ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Only the NACS Show gives convenience retailers and suppliers under the age of 36 the chance to share how they would improve our industry; hear what they have to say during the “Bright Ideas From Around the World” educational session on Tuesday, October 18, at the NACS Show.
During the session, participants from Australia, Canada and New Zealand will compete in the Convenience Industry Global Achievement Award Competition. “This contest is geared toward young up-and-coming future executives in retail and manufacturing, so it’s an opportunity for them to start looking at the entire industry, as opposed to just their part of the industry,” said Alex Scholten, president of the Canadian Convenience Store Association. “The contest also brings us and our counterparts from Australia and New Zealand together to see what issues are impacting each of us. What’s happening in one country is often happening in other countries, so hearing these presentations gives all of us a broader perspective.”
From each country, one retailer and one supplier will give presentations in front of an international panel of judges that answer this question: “In light of increasing competition, particularly from supermarkets, pharmacies, dollar stores and low-priced retailers, how can convenience stores enhance value in order to generate profitable and sustainable growth?” The finalists will be judged on addressing the question, innovative thinking, the feasibility of implementing the idea and the overall quality of the presentation. Each presentation lasts between 10 and 12 minutes. The winners, who will be announced during the session, receive a trophy and recognition of their achievement.
“For attendees, it’s an opportunity to hear how different retailers and manufacturers from different countries are approaching different issues,” Scholten said. “This helps you understand these issues because you see them in a different light and hear solutions proposed from a different point of view.”
The 2016 NACS Show takes place October 18-21 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. Register today!