CSP’sConvenience Retailing University (CRU) will take place Feb. 24-26 in Nashville and feature three days of category-based breakout sessions.
The annual conference is dedicated to convenience category manager leadership and development and features tracks for foodservice, packaged beverages, center store, technology and loyalty, fuels/alternative solutions and general sessions.
Here are some highlights of what convenience retailers attending will learn.
For more information on the agenda, or how to register or sponsor the event, click here.
Bold Tech Trends
Art Sebastian, chairman of CSP’sC-StoreTEC Advisory Board and founder and CEO of NexChapter, will share what bold tech trends are redefining convenience retail. From retail media networks to artificial intelligence to e-commerce and next-generation HR solutions, Sebastian will explore the technologies poised to dominate 2025.
How to Compete Against QSRs
Donna Hood Crecca, principal at CSP’s sister research arm Technomic, will reveal the latest research comparing the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and convenience industries—both of which are competing for consumers’ dollars.
Attendees will gain insights into how consumer perceptions of value differ between QSR and c-store customers. This session is followed by a conversation on how retailers can turn data into strategy.
Extending the Brand
A growing wave of convenience operators are extending their brand into new revenue streams. Mitch Morrison, vice president, retailer relations and event content director with CSP’s parent company Informa Connect, will interview Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing and merchandising and Weigel’s. The two will discuss how c-stores can grow their brands value and revenue stream through NIL partnerships and more.
Insights From CSP’s Category Manager of the Year Finalists
CSP’s Category Manager of the Year (CMOY) winners will be revealed at CRU. But before winners are named, some of the finalists will be part of panel discussions with CSP editors on the latest trends, challenges, innovations and more in six categories: center store, fuels/alternative solutions, foodservice, tech and loyalty, packaged beverages/alcohol and behind the counter.
For the first time this year, CMOY winners in each category will be chosen for both small and large chains. Finalists are from c-store chains including Pilot Co., Wawa, La Lomita, The Spinx Co. and more.
This is a small sampling of the three-day conference. For more information, including the times and days each speaker will present, visit convenienceretailing.com.
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