Sharing growth-igniting data and insights is what the NACS State of the Industry Summit is all about! We are back in Chicago and you cannot afford to miss this opportunity to seize the data that can transform your business!
Join us for two jam-packed days designed to help you understand the industry outlook and use it to your advantage. The NACS State of the Industry Summit is the only event that delivers insights—not just facts—on the latest financial, operational, categorical, regional market, and consumer trends in convenience.
- Get the first-look at the consumer, financial and operational data months before the SOI Report is released
- Benchmark your business against competitors in your region and across the country
- Get ahead of trends before they get ahead of you with the latest economic, consumer, convenience and adjacent channel trends that impact your business
- Identify the changes in shopper behavior that impact merchandising, dayparts and product discovery
- Retailers and industry experts share insights that will help you capitalize on trends, avoid pitfalls and optimize the performance of your business
- Unlock new thinking that will elevate the role your store(s) play in fulfilling shoppers needs and build bigger baskets
Leading fuel and convenience retailers and industry partners who want to make data driven decisions and know the value of using insights and benchmarking to improve their businesses. Retailers and their supplier partners know this event not only builds new connections and opportunities, but is the premier opportunity to upskill future leaders who can impact performance as they grow and develop their convenience and fuel industry knowledge.
See who's attending in 2024 (PDF)
- CEOs, Presidents, & Owners
- C-Suite Leaders and Decision Makers
- Key Staff Across Your Enterprise:
- Analytics/Data/Insights
- Category Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Operations
- Real Estate
With more than 50 years of convenience industry data, analysis and strategic insights behind it, NACS State of the Industry (SOI) Summit provides the data-powered answers you need to help set the course forward for your business. Each spring, we bring together top business speakers, industry experts, and top-performing c-store retailers to help break down the latest consumer, financial and operational data across the convenience channel—live from the stage.
Held over two fast-paced days, this year’s SOI Summit is the industry’s only event where convenience retailers gain access to the newest metrics—as well as industry trends, opportunities and ‘watch-outs’—in essential topic areas such as finance, labor, store operations, merchandising and motor fuels.
|
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
|
SOI Retailer/Stakeholder Strategy Session
Open to supplier member companies only, separate registration required, seating is limited.
Session Description
The Retailer/Stakeholder Strategy Session is a closed, supplier-only session that offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from five of the industry's leading retailers. Leadership from invited retailers will share top strategic initiatives and priorities -- and address supplier-generated topics collected in a pre-event survey -- in an intimate session. Sessions will be closed to external media and other retailers, assuring the insights and transparent dialogue are clear and actionable.
|
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
|
First-time Attendee Reception
NACS Executive Education Alumni Reception
|
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
|
Registration Open
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
|
Networking Reception
|
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
|
NACSPAC Lounge After Hours
|
|
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
|
Registration Open
|
7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
|
Networking Breakfast
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
8:40 AM - 9:30 AM
|
U.S. Economic Outlook for 2024 and Beyond
John Benson, Partner, AlixPartners
Session Description
Constantly shifting consumer preferences paired with uncertainty make for a difficult economy in which convenience retailers must do business, and understanding the current economic landscape and preparing for what the future may hold is critical. In this session, John will attempt to make sense of the complex mix of the conflicting indicators that are defining the business environment and help you understand what they mean for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
|
9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
|
Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
9:50 AM - 10:45 AM
|
Financial and Operational Lessons From 2023
Varish Goyal, President and CEO, Loop Neighborhood Markets
Session Description
This session will unveil the newest top-line metrics for total store sales, expenses, and overall profitability. Varish will cover key benchmarks on fuel gallons and margin, in-store profitability, and ever-growing business expenses. Attendees will also learn what it means to be a best-in-class retailer, new and continuing data trends, and what we see as the future for our channel.
|
10:45 AM - 11:40 AM
|
In-Store Performance Lessons From 2023
Annie Gauthier, CFO and Co-CEO, St. Romain Oil Co.
