Global Economic Update

Dr. Michael Brand, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas.
Dr. Brandl is a frequent speaker about the current status of the US and global economy, financial markets, analysis, economic policy and regulation and labor market behavior. He currently teaches MBA and Executive MBA courses in economics and financial markets at the University of Texas. He is an affiliate faculty member of the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas and is a Next Generation Fellow with the American Assembly at Columbia University. Dr. Brandl earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Houston and his MA and BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

With personal incomes down, population growth slowing and unemployment rising, all channels of retail are competing to sell shoppers something during all day parts. As a result, the convenience stores are facing increasing competition for top-up shopping and the fresh meal category, which traditionally has been convenience channel’s domain. Joe’s presentation will focus on how store design, when used effectively, can transform consumers perceptions and alter behavior by creating free-flowing layouts, experiential environments and focused brand communications.

So, You Think You Know Your Customers?

Mike Greene, CEO, HIM!
Mike Greene knows a “thing or two about” small format retail. In fact his company him! has spoken to 15 million customers at "the moment of truth" via numerous continuous syndicated customer tracking programs to become better informed advisors to their clients. And Mike has been recognized as one of the leading advisors and influencers of convenience and small format retailing in the UK and internationally. Mike has had over 20 years experience in roles with Strasburger Enterprises (Global retail consultants that developed Shell Select), Shell UK, Martin McColl, Conoco UK, Spar, Circle K and United News. NACS recently partnered with him! to launch CTP (Convenience Tracking Program) shopper insights research in the US; him! has already made CTP an established “common language” between retailers and suppliers in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand and plans to do the same in the US.

Attend Mike’s session to confirm or eradicate some convenience industry shopper myths, and understand your convenience store shopper better as a result.

Warren Wilmot is the Chief Executive Officer of the 7-Eleven group in Australia. Warren has been with 7-Eleven for16 years, commencing as a District Manager in the field with franchisees. He progressed through various Operational roles, and briefly also was head of Marketing. In November 2002, Warren was appointed CEO for the organization. 7-Eleven in Australia has been operating for 31 years, and is a license from 7-Eleven in the United States. Currently 7-Eleven has approx 370 stores on the Eastern Seaboard in Australia, and is one of the key operators in the convenience channel in Australia. Prior to 7-Eleven, he spent 9 years with the Pizza Hut Group, in operational roles.

Australia has some very exciting convenience formats to see and learn from! Warren will give a sneak preview of the Australian market. We are sure you will want to find out more and hope will join us at the NACS Global Forum in Sydney from June 19-21, 2010.