Speakers will include nationally recognized industry experts and supplier representatives. Educational seminars will begin at 1:00 pm with the doors to the trade show opening at 4:00 p.m. The trade show [image-nocss] is scheduled to end at 8:00 p.m.
An advisory board has been assembled consisting of current independent c-store industry veterans to help guide topics and content. This expo will assist suppliers in receiving in-depth, first-hand learning and insight into a key segment of the c-store industry.
"The independent store operator comprises nearly two-thirds of the c-store universe, but has been the hardest group for suppliers to reach economically," said RBG's president and CEO Michael Zielinski.
The group will present supplier and member awards at the show, and it will also announce the winners of the ninth annual Royal Buying Group Scholarship Program. RBG will present two scholarships to members and/or members' children attending or enrolling to attend an accredited secondary educational institution.
"RBG's Independent C-Store Expo is the perfect opportunity for retailers to come and meet one-on-one with national representatives from leading c-store suppliers, to learn about new products, marketing promotions and opportunities to grow c-store sales," added Angela Angelilli, RBG's vice president of member services.
He added, "Going on our 11th year, we pride ourselves on making the Independent C-Store Expo a first-class event, allowing retailers and suppliers to network, while enjoying our reception and an informal atmosphere. We invite all brands of independent retailers to come enjoy a day's worth of activities starting with a c-store training course, with one of the industry best trainers, followed by free educational sessions on topics retailers face every day, and a trade-show exhibit with food, drinks and prizes throughout the night."
The I-C-Expo is free for all RBG members and open to all retailers throughout the country.
Lisle, Ill.-based RBG is a national organization dedicated to maximizing sales and profitability of convenience stores, petroleum locations, college book stores, truckstops/travel plaza centers, auto repair facilities, drug stores, tobacco outlets and liquor stores. It represents almost 6,000 locations nationwide. Its core service capabilities include negotiating with regional and national suppliers for impactful and competitive sales and marketing programs and providing category management, marketing and customer service support.
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