Sharing growth-igniting data and insights is what the NACS State of the Industry Summit is all about!
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 attended 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.
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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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.
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1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Food Safety Forum
Separate registration required; seating is limited.
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5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
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First-time Attendee Reception
NACS Executive Education Alumni Reception
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5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Registration Open
Technology Solutions Center Open
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5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Networking Reception
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9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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NACSPAC Lounge After Hours
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7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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Registration Open
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7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
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Networking Breakfast
Technology Solutions Center Open
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8:20 AM - 8:30 AM
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Welcome
Charlie McIlvaine, Chairman/CEO Coen Markets; Chairman, NACS Research and Technology Committee
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8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
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U.S. Economic Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Dr. Thomas Weinandy, Senior Research Economist, Upside
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9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
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Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
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9:50 AM - 10:45 AM
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Financial and Operational Lessons From 2024
Varish Goyal, President and CEO, Loop Neighborhood Markets
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.
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10:45 AM - 11:40 AM
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In-Store Performance Lessons From 2024
Andrew Baill, Senior Manager of Customer Insights and Strategy, Wawa
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11:40 AM- 12:40 PM
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Networking Lunch
Technology Solutions Center Open
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12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
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TBD
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1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
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TBD
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2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
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Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
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2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
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Macro Trends and Insights From Around the Global Convenience Industry
Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
Session Description
In this session, Mark Wohltmann, Director of NACS | Global, will delve into the macroeconomic trends impacting the more than one million convenience stores across the globe. Learn about the development curve of convenience retail and how to benchmark where you are ahead or lagging behind, compared to the world’s leading c-store operators.
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.
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2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
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Regional Performance Insights From 2024: 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.
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3:30 PM - 4:10 PM
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Regional Performance Insights From 2024 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.
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3:30 PM - 4:10 PM
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TBD
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4:10 PM - 4:30 PM
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Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
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4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
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TBD
Steve Lerch, President, Consultant, Speaker, Story Arc Consulting
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5:20 PM - 5:30 PM
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Closing Statements
Charlie McIlvaine, Chairman/CEO Coen Markets; Chairman, NACS Research and Technology Committee
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5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Networking Reception
Technology Solutions Center Open
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9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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NACSPAC Lounge After Hours
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7:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Registration Open
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7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
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Networking Breakfast
Technology Solutions Center Open
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8:20 AM - 9:00 AM
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TBD
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9:00 AM - 9:35 AM
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Fuel Deep Dive with OPIS
Denton Cinquegrana, Chief Oil Analyst, OPIS
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.
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9:35 AM - 10:00 AM
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Networking Break
Technology Solutions Center Open
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10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
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TBD
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10:40 AM - 11:25 AM
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Tracking Key Metrics of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Karl Doenges, Charging Analytics Program Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
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.
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11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
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Closing Remarks
Henry Armour PhD., NACS
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Show Bio...
Andrew joined Wawa in January 2016 and has held roles focused on identifying savings opportunities and driving greater efficiency, increasing productivity in Wawa’s stores, and developing Wawa’s long term corporate strategy. In Andrew’s current role, he is responsible for studying consumer behavior through research and customer data analysis, and leveraging those learnings to bring new customers in, energize existing customers, and enhance the customer experience.
Prior to joining Wawa, Andrew worked as a management consultant at Bain and Company in Chicago, where he focused his time across multiple industries, including foodservice and retail. Andrew earned an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his bachelor’s degree from Wharton as well. In his free time, Andrew enjoys exploring Philadelphia with his wife and three children, and playing tennis and ultimate frisbee.
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...
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...
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 and a daughter Vunshika. His hobbies include reading, tennis, football, snow skiing and anything related to technology.
Show Bio...
Steve Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker and consultant, and a highly respected voice in the world of digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, innovation, and leadership.
An in-demand public speaker, Steve has spoken at conferences, trade shows, and board meetings from California to the Netherlands and everywhere in between. He’s served as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions like Georgetown University and the University of Pittsburgh as well as given keynote speeches for multiple college and high school graduations. His high-energy style perfectly blends humor, inspirational stories, insightful data, and actionable advice, which makes him a perfect choice for larger more inspirational keynote addresses as well as more specific breakout and education sessions.