Session Description
|
11:40 AM- 12:40 PM
|
Networking Lunch
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
|
Daypart Disruption – How Fluidity in Daily Patterns can Spell Foodservice Opportunity for C-stores
David Portalatin, Senior Vice President and Industry Advisor, Food and Foodservice, Circana
Session Description
Consumer eating patterns are evolving. Macro forces such as an aging population, re-imagined workplaces, a post-pandemic reset, and a dynamic youth movement are disrupting how, when, and what we eat. The result is new opportunities to engage consumers with creative foodservice solutions to meet their changing needs. The return of mobility and more fluid daily rhythms create opportunity for convenience retailers to capture foodservice occasions throughout the day. In this session, we’ll explore the day parts where c-stores have historically thrived and delve into those established and emerging occasions where c-store have room to grow. Retailers and their supplier partners will take away insights from this session that will enable collaboration for foodservice success.
|
1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
|
General Session - Speaker TBA
|
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
|
Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
2:30 PM - 4:10 PM
|
NACS Global: Convenience Trends From Around the World
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
Session Description
NACS Global is an exclusive, globally connected network of passionate, forward-thinking senior representatives of convenience and fuel retailers and their suppliers, who want to stay ahead of the curve and be “in the know."
This session will provide a look into how NACS Global supports its international members to advance their businesses and their careers, through offering commercial and strategic connections, delivering international industry knowledge and thought leadership, and providing learning opportunities.
|
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
|
Region Breakouts: Northeast, Midwest and West
Session Description
NACS Regional Breakout Sessions cover key insights from newly released NACS State of the Industry data for each region: the Northeast (1), Southeast (2), Midwest (3), South Central (4), Central (5), and West (6).
Each session is led by a convenience retail executive based in the corresponding region and is designed to highlight how variances in geography, employment, and economic factors impact industry performance across the United States. The sessions will reveal performance and category metrics specific to the respective operating market followed by Q&A.
|
3:30 PM - 4:10 PM
|
Regional Breakouts Continued: Southeast, South Central and Central
Session Description
NACS Regional Breakout Sessions cover key insights from newly released NACS State of the Industry data for each region: the Northeast (1), Southeast (2), Midwest (3), South Central (4), Central (5), and West (6).
Each session is led by a convenience retail executive based in the corresponding region and is designed to highlight how variances in geography, employment, and economic factors impact industry performance across the United States. The sessions will reveal performance and category metrics specific to the respective operating market followed by Q&A.
|
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM
|
Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
|
Futureproof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty
Crystal Washington, Author and Futurist
Session Description
The new normal of consistent change is leaving leaders concerned about being left behind. Instead of implementing half-baked, panic-driven ideas...it’s time to identify the Easter eggs the future has left for us. In this talk, technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you and your team how to innovate, thrive and enjoy the ride.
In this session, you will:
- Understand the gifts the future really has to offer, allowing you to shape and manipulate for your ultimate outcomes.
- Identify the most under-utilized Easter eggs of innovation...which you already have in your basket.
- Create a framework to future-proof your career and organization...and avoid getting scrambled.
|
5:20 PM - 5:30 PM
|
Closing Statements
Lori Stillman, NACS
|
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
|
Networking Reception
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
|
NACSPAC Lounge After Hours
|
|
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM
|
Registration Open
|
7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
|
Networking Breakfast
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
8:20 AM - 9:00 AM
|
What Near-Term Technology Innovations Really Matter to Convenience Retailers?
Gray Taylor, Executive Director, Conexxus
Sanjeev Satturu, Senior Vice President Chief Information Officer, Casey’s General Stores
Session Description
In a quickly evolving world, retailers are swamped with all the buzzwords like generative AI, robotics and machine learning. To help cut through the noise Gray Taylor of Connexus will moderate a panel of retail technology experts and help retailers of all sizes determine what technologies they should be thinking about in the near-term.
|
9:00 AM - 9:35 AM
|
Five Things to Watch Out for in the Fuel Markets in 2024
Denton Cinquegrana, Chief Oil Analyst, OPIS
Session Description
So far, the 2020's have thrown petroleum marketers most every possible curve, with mostly positive outcomes. That does not mean there are no dangers lurking in 2024. Markets may be falling into a more normal pattern after a global pandemic and demand recovery, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions in the Middle East. From stable oil markets, to refineries transitioning to make biofuels, strong margins and shrinking demand, there are still plenty of potential disruptions to calm waters. In this session, Denton will present to retailers the five things they should be following in the fuels markets onver the next 12 months.
