Mark and Donna have two sons, Justin and David. Justin is married to Lindsay; their children, Addie, Logan, and Finn, are frequently featured on Mark’s Instagram feed.
Read bio >>
Travis began working at Sheetz in the construction department and later spent time in Marketing and Accounting during summers in high school and college. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Finance in 1992 and an MBA in Marketing from the Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt University in 1995. Upon graduation, he moved to Pittsburgh to become a Real Estate Site Selector for Sheetz in western PA and Ohio. He moved up to Director of Real Estate in 1998, and then began a rotation at Sheetz, serving as the Director of Sales, Regional Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations. In 2013, he was named the Executive Vice President of Operations, overseeing Store Operations, Store Efficiencies, Maintenance, and Human Resources. In 2018, he was named the first President/COO in Sheetz history, and currently oversees Operations, Human Resources, Store Development, Marketing & Distribution, Strategy and IT.
Travis currently serves on the board of directors for QuikTrip, Sheetz, Inc., and Sheetz for the Kidz, an employee-driven charity serving children in need.
Read bio >>
Stephanie Sikorski is VP of Marketing and Executive Director of the re-imagined NACS Foundation for NACS, the association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In this role, she leads the development of integrated marketing strategies and executes campaigns to effectively grow the organization’s global brand.
Prior to NACS, Stephanie was Marketing and Communications Manager – Member Programs for The Vision Council, which represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry. She has been working in the Marketing and Communications field for nearly 20 years, gaining experience with the City of Tallahassee, Florida, as well as Napier Outdoors and Creative Arts. She has been an active member of the American Marketing Association’s D.C. Chapter (AMADC)—the fourth largest chapter in the nation—having served as President in 2018-19. Sikorski holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from Niagara College Canada, an honors B.A. in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations from George Mason University, and a Master’s degree from Georgetown University in Integrated Marketing Communications. Stephanie also received the designation of Cause Consultant by Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication and holds leadership certificates from NACS Marketing Leadership Program (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University), NACS Women’s Leadership Program (Yale School of Management, Yale University), NACS Innovation Leadership Program (MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology), NACS Executive Leadership Program (The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University), and Innovation Leadership Program (MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). She resides in Alexandria, VA.
Read bio >>
Hannah Ubl's core mission is to create organizations that don’t suck. She’s devoted her career to flipping the traditional workplace script, throwing out the old “employees are lines on a spreadsheet” in favor of treating people at work more like… well, people.
As Co-founder of Good Company Consulting, she’s sought after for her bold take on building workplaces that prioritize the human experience while simultaneously increasing the bottom line. Hannah’s dedicated the past decade to researching people at work - not just top talent and leadership - but everyone in between. She’s discovered a strangely well-kept secret for recruiting and retaining the workforce of the future: the best recipe for organizational success is rooted in mindfulness, empathy, and kindness.
Hannah’s work is a fresh approach to the standard (and outdated) workplace narrative. Not afraid to ask the hard questions, she pushes audiences towards self-inquiry to help them become better leaders, better managers, and better colleagues.
With heart, deep conviction, and a good dose of self-deprecating humor, Hannah will sweep you along on a journey of insights that lead to deep, lasting mindset shifts about how work works. A passionate speaker and consummate professional, she’s energized by her audiences and brings her full self to each and every presentation.
Read bio >>
Alex Weber is an American Ninja Warrior, Award-Winning Leader & Entertainer positively inspiring millions to achieve breakthrough success! Not only does Alex talk the talk as an in-demand international speaker, he’s walked the walk as an elite competitor on NBC’s Emmy-nominated series American Ninja Warrior. Well, more like, leaped the leap! This wildly popular TV show has sparked a global phenomenon to the extent that hundreds of thousands of people apply, and only a few hundred are given the rare opportunity to compete. Alex is the only person to host and compete on NBC American Ninja Warrior.
Alex’s greatest passion is championing your highest potential by helping you find your Edge, because success is about more than just knowing what to do, it’s knowing how to do it.
Alex shows Top Professionals and Leaders how to bring their very best every day, and to the most high-stakes situations that can make or break your success. It's his sincere understanding of peak performance and peak challenges, mixed with inspiring stories and actionable strategies that makes Alex unforgettable and your human shot of espresso. With his contagious energy and passion, Alex shares his game-changing secrets to record-breaking success!
Read bio >>
Scott has been Chair of the Board of Directors of Kwik Trip since 2000. He assumed the roles of President and CEO after his dad, Don, retired in 2022.
Zietlow earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry and Microbiology and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Zietlow is a graduate of the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine where he completed a residency in General Surgery. He was appointed to Mayo Clinic Staff in 1989. Dr. Zietlow is the past Chair of the Division of Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery within the Department of Surgery. He holds board certifications in both general surgery and surgical critical care and has been in numerous leadership roles for surgery, trauma, and prehospital care associations promoting high quality patient care. Dr. Zietlow is Professor Emeritus of Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and Science, and is the author of over one hundred scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters. He was the recipient of the Mayo Distinguished Clinician Award in 2021.
Additional leadership roles include medical director for Mayo Clinic Medical Transport for three decades and prior Chair of the Mayo Clinic Ambulance Board of Directors. He also serves on the Boards for multiple philanthropic foundations.
Scott and his wife (Dr. Jill Swanson) have four sons and three grandchildren. They enjoy family and outdoor activities, and they reside in Rochester, Minnesota.
NACS will be offering a limited number of complimentary invitations to retail companies that meet event requirements. Invitations are predominantly offered to operations, marketing, and food service executives of medium and large convenience retailing companies and to individuals in leadership roles from leading retail companies. If you believe you should be included, please fill out and submit a Leadership Forum Invitation Request Form.