Prior to the formation of Story Arc Consulting, Steve spent nine years at Google crafting his unique perspective on the topics of innovation, strategy, and digital marketing. For five years at Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters, he brought this unique point of view to dozens of major consumer electronics businesses, working hand in hand with the likes of GoPro, OtterBox, Roku, and many others. Steve leveraged this digital expertise to help with the launch of hugely successful consumer electronics companies like Nest and LifeProof, by assisting them in the design of their first-ever digital marketing campaigns.
After moving to DC in 2015, Steve helped to launch Google’s first foray into the world of Advocacy and Association marketing. He helped the country’s largest membership organization, advocacy groups, non profits, government agencies, and agricultural checkoff programs better utilize digital tools and strategies to understand and reach their desired audiences.
Leveraging his nine years at Google and the experience gained from serving as a digital strategy consultant to dozens of the world’s most well-known brands, Steve brings independent consulting services to companies of all sizes and across all industries. Steve specializes in offering a high-level outside perspective on a company's overall vision, goals, and approach to marketing, challenging organizations to think more strategically and to evolve past strategies to embrace a digital first world. He also offers more specialized expertise in digital marketing, influencer marketing, consumer journey mapping, attribution strategy, and website design.
Show Bio...
Dr. Thomas Weinandy is a Senior Research Economist at Upside, providing valuable insights into consumer spending behavior and macroeconomic trends for the fuel, grocery, and restaurant industries. With a Ph.D. in Applied Economics, his academic research is in digital economics and brick-and-mortar retail. He recently wrote a book on leveraging AI for business intelligence.
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 2025 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.
Association/Academia Attendee
Pricing: $999/person
Association/Academia Attendees require approval prior to registering for the 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit. This registration does not include a complimentary State of the Industry Report of 2024 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.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
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!
The Technology Solutions Center features 15 technology businesses that have solutions specialized to the convenience industry.
The Technology Solutions Center at the SOI Summit allows exhibitors to connect directly with hundreds of convenience retail leaders. The Center will be available to SOI Summit attendees during all event networking breakfasts, lunch, session breaks, and evening receptions.
SOI Summit attendees are focused on identifying solutions to meet their business challenges, making participation in the Center a timely opportunity to advance your business within the convenience industry. If you are interested in exhibiting at the 2025 NACS SOI Summit Technology Solutions Center, please contact Chris Wise at cwise@convenience.org.
Conveniently located within the DFW International Airport, the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport serves as the location for the 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit. For room reservations, visit 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit - Hotel Reservations to secure your room online. Reservation deadline is March 21, 2025 to receive the NACS group rate of $199 plus tax, per room per night. Remember to book early! All rooms are based on availability and are not guaranteed until you confirm your own reservation.
Airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Weather:
April weather in the Dallas Area is typically pleasant, with average temperatures in the low to mid-70s during the day and the 50’s overnight, but the meeting rooms may get chilly.
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.
As a first time attendee, is there anything I should know about the event before attending?
The NACS research team is hosting a free, 20-minute webinar in the week leading up to the SOI Summit to help you better engage with the data and event. The webinar will help guide attendees on each component of the SOI Summit; from frequently asked questions, to where the data comes from and how you can best use it, to what you can expect at the live event! Participating in the webinar will help you prepare for what you can expect at the event and get the most out of your experience in Dallas.
Where and when is the NACS State of the Industry Summit?
The Summit will take place April 8-10, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport in Dallas, Texas.
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 2024 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 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit. This registration does not include a complimentary license to access the State of the Industry Report of 2024 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, February 28, 2025 will receive a refund (less a $100 administrative fee). From March 1 through March 14, 2025 a fee equal to 50% of any registration fees paid or due will be assessed. After March 14, 2025, 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 DFW International Airport by calling (972) 453-1234.
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: You must be registered to attend the NACS State of the Industry Summit to attend this session. 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. View the 2024 list of attendees (PDF). 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 2026 NACS State of the Industry Summit?
The 2026 NACS State of the Industry Summit will take place April 14 – 16, 2026 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, IL.
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?