ALEXANDRIA, VA – When it comes to helping industry leaders identify opportunities and winning strategies for success, the NACS State of the Industry (SOI) Summit is the benchmarking authority. Year after year, top performers across the convenience and fuel retailing industry have relied on this event to gain a preview of the latest metrics that will help guide their companies for years to come. The first round of speakers has just been announced for this year’s SOI Summit, taking place April 14 – 16 at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel (formerly the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare).
In just under eight weeks, more than a dozen business experts, economists and top performers will take to the stage to deliver the first look at and analysis of the latest industry data, viewed through the lens of today’s most relevant industry topics. Attendees will gain new insights into the trends, opportunities and ”so whats” from some of the most acknowledged names both within and outside of our industry.
The SOI Summit will begin with a session addressing the Economy and Opportunities for Convenience Stores, led by David Nelson, Ph.D., professor of economics at Western Washington University and founder/president of Finance & Resource Management Consultants Inc. With 25-plus years of experience in the fuel marketing industry, Nelson will examine the most recent macroeconomic data and trends, what they mean for industry retailers.
James Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., professor of strategy and entrepreneurship and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the University of North Carolina, will lead a highly relevant session focusing on Disruptive Demographics. An energetic presenter, Johnson will explore how changing demographics related to age, gender, race, geography and marriage are affecting the future of consumer markets in the United States.
Dramatically shifting market conditions have made fuel a top consideration among many c-store operators. It’s more important than ever to gain a strong understanding of the market factors that affect fuel retailing. Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for OPIS, will lead the Overview of the Fuel Markets session, providing an authoritative look at this important performance category.
Lastly, Nielsen Perishables Group Senior Vice President Sherry Frey, will explore how today’s consumers approach health differently and how these health attitudes and behaviors no longer support a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality, in her session on Health and Wellness in America. She will also share the latest Nielsen info showcasing the fastest-growing health claims across key c-store categories and shoppers, identifying how to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.
Reserve your seat now at the upcoming SOI Summit, April 14-16, and see what this year’s numbers mean for yoru business. NACS has negotiated a discounted hotel rate of $195 single/double plus tax per room per night* for Summit attendees. To receive this special event rate, book your reservation online at 2015 NACS State of the Industry Summit - Hotel Reservations and enter group code “CS8” or call (800) 563-9711 and reference the group code “CS8”. Reservations must be made by March 20, 2015 to take advantage of this reduced rate.