Breakfast

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive breakfast.

Breakfast not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

The future of convenience: Inside the Retail Innovation Lab at McGill

Retail is in a state of profound transformation, with consumers significantly changing what they buy and how they shop. At the same time, there’s a rise of unparalleled technological innovations spanning contactless shopping, AI, robotics, and big data, just to name a few. Join Charles de Brabant, Executive Director, Bensadoun School of Retail Management at McGill University in Montreal, as he separates the hype from what convenience operators really need to focus on to thrive in this new and exciting world. He will share new learnings from the Retail Innovation Lab in partnership with Alimentation Couche Tard–an actual convenience store equipped with state-of-the-art technology that, among other things, looks at consumer behaviour–as well as strategies for implementing technology in a relevant way, optimizing store layout, and building effective omni-channel operations. Whether you operate a multi-national chain, regional banner or one store, de Brabant will deliver practical insights to inform and optimize your business.

Adapting to emerging regulations in the vaping sector: Strategies for C&G retail success

To adapt to the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape of the vaping sector, convenience, and gas stations (C&G) retailers should implement a range of strategies to maintain profitability and position themselves for long-term success. These include staying informed about the latest regulatory changes and industry news, diversifying product offerings to adapt to changing consumer preferences, emphasizing product safety and quality, and collaborating with industry partners. By prioritizing these strategies, C&G retailers can navigate the changing regulatory environment and better position their businesses for success. With a range of products, a focus on regulations, and strategic marketing efforts, C&G retailers can continue to meet consumer demand and grow their businesses.

Sponsored by:

Increase your security, increase your sales: Responding to escalating violence in retail

Every day the news is filled with stories about violence and theft at c-store and gas stations across Canada. What can companies and operators do to improve the safety of staff and customers, while preventing losses that hurt the bottom line? Security expert Sean Sportun, vice-president, national accounts and community engagement, GardaWorld, will examine these issues, dig into larger trends and provide solutions to help operators boost safety and increase security, resulting in higher sales. 

On Your Corner. In Canada’s Corner. The importance of telling the convenience industry’s story with Anne Kothawala, CICC

$54 billion in sales. 201,000 jobs. 23,500 stores. Canada’s convenience industry matters and is an important element of the national economy. Yet, there are a number of headwinds facing the industry including contraband tobacco, credit card interchange fees, taxation as well as enabling the channel to diversify its product mix. As a national united voice of the entire c-store supply chain, join Convenience Industry Council of Canada president and CEO Anne Kothawala in conversation with Convenience Store News Canada editor Michelle Warren, as she discusses the big issues and how CICC turns these challenges into opportunities to tell our story to stakeholders to ensure the future success of our industry. 

Lunch & Learn: EV Charging at C-Store Gas

The fundamentals of electric vehicle charging solutions for Convenience Store Gas infrastructure. If you are considering how EV Charging might fit with your business and consumer expectations, this workshop is for you.

Sponsored by:

Canadian Carwash Association | Breakfast

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive breakfast.

Breakfast not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Reducing your car wash insurance claims – Brent Taylor, BrokerLink

As an owner, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Many are things you already do, I will share with you additional procedures that you can implement to offset the risks associated with operating a car wash.

Safety Compliance for your Business – Pam Patry, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

Canadian Carwash Association | Lunch

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive lunch.

Lunch not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.