|
9:35 AM - 10:00 AM
|
Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
|
10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
|
Navigating the New Era of Retail Fuel Management
Nathaniel Doddridge, VP, Fuels, Casey’s General Stores
Jeff Burrell, VP, Retail Engagement, NACS
Session Description
It's a new era for fuel retailers. Nathaniel and Jeff's decades of experience managing retail fuel businesses will benefit retailers of all sizes as they discuss the ins and outs of fuel retailing. From understanding the operating markets and mastering the buying process to knowing the value of a solid fuels team, this session will deliver insights and lessons that can help drive fuel profitability into the future.
|
10:40 AM - 11:25 AM
|
EV Update
Karl Doenges, Charging Analytics Program Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
Session Description
The expansion of the electric vehicle market is featured in headlines every day. However, perception and reality are not aligned and neither are the projections for how quickly this market might expand. Karl Doenges of the Energy Institute will share data and insights about the current state of the EV market, evaluate the trends and expected trajectory of the market, and provide an objective view of how quickly and to what extent EVs might affect the business of convenience and fuel retailers.
|
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
|
Closing Remarks
Henry Armour PhD., NACS
|
Show Bio...
John has successfully led organizations to increased value through strategic and operational initiatives in a broad range of industries including convenience stores, travel centers, restaurants, and consumer packaged goods. His areas of expertise include strategy development, procurement transformation, logistics optimization, process improvement and organizational development. In addition to his advisory work, John has contributed as a researcher and author on a broad array of topics from the economy and the impact of COVID-19 to digital technology trends, to changing consumer behaviors. His work has been cited in several business news publications and presented at industry conferences. John has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Show Bio...
Denton has been with OPIS since 2001 and serves as the Chief Oil Analyst, responsible for the day to day operations of OPIS’ news and analysis division. In his role, Denton also provides big picture views to OPIS subscribers on a variety of topics from supply and demand trends to anticipating price moves in the futures, spot and retail markets in North America.
During his time at OPIS, Denton has covered a variety of markets from Natural Gas Liquids to U.S. refined spot markets. Before becoming the Chief Oil Analyst, Denton was leading the OPIS refined spots team.
He has been widely quoted and interviewed as an expert forecasting the price of oil and retail gasoline and diesel explaining what moves can mean for the consumer as well as the industry as a whole. Denton is a frequent contributor for major media outlets such as Fox Business, CNBC, MSNBC and CBS News.
Denton is a graduate of Rutgers University and football letter winner.
Show Bio...
Nathaniel joined the Casey’s team in August 2017. He leads the strategy and execution for all facets of fuel including supply, transportation, retail and commercial. Prior to Casey’s, he held several leadership positions across fuel and operations over ~13 years at Murphy USA. Nathaniel received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University and holds an MBA from Southern Arkansas University.
Show Bio...
Karl Doenges represents NACS on the coming disruption in mobility and how that effects convenience retailers. In this role, Karl focuses on NACS’ EV charging infrastructure program, monitoring and engaging the EV industry and theTransportation Energy Institute Electric Vehicle Council.
Previously, he was an advisor for fuel, energy, technology and water to Cranberry Capital, Vice President of Marketing and Government Affairs for Gradiant Corporation, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Business Development for Sweetwater Energy, President at Clean Fuel Distribution, Consultant to Protec Fuel Management and Director of Global Marketing at Wagner and Brown, Ltd.
Karl worked as a Senior Advisor in the United States International Trade Administration, focusing on the energy exporting team. Previously he was Director of TV Production at the White House and was in the George W. Bush Presidential Campaign.
Karl is a member of the State Bar of Texas, served on the U.S. District Export Council for the U.S. Department of Commerce, is an international business graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and Masters of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.
Show Bio...
Annie Gauthier is the CFO at St. Romain Oil Company in Mansura, Louisiana. She is responsible for the company's finance and accounting, risk management, HR and strategic and culture development. A third-generation co-owner, she works with her 2 brothers, 2 uncles, 2 aunts, and 240 other team members to refuel & refresh the Louisiana communities where they operate.