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 26, 2024
| Company Owned/ Operated Stores |
Complimentary Attendees |
Paid Attendees |
| 1-10 |
0 |
1 |
| 11-50 |
2 |
1 |
| 51-200 |
3 |
Unlimited |
| 201-500 |
5 |
Unlimited |
| 501+ |
5 |
Unlimited |
* All retail attendees must still meet all invitation requirements to be invited.
| Attendee Type |
Registration Fee |
1 Night Hotel Credit (room & tax) |
| Complimentary |
$0 |
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| Paid Attendee |
$1,299 |
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| Spouse |
$499 |
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| NACS Leadership** |
$0 |
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** NACS Leadership Attendees include current members of the Board of Directors, All Past Chair/Presidents of NACS, and 5 Star NACSPAC Donors from retailer companies.
Please contact Lori Stillman, Vice President of Research and Education at lstillman@convenience.org for more information on invitation qualifications or applicable fees.
All inquiries are subject to review. Individuals who are selected for a 2024 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.
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Number of Invitations |
Cost
(per attendee) |
Above Invitation Allotment
(per attendee) |
| Hunter Club Gold |
4 |
$6199 |
$7599 |
| Hunter Club Silver |
2 |
$6199 |
$7599 |
| Hunter Club Bronze |
1 |
$6199 |
$7599 |
Please contact Leigh Walls, Director, Supplier Relations and Hunter Club Liaison at lwalls@convenience.org for more information on becoming a NACS Hunter Club member.
All inquiries are subject to review. Individuals who are selected for a 2024 invitation will be contacted by the NACS Leadership Forum team.
All 2024 Leadership Forum events and accommodations will take place at:
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Telephone: (904) 277-1100
NEW in 2024: All attendees are responsible for booking and guaranteeing their own hotel accommodations.
NACS Group Rate: $349+tax; $10 resort fee/night
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, January 19, 2024
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.
- Invited Retail Attendees: Complimentary invited retailer attendees are eligible for a reimbursement of one hotel night if all attendance requirements are met (participation in Top-to-Top appointments, if applicable and attendance at the NACS Dinner, if RSVP’d attending). Reimbursement forms will be sent to all eligible retailers at the conclusion of Leadership Forum. Paid Retail attendees will be responsible for the cost their entire hotel stay.
- Supplier Attendees: Supplier attendance is limited to NACS Hunter Club Member companies. All Hunter Club attendees will be responsible for the cost of their entire hotel stay. For more information on how to participate, please contact Leigh Walls, Director, Supplier Relations and Hunter Club Liaison at lwalls@convenience.org
Hotel booking links will be provided on 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.
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
All transfers must be arranged by the attendees and are not included in the registration fee. Below is information on local car services that can be reserved to transfer to/from the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
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.
Car service information coming soon.
For questions regarding hotel, please contact
Suzanne George, CMP
Meetings & Events Manager, NACS
sgeorge@convenience.org
+1 703-518-4259
The NACS Leadership Forum is a world-class event that brings together established leaders from the convenience and fuel retailing industry to explore high-impact and meaningful approaches to business in a dynamic setting.
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 schedule of Events for Leadership Forum?
The 2024 Leadership Forum will begin on Tuesday, February 13 – Thursday, February 15. 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 Thursday afternoon, February 15.
Will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?
All travel expenses are on your own. Qualifying retailers, current members of the Retail Board of Directors, Past Chairs/Presidents and 5 Star NACSPAC Donors from retail companies are eligible for a reimbursement of one hotel night if all attendance requirements are met. Reimbursement forms will be sent to all eligible retailers at the conclusion of Leadership Forum. Paid Retail attendees will be responsible for the cost their entire hotel stay.
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 13 |
N/A |
On Own |
|
On Own |
| Wednesday, February 14 |
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, February 15 |
|
On Own |
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. A festive touch of red will add to the elegance and ambience of our Gala Dinner.
What is the NACS Gala Dinner?
To celebrate the enduring connections and timeless bonds of our industry, a special NACS Gala dinner on Wednesday, February 14, will offer an elegant evening of networking and celebration with other Leadership Forum attendees. Participating Hunter Club companies will have the opportunity to host tables during the dinner. More information will come from Leigh Walls when instructions are available.
Will there be a NACSPAC Event?
Yes, there will be a NACSPAC event at Leadership Forum. All participants must be a current Friends of NACS member to attend. More information will come from Katie Bohny when logistics are finalized.
What is the deadline to register for Leadership Forum?
Please register by Friday, January 26, 2024, so we can confirm your schedule. Registrations will be accepted after January 26th, 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 Ritz-Carlton. The hotel cut-off date for reservations is Friday, January 19, 2024. 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 $349 plus $10 resort fee plus taxes per night.
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. Past attendee lists are available. Please note, NACS does not share email addresses of any event attendees without expressed consent.
What are the Pre-Forum Meetings?
NACS hosts a number of committee meetings during the Leadership Forum. These meetings are open to committee members and invited guests only. Participation in the committee meetings does not guarantee an invitation to the 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.
To cancel your participation, please contact Suzanne George on or before January 26, 2024. Any fees paid will be returned in full if written cancellation notice is provided by January 26, 2024. After January 26th, NACS will review all refund requests to assess forfeiture, full or partial refund depending on circumstances.
Is there any fine print I should be aware of?
By attending the event, all attendees consent to the terms and conditions below.
When is the 2025 NACS Leadership Forum?
The 2025 NACS Leadership Forum will be held at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island outside of Jacksonville, Florida.