NACS Convenience Catalyst - Supplier FAQ

Are we eligible to apply for Convenience Catalyst?
To qualify your supplier company must:

  • Be a current NACS supplier member in good standing
  • Be a supplier of consumer goods and/or beverages
  • Available for a total of 22 potential meetings times between Wednesday, August 2 and Thursday, August 3, 2023

Which retailers are participating?

  • NACS retail member companies with 50+ stores
  • Select buyers from relevant categories
  • Retail companies participating will be announced in July 2023

What are the possible time slots?

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 Time)

  • 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 Time)

  • 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 time slots?
If you have a time conflict please contact Nicole Walbe, nwalbe@convenience.org by July 12th.

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

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.

Should we be planning sampling for the meetings (i.e. shipped before/after)?
NACS will request product samples once meeting schedules have been determined. We will request that you send these products to our main office, and we will ship the products to participating retailers on your behalf. Quantities will be determined once meetings have been scheduled – quantities may vary.