She earned her BA in British history at LSU, discovered that law school was not for her and worked for the Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association (LOMCSA) for 3 years before joining the family business in 2005. She has served in various leadership roles with LOMCSA, culminating with President in 2017. Annie is also a founding member of Corporate Works of Mercy Foundation, a private 501(c)3 focused on loving neighbors by living the biblical corporal works of mercy. Her purpose is to chart tomorrow's course from yesterday's lessons. Married to her high school sweetheart and mother to 3 young children, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling and planning trips (especially to Britain, Ireland and France).
Show Bio...
Varish Goyal is the CEO of Vintners Distributors, Au Energy and Loop Neighborhood Markets, a family of companies that operates 130 stores and supplies fuel to 80 dealers. Varish is a second-generation family member whose father, Nick Goyal, started the company. Varish is a proven operator who as lead his company through multiple rounds of growth. His strategic focus has recently led to the launch of a new lifestyle convenient market brand called Loop, the first of its kind in California.
Varish has been working in the convenience and petroleum retail industry since 2002. His first project was to implement a centralized price book, accounting and back office management system. From there, he leveraged the new IT system to become heavily involved in operations eventually taking the role of operations and price book manager. In 2005, he took over the role of Marketing Manager and Buyer. He is experienced at fueling, marketing, operations, finance, IT, mobile applications for retail, business intelligence and most recently new brand development. He is a member of the NACS Research Committee, Study Group 900 and YPO.
Varish holds a bachelors degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University and earned a MD/MBA degree from Wake Forest University. He is currently married to his wife of 19 years, Mansi, and they have a son, Aayush (16) and a daughter Vunshika (10). His hobbies include reading, tennis, football, snow skiing and anything related to technology.
Show Bio...
David Portalatin is a trusted industry advisor who works closely with leading food manufacturers and retailers as well as foodservice distributors, manufacturers, and operators. He shares data and deep expertise on how U.S. consumers eat and drink, their attitudes and motivations, their personal characteristics, and their use of restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Portalatin is also the author of Circana’s Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America, a compilation of food and foodservice research.
Previously, Portalatin was Circana’s analyst in the convenience retailing, automotive aftermarket, and motor fuels industries. Before joining the company in 1999, he held various positions in foodservice wholesale distribution and convenience retailing.
Portalatin is a frequent speaker at food and foodservice industry events, corporate conferences, and executive meetings. A recognized industry thought leader, his comments have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other national media outlets.
Show Bio...
Sanjeev joined Casey’s in August 2021. As the CIO, Sanjeev's drive is to make IT Smart and Convenient for Casey’s Guests and Team Members. Before joining Casey’s, Sanjeev led the Technology and Operations organization at Travelers. Prior to Travelers, Sanjeev spent 13 years at John Deere in various leadership roles delivering solutions that allowed customers to be more productive and profitable while growing the precision technology business from a $150M to over a $1B dollar recurring revenue generator in 6 years. Before John Deere, he spent 5 years at Daimler Chrysler AG leading Vehicle Engineering operations and Technology integration. Sanjeev holds an Executive MBA and a MS & BS in Electrical & Electronics Engineering. He is passionate about helping support underprivileged female children in furthering their education to follow their dreams.
Show Bio...
Gray grew up in the convenience industry with the opening of the family’s first convenience store in 1963. Involved in the family business, comprised of 87 stores, Gray gained experience in all phases of convenience store and chain retail operations. Gray has been involved on a variety of projects, including heading global product management for three of the world’s largest retail petroleum equipment and systems suppliers and vice president of research & technology for NACS. Gray managed product portfolios that included payment platforms for EMV migration markets from Malaysia to Canada, as well as mobile/RFID payments initiatives. He also established NACS’ card payments program which saved the industry $60 million in its first year of operations and currently serves over 1,500 stores, doing 100 million transactions annually.
Show Bio...
Crystal Washington, CSP works with organizations that want to leverage technology to increase profits and productivity!
As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal takes complex social media, app, and web topics, and makes them easy to understand and accessible for everyday people.
Crystal’s clients comprise Fortune 500 companies including Google, Microsoft, and GE and as a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe.
She has appeared in numerous publications including Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Forbes and is regularly called on by major television networks as a tech expert.
Crystal is the author of the books One Tech Action: An Efficiency Guide for Busy Non-techie Professionals to get More Done, Build Better Relationships, and Enjoy More Free time and The Social Media Why: A Busy Professional’s Practical Guide to Using Social Media Including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Blogs for Business.
