NACS Convenience Catalyst - Retailer FAQ

How do I get an invitation to participate?
Retail attendees must meet certain criteria to be able to participate. Participation is also limited to ensure the quality of meetings can be maintained. If you meet the criteria below and wish to be invited, please contact nwalbe@convenience.org as soon as possible.

Participating Retailer Criteria:

  • Work for a NACS retail member company in good standing with 50+ stores
  • Be responsible for recommending and/or buying CPG products or beverages for a convenience store
  • Available for a minimum of two,20-minute meetings on August 2-3, 2023

How are the meetings scheduled?
Each retailer participant will complete a meeting request form providing their list of preferred suppliers and available meeting times. NACS will facilitate meeting pairings based on requests/availability. 
Meeting Request Deadline:  July 19 - To develop the best schedules possible, we need a firm head count by the deadline. 
 
When are the possible meeting times? 
There are 11 possible meeting times each day. A maximum total of 22 meeting times across our 2-day Convenience Catalyst event. 

  • Meeting Length: 20 minutes with 5-minute transitions in between. 
  • Time Zone: All meetings are in Eastern Time 
  • Breaks: One scheduled hour break from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. 5-minute transition time between meetings.   

Morning Meetings (Eastern)

  • 10:00 – 10:20 AM
  • 10:25 – 10:45 AM
  • 10:50 – 11:10 AM
  • 11:15 – 11:35 AM
  • 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM

Afternoon Meetings (Eastern)

  • 1:00 – 1:20 PM
  • 1:25 – 1:45 PM
  • 1:50 – 2:10 PM
  • 2:15 – 2:35 PM
  • 2:40 – 3:00 PM
  • 3:05 – 3:25 PM

What if I cannot participate during specific meeting times? 
Minimum 2 meeting requirement. Participating retailers must commit to at least 2 supplier meetings. Time/availability conflicts should be indicated on the meeting request form. 

Can other people from my company attend my meetings with me?
Yes, however, we recommend keeping your meetings to small to maximize your time.

Meeting Software – Do I need to download software to participate? 
All meeting schedules will be communicated through our web-based meeting platform, Whova. Whova requires sign in but is accessible without downloading. If preferred, a mobile app is available. More information on how to access Whova will be provided in the coming weeks. 

Meeting Format – Video Conference (platforms may vary)
Meetings will be conducted via the hosting supplier’s preferred video conference platform (e.g. Teams, Zoom, Google Meet). Most video conferencing platforms allow guests access without download but functionality may be limited. Once confirmed, NACS will communicate the platform of your meetings for advance preparation. 

Meeting Tech Support
Because meeting platforms may vary, technical support may be limited. Please let us know if you have any issues so we can connect you with the meeting host. 

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