As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, C-Store leaders prepare to face an unrelenting and continuously shifting landscape to scale and grow business. Today, change knows no boundaries, no borders, and no breaks. The impact of this can be felt as individuals’ fatigue under the weight of extreme ambiguity.

Seth will dissect how world-class firms, leaders, and sales producers are meeting the elevated expectations of more sophisticated and demanding customers by demonstrating an entirely new set of relationship competencies and intelligence gathering skills required to compete and win business in this new complex and competitive environment.

After hearing from Seth Mattison, we’ll break into tables and work together on real solving the top questions, concerns or issues facing labor challenges in our industries. Seth will be helping facilitate the discussion as he spends time with each group to work together as an industry. Ultimately, helping to bring real time actionable ideas to take back to your teams through peer to peer ideas!

Pivoting from the successive pain of Covid and historic inflation, consumers are back in full force and expecting the c-store sector to reward them, from more intuitive loyalty programs to better offerings to a superior shopping experience. Are you equipped to meet this challenge?

Supply chain instabilities are easing, but both global and domestic systems are not yet in a steady state. Hear from two industry leaders who will explain the power of strategic partnerships to manage continued supply chain disruptions, and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

Fierce competition means consumers face tough decisions when it comes to dining out. How can c-store operators attract new consumers, increase customer retention, and innovate with brands? During this forum, we’ll discuss how chains like Dash-In Food Stores have become a sought-out destination by pioneering on the culinary front. We’ll also discuss how operators can leverage familiar products & trends to differentiate themselves from competitors outside of our channel. 

Convenience stores are quickly evolving alongside consumer needs and demands to provide services that are on point with advancing technology, increased convenience and elevated experiences. Join Punchh and the popular c-store brand Casey’s, as they dive into the most prevalent and exciting trends determining the future of where the convenience store industry is headed today.

Climate change is driving the global conversation, and a shift in the fuel marketplace is inevitable. EVs are coming, but liquid fuels are here today. Improving your liquid fuel offerings can reduce your carbon footprint and give fuel retailers a competitive advantage.

Visit a family-owned and operated 2,500-acre estate beginning back in 1989 and still cultivating over
50 varieties of citrus. Enjoy a 4x4 monster truck tour through native woodlands and grove lands, pick citrus, and get to feed the onsite farm animals in their onsite petting farm.

1:45pm - 2:15pm, Check-in (located in the Tour Lobby)
2:15pm, Bus Departure
2:15pm - 5:00pm, Tour
5:30pm, Arrive at JW Marriott 

What better way to see the latest innovations in c-store design and merchandising than to visit the stores themselves? CRU’s Store Tours Program takes attendees along on a curated agenda of store visits to see what some of the area’s top operators are doing. Participants will view strategies in action within key categories and experience signature features of each location. The consumer and retail space is evolving rapidly, and you can’t afford to miss out on this competitive learning opportunity. 

1:45pm - 2:15pm, Check-in (located in the Tour Lobby)
2:15pm, Bus Departure
2:15pm - 5:00pm, Tour
5:30pm, Arrive at JW Marriott 

Ever wondered what the process is to make your favorite libations? This incredible exclusive tour offers a look behind the glass at one of Orlando’s local distilleries. This brewing process is monitored under the close personal attention of an award-winning experienced brewmaster to ensure the vision is reached batch after batch using traditional brewing methods and cutting-edge brewing practices. The brewery has an onsite tap and tasting room featuring flagship brands in addition to many seasonal and limited editions. 

1:45pm - 2:15pm, Check-in (located in the Tour Lobby)
2:15pm, Bus Departure
2:15pm - 5:00pm, Tour
5:30pm, Arrive at JW Marriott 

If you like being up close with nature, this is the experience for you. Certified guides lead you down Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, into a lush cypress forest. Traveling the waters by kayak offers rare opportunities to view native wildlife up close, including turtles, birds of prey, otters and even an alligator or two. 

2:00pm - 2:30pm, Check-in (located in the Tour Lobby)
2:30pm, Bus Departure 
2:30pm - 5:00pm, Kayaking tour
5:30pm, Arrive at JW Marriott 

We all love a little vino, but do you know how to identify and properly select the right wines for each meal? Take a journey with our expert as you learn what ingredients are in wine and how to properly read the label; properly select the right glass for the best taste for the wine selected; discover the proper temperatures to serve that wine and some helpful food and wine pairings that are sure to make you sound like an expert at your next dinner event. Led by our Sommelier, guests will experience a progressive wine flight of four wines paired with cheeses.

2:00pm – 5:30pm
2:00pm – 2:15pm, Check-in
2:15pm, Departure (Onsite at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek) 
2:30pm – 5:30pm, Wine Tasting Experience 

If you're looking for something to do at the hotel, head up to the 6th floor where you can play a 9 hole mini course. An attendant will greet you in the Conservatory Lounge to assist you with golf clubs and putters before you play a round of golf overlooking the Bonnet Creek Preserve and Orlando cityscape.