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 2024 NACS State of the Industry Summit is open to both NACS members and non-members. For information on registration options and pricing, please click the appropriate category below. Register by December 15, 2023, to take advantage of Early Bird rates. After December 15, standard rates apply.
Association/Academia Attendee
Pricing: $999/person
Association/Academia Attendees require approval prior to registering for the 2024 NACS State of the Industry Summit. This registration does not include a complimentary State of the Industry Report of 2023 Data. Please contact soireg@convenience.org for assistance.
Media individuals/organizations are not eligible to attend/participate in the NACS State of the Industry Summit.
If you have questions regarding registering for the SOI Summit, please contact soireg@convenience.org for assistance.
If you have questions regarding SOI Summit marketing and advertising opportunities, please contact sdodge@convenience.org for assistance.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
$499 per person, separate registration required in addition to a full SOI Summit registration.
This special session is open to supplier members only and seating is limited. Hunter Club Gold members can register up to 4 attendees, Hunter Club Silver & Bronze members can register up to 3 attendees and supplier members can register up to 2 attendees.
Ready to ensure you are aligned and ready to facilitate retailer success? This session provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from five of the industry's leading retailers directly in a closed, supplier-only format. Presenting successively, leadership from invited retailers will share top strategic initiatives and priorities -- and address supplier-generated topics -- in an intimate session. Registered attendees will provide topics via a pre-event survey. Sessions will be closed to external media and other retailers, assuring the insights and transparent dialogue are clear and actionable. You won't want to miss this informative day!
Confirmed participating companies (as of 3/15/24):
Only registered supplier member attendees of the State of the Industry Summit are eligible to register for this event. The event will be closed after 150 seats are sold. To facilitate retailer/supplier transparency, the room will be closed to media, association members and NACS staff, with the exception of meeting facilitators.
The Technology Solutions Center features 15 technology businesses that have solutions specialized to the convenience industry.
Learn directly from technology company representatives how their latest convenience retail solutions can help your business grow, improve back-office operations, and elevate your customer experience. Technology Solutions Center exhibitors include:
Cash Depot is the largest independent provider of retail and consumer financial equipment and services in the United States. Our portfolio consists of over 37,000 financial kiosks, ATMs, and Air/Vac machines. Today Cash Depot continues to bring solutions and innovations to retail convenience – helping our retail partners reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve profits. With over 120 in-house service technicians and 250+ operational employees, Cash Depot is ready to help your business save money and build value!
Elevate your innovation and competitiveness with Conexxus, a dynamic non-profit driven by our visionary and passionate members. Our primary commitment lies in advocating for the industry’s needs and successes by championing technologies and supporting operational innovation. Connexus’ mission is to: improve your time to market, reduce cost and risk associated with innovation; empower cutting-edge solutions that redefine the retail landscape; define technology roadmaps; and prepare our industry through meaningful standards for the fast-changing landscape of retail and consumer experience.
Convenience Voices allows you to collect real-time decisions and opinions from your shoppers. Through a targeted survey with custom questions fielded to active convenience shoppers, you will be able to pinpoint the needs of specific shopper segments. Your personalized results are then analyzed and presented by NACS.
GSTV is America’s Most Engaging On-The-Go Video Network. GSTV’s data-driven, national video network entertains targeted audiences at scale across tens of thousands of fuel retailers. With an engaging mix of exclusive content and advertising from the biggest brands sold inside the c-store, GSTV influences consumer purchase decisions, drives in-store sales for retailers, and enhances the fueling experience during a moment that matters.
Ignite Retail Technology revolutionizes retail tech with customer loyalty programs, app development, data centralization, AWS powered MLB and AI, back-office management, mobile ordering, fuel management, self checkout, e-coupons, and more.
InContext provides an end-to-end solution for transforming the shopper experience and retail workflow through leading-edge digital twin technology. ShopperMX, our virtual platform for category planning and retail execution, enables your teams to visualize first in a digital twin of the store to maximize ROI. Our new augmented reality (AR) app, ShopperMX GO, takes visualization further using AR technology to verify planograms with fast, impactful in-store digital overlays.
Liquid Barcodes is a global marketing technology company with a mission to revolutionize digital marketing in the convenience and foodservice industry. We empower retailers by delivering real-time, personalized promotions, fostering 'live loyalty' among their customer base.
