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.

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.

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)

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.”

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.

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.

Foodservice has grown in the last few years! Hear this year's CMOY nominees talk about unique challenges, new innovations, and more! 

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. 

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! 

"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. 

There's so much crossover between General Merch and Center Store. Mary Sonatore and Stephanie Reeder take this opportunity to create a group discussion and answer your questions on their previous session. 

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! 

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! 

Nothing goes better with chats than a good snack. Which is why we're bringing the two together! Connect with other attendees, make new friends, and discuss hot topics in the industry!

Hemingway famously said, "Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." So be it wine or your favorite beverage, join us to think, drink, and connect with each other!

The glitterati of CRU will be found at the Cocktails Reception before the Awards Ceremony! Come for a a few drinks and some tantalizing appetizers before dinner! Hob nob with attendees, CMOY finalists, and more! 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!

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!