Category Breakouts (choose 1 of 7)
Discover the insights, key trends and innovative thinking that best-in-class operators employ to drive c-store traffic. Uncover what makes top-tier category managers tick, and find out how they grapple with everything from exciting new product introductions to pricing, out-of-stocks to promotions. Join us as our team of editorial experts and last year's CMOY award winners sit down with some of the brightest category managers in the business to discuss their strategies for elevating an entire organization—one category at a time.
Ideation is important, but what programs are implemented into the stores is an imperative decision. Jason Read (Wawa) and Jessica Williams (Food Forward Thinking LLC) take us through key approaches on foodservice programs and the decision-making process. Does a program make sense for all stores, or a select few? What will be Grab and Go vs. Made to Order? Discuss the operation challenges that drive research and design. See some of the Next Generation Beverages that are hitting the market. Walk away with the tools you need to say ‘Create’ or ‘Reject’ with your team.
Director of Store Operations
Wawa Food Markets
Founder & CEO
Food Forward Thinking LLC
Review current trends within packaged beverages & the cold vault. Bonnie will share some of the takeaways from Goldman Sachs proprietary Beverage Bytes retailer and distributor surveys. Learn about the strategies the large beverage companies are taking regarding innovation, pricing, etc.
Managing Director
Goldman Sachs
Cowen’s Vivien Azer will discuss current trends and her outlook for the U.S. tobacco, alcoholic beverage and cannabis categories, including the role of innovation and regulation in tobacco, evolving trends and preferences in alcoholic beverages, and the interaction between cannabis and alcohol (in particular among younger, legal age consumers)
Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst
Cowen
The triple threat of the category declining over the past 4 years: COVID, increase in remote working, and changing taste profile from Gens Y & Z - have expedited the downfall of the Dispensed Beverage Category which had a long history of being a “cash cow” for the convenience store channel. In this session, we will explore creative strategies to revitalize this category, and reposition its role to a “trip driver.”
EVP Sales and Business Development
Impact 21
Have you been thinking about creating a frictionless check-out experience for your guests? During this session, you will hear the pros and cons from a Convenience Retailer that has Implemented Self-Checkout. While there has been some successes, there have been key challenges and learnings that they will share in this interactive session.
Category Manager
Dash In
No matter what the category, we're all feeling the disruption supply chain is causing. Two center store retailers discuss the ways they're navigating the challenges of contract compliance and incentives when you can’t get product, using your backoffice data for your advantage, and how you can look towards the future.
Category Manager of Center Store
Yesway
Marketing Manager
Speedy Stop
It was one year ago when Russia invaded Ukraine and gas prices surged to $5/gl. From pricing volatility to the rise of electric charging to bipartisan efforts to make E15 legal year-round, the forecourt has never been so chaotic. How do we bring stability amidst uncertainty? How do we balance profitability with greater sustainability?
In this conversational session, Casey’s Fuel Category Manager Sarah Blodgett navigates an approach that blends market sensibilities with new opportunities, maximizing cents-per-margin, while foreseeing new technologies.
Fuel Category Manager
Casey's General Stores
Category Breakouts - 23' CMOY Finalists (choose 1 of 7)
Discover the insights, key trends and innovative thinking that best-in-class operators employ to drive c-store traffic. Uncover what makes top-tier category managers tick, and find out how they grapple with everything from exciting new product introductions to pricing, out-of-stocks to promotions. Join us as our team of editorial experts and last year's CMOY award winner sit down with some of the brightest category managers in the business to discuss their strategies for elevating an entire organization—one category at a time.
Foodservice has grown in the last few years! Hear this year's CMOY nominees talk about unique challenges, new innovations, and more!
Food Category Manager
Pilot Company
Sr. Category Manager, Foodservice and Dispensed Beverages
Dash In
Category Manager- Foodservice and Franchise Brands
EG America
Editor | Moderator
CSP Daily News
These CMOYs know what's happening when it comes to packaged beverages! Watch the dynamic panel comprised of Non-Alcoholic & Alcoholic Beverages CMOY finalists as they chat all things C-Store Packaged Beverages.