Mashgin is the world's fastest self-checkout system powered by AI. Using computer vision, Mashgin identifies items and instantly rings them up all at once. Customers simply place down their items and pay. Transactions on Mashgin are up to 400% faster than a cashier, resulting in shorter lines, more sales, and happier customers. Mashgin is live in over 3,700 locations across the world including major convenience chains like Circle K, ampm, Refuel, and DK.
NACS Data Archive: View up to 10 years of historical NACS State of the Industry Data in one easy-to-navigate application. A single subscription allows your entire team access to all the standard SOI data cuts and metrics, including revenue, gross profits, and expenses, as well as operational metrics such as transaction counts.
National Retail Solutions operates a point-of-sale (POS) terminal-based platform in ~25K independent retailers and bodega owners nationwide. The platform provides a robust portfolio of tools to help these retailers compete more effectively including rewards programs, consumer coupons, wholesaler discounts, and integration with Boss Revolution® communication and payment service products. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) suppliers, distributors and brokers work with NRS to glean actionable insights to drive growth, advertise to a hard-to-reach consumer audience within the NRS network, and provision promotions, coupons and special offers to independent retailers and their predominantly urban, ethnically focused shopper bases nationwide. NRS is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT)."
OPIS, a Dow Jones company, delivers energy commodity pricing, news and analysis in real-time across the downstream supply chain so that stakeholders can buy and sell with confidence in a market undergoing rapid transition. OPIS is a trusted pricing benchmark and directly influences nearly 100 billion gallons of fuel per year.
Ready Training Online is your partner to handle employee development, improve retention, and maintain store compliance. Bring your own content, select from our library, or film custom training with our in-house production team. RTO is with you every step of the way.
Rovertown’s app platform provides the flexibility needed to deliver personalized, meaningful mobile experiences. Designed for c-stores, Rovertown’s customizable platform empowers retailers to build branded, design-forward apps and make real time updates. Rovertown is equipped to integrate with any technology vendor and goes the extra step to ensure clients’ success through best-in-class implementation and support. Learn more at www.rovertown.com.
THRIVR, powered by SOCi, is a NACS initiative made available to its members to increase a retailer’s digital presence and enhance a customer’s digital experience. Consumers continue to increase their engagement with businesses through digital channels and THRIVR provides a platform to simplify listings management, review responses and social posting. Its important for businesses to show up where your customers are looking, this platform makes its easy for our members to do just that.
TruAge®—the faster, safer, more reliable way to verify age. TruAge revolutionizes the age-verification process—protecting retailers and maximizing consumer privacy, all while helping shut down sales to minors. Created by NACS and Conexxus, TruAge is supported by many of the largest names in convenience, and is free to retailers, consumers and POS providers. Improve the checkout experience on both sides of the counter with TruAge—Now Available to Verifone Customers. Get started at www.mytruage.org
Conveniently located five minutes from O'Hare International Airport, the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago serves as the location for the 2024 NACS State of the Industry Summit. For room reservations, please visit 2024 NACS SOI Summit Hotel Reservations. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 15, 2024, to receive the NACS group rate of $199 plus tax, per room, per night. Remember to book early! All reservations are based on availability and are not guaranteed. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from O'Hare International Airport.
NACS has partnered with the following airlines to provide attendees for the 2024 NACS State of the Industry Summit discounts on flights to and from Chicago, Illinois (ORD).
United Airlines is offering flight discounts for NACS State of the Industry participants. Discounts will vary based on fare class, flights, departure city, etc., and are not guaranteed for all flights. Valid travel dates are March 26-April 13, 2024 for flights going to/from O’Hare International Airport (ORD). You can book your reservation by visiting United.com. You will need to enter the offer code: ZPC9190087 under promotions/certificates. You may also call the United Reservations Meetings Desk at (800) 426-1122 and provide the offer code to secure your reservation over the phone.
Airports:
Directions to SOI Summit Host-Hotel:
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Enjoy complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the O’Hare Airport and Hyatt Regency O’Hare.
From Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Weather: April weather in the Chicago area is typically pleasant, with average temperatures in the low to mid-50s, but the meeting rooms may get chilly so bring layers, just in case.
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 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 have 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 aburke@convenience.org.
What is the NACS State of the Industry Summit?
With more than 50 years of convenience industry data, analysis and strategic insights behind it, the NACS State of the Industry (SOI) Summit provides the data-powered answers you need to help set the course forward for your business. Each spring, we bring together top business speakers, industry experts, and top-performing c-store retailers to help break down the latest consumer, financial and operational data across the convenience channel—live from the stage. Held over two fast-paced days, this year’s SOI Summit is the industry’s only event where convenience retailers gain access to the newest metrics—as well as industry trends, opportunities and ‘watch-outs’—in essential topic areas such as finance, labor, store operations, merchandising and motor fuels.
Where and when is the NACS State of the Industry Summit?
The Summit will take place April 3-5, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago in Rosemont, IL.
Schedule of Events
View the Agenda Here
How much does it cost to attend the State of the Industry Summit?
Please see the Registration tab for the full outline of event fees.
What is included with my registration?
Access to all sessions and NACS sponsored receptions and meals for the duration of the conference. All attendees that are NACS members in good standing will receive a complimentary license to access the digital version of the State of the Industry Report® of 2023 Data.
Who is eligible to attend?
Retailers and suppliers are eligible to attend the NACS State of the Industry Summit. You do not have to be a NACS member to attend, however, NACS members receive a discount on their registration.
Association/Academia Attendee
Pricing: $999/person
Association/Academia Attendees require approval prior to registering for the 2024 NACS State of the Industry Summit. This registration does not include a complimentary license to access the State of the Industry Report of 2023 Data. Please contact
soireg@convenience.org for assistance.
Media individuals/organizations are not eligible to attend/participate in the NACS State of the Industry Summit.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations received on or before Friday, March 11, 2024 will receive a refund (less a $100 administrative fee). From March 2 through March 15, 2024 a fee equal to 50% of any registration fees paid or due will be assessed. After March 15, 2024, the full amount of any registration fees paid or due will be forfeited. Transfer of registration to another person within your company for the same event can be done at any time without penalty. Please remember to cancel your hotel reservation directly with the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago by calling (847) 696-1234.
How do I change my registration/replace with a colleague?
If you need to make a change/substitution to your registration, please submit your request to soireg@convenience.org.
How do I access my invoice/confirmation after I register?
A confirmation/invoice will be sent to you immediately after your registration has been submitted. For additional assistance, please email soireg@convenience.org.
What is the SOI Retailer/Stakeholder Strategy Session and who can attend?
Open to supplier members only, seating is limited based on company’s member type. This session provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from five of the industry's leading retailers directly in a closed, supplier-only format. Presenting successively, leadership from invited retail companies will share top strategic initiatives and priorities -- and address supplier-generated topics -- in an intimate session. Registered attendees will provide topics via a pre-event survey. Sessions will be closed to external media and other retailers, assuring the insights and transparent dialogue are clear and actionable. You won't want to miss this informative day! Note: There is a separate fee to attend this session.
What are the regional breakout sessions?
Unique to the NACS State of the Industry Summit, these sessions take convenience benchmarking to the next level by separating the data into the six NACS geographic regions. A full Profit and Loss Statement down to store operating profit, merchandise performance by category and expense detail are all provided for attendees to compare and contrast against their own numbers. The performance data is delivered by a top-performing retailer, based in the corresponding region. Each region is unique and that is reflected in the insights gleaned from the regional breakouts.
Are government rates or student rates available?
No, we do not offer government or student discounts/rates for the State of the Industry Summit.
How do I advertise in the NACS Magazine June SOI Summit special edition?
Companies who attend the SOI Summit qualify for a discounted advertising rate in the NACS Magazine’s June Issue, which is a special edition that exclusively reports on data presented at the Summit. Click here for more information or to reserve your ad.
How can I get a copy of the slides from the General Sessions?
Select slide decks will be available for download, with the approval for release by the presenter, on their respective session. Upon completion of the post-forum survey, you will receive a link to review approved presentations.
Will a copy of the attendee list for State of the Industry Summit 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.
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 State of the Industry Summit?
The 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit will take place April 8-10, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, Dallas, TX.
If you have additional questions, please contact soireg@convenience.org or Anna Serfass at (703) 518-4243.
How can I grow and evolve my foodservice program?