Category Manager-Beer, Wine & Spirits
Yesway
Sr. Category Manager, Beer/Packaged Beverage
La Lomita Inc.
Category Manager- Packaged Non-Alcoholic & Alcoholic Beverages
G&M Oil Co.
Category Manager – Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery
Murphy USA
Founder & CEO | Moderator
Food Forward Thinking LLC
New things are happening every day in Behind the Counter. These CMOYs break down the current trends and challenges they've faced this year and talk what's to come!
Sr. Category Manager- Tobacco
Circle K
Category Manager - Tobacco
Thorntons LLC
Marketing Manager, U.S. Franchise
Circle K
Sr. Category Manager Cigarettes, Tobacco, Kratom
Maverik, Inc.
Senior Editor | Moderator
CSP Daily News
"Pour me a cold one!" or a warm one...anything's possible in the C-Store! This year's CMOY finalists talk all about Hot and Cold Dispensed Beverage.
Dispensed Beverages Category Director
Circle K
Foodservice Category Manager
CEFCO
Category Manager - Dispensed Beverages
GPM Investments
Director of Food Service and Beverage Brands
Southwest Georgia Oil Company, Inc., dba SunStop
Vice President, Retailer Relations & Event Content Director | Moderator
Winsight Media and Events
There's so much crossover between General Merch and Center Store. Stephanie Reeder and Anne Johnson take this opportunity to chat with Winsight's Carol Valora and create a group discussion.
Director of Lottery and Automated Retail Services
Walmart, Inc.
Category Manager of Center Store
Yesway
Program Content Manager, | Moderator
Winsight Media and Events
Snacks and Candy and GM and HBC...oh my! Center Store has grown and changed in the last few years. Hear how this year's CMOY finalists have worked to meet customer demand while incorporating new trends!
Sr. Category Specialist Center of Store
BP Americas
Category Manager- Center Store
The Spinx Co.
Senior Category Manager, Candy & Snacks | Moderator
MAPCO
Fuels and EV are a hot topic this year! From costs to new regulations, it seems like something new is always happening. This panel of CMOY finalists sit down to discuss the challenges and changes from the past year!
Fuel Operations Director
Circle K
Fuel Category Manager
Casey's General Stores
Director of Retail Fuels
Kum & Go
Content Director, Convenience Group | Moderator
CSP Daily News
Speed Networking
Location: CRU Product Gallery (Griffin Ballroom)Spend some quality time this morning in structured networking opportunities that will connect you and CRU's supplier partners to provide the solutions and partnerships you need! Retailers will receive of list of suppliers that outlines who and where your meetings are during this time. Be sure to complete all your meetings to be eligible for a $100 Amazon gift card!
CRU's Rockin' Evening
Location: Palm BallroomThe glitterati of CRU will be found at the Cocktails Reception before the Awards Ceremony! Come for a few drinks, and some tantalizing appetizers before dinner! Hob nob with attendees, CMOY finalists, KISS and Tina Turner impersonators, and more! And YES, dressing as a rocker is encouraged! Cheers!
Join us as we honor the rock stars of category management in CSP’s 8th annual Category Manager of the Year Awards. The CMOY awards honor category managers who are pushing the convenience-store industry forward. All attendees are welcome to join us for a plated 3-course dinner while we recognize c-store professionals from across the industry in eight major product categories. Come raise a glass with us in honor of all the nominees!
Content Director, Convenience Group
CSP Daily News
Senior Director Industry Engagement
Altria Group Distribution Company
We’ve celebrated this year’s CMOY nominees and winners, don’t stop now! Let’s continue the party with Rock-n-Roll Karaoke. Join American rock guitarist Billy Morris, from Warrant and Quiet Riot, and sing onstage with your peers hits from the decades! And yes, dressing in your favorite decade is encouraged!
Rock Legend