As regulations, consumer preferences, and product innovations continue to reshape the tobacco category, this roundtable dives into the latest trends and challenges facing convenience retailers and suppliers, with a focus on harm reduction strategies. Attendees will explore how the tobacco industry is evolving, including the rise of alternative products aimed at reducing harm, while managing compliance, diversifying product offerings, and adapting to shifting customer behaviors. The discussion will cover ways to maintain profitability while integrating harm reduction options and educating consumers about safer alternatives. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers who have direct connection to the tobacco category, any operations and marketing leaders, as well as anyone who would like to be informed on emerging tobacco trends and regulations.

Facilitated By: Reynolds

From cybersecurity threats to physical store safety, convenience retailers face a range of risks that can impact operations and reputation. This discussion will cover strategies for mitigating risk, enhancing security measures, and preparing for potential crises. Attendees will collaborate on best practices for creating safe and resilient businesses. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers with responsibility for safeguarding retail operations, both in the physical and digital realms.

Facilitated By: Roy Strasburger, Vision Group Network

Attracting, retaining, and developing talent is more challenging than ever. This roundtable will explore best practices for staffing, innovative training programs, and competitive benefits packages that help build a strong workforce. Attendees will share insights on reducing turnover, fostering employee engagement, and creating a workplace culture that drives long-term success. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing talent, as well as creating a positive workplace culture within convenience retail organizations.

Facilitated By: Myra Kressner, Vision Group Network

What motivates customers to visit a convenience store today, and how is that changing? This discussion focuses on evolving trip drivers, shifting shopping habits, and the emerging preferences of modern consumers. Attendees will exchange ideas on how to enhance the in-store experience, capitalize on key traffic-driving categories, and meet customer expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers who focus on customer behavior, store experience, and sales growth.

Facilitated By: Dee Cleveland, Hunt Brothers Pizza

Ensuring food safety is non-negotiable in today’s retail environment, but the challenges extend beyond compliance and quality control. Supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, and evolving regulations are putting increased pressure on convenience retailers to maintain high standards while managing operational constraints. This roundtable will cover key practices, compliance requirements, and emerging trends in food safety and quality assurance, with a focus on building resilient supply chains, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring product integrity from sourcing to shelf. Attendees are encouraged to discuss strategies for training staff to uphold food safety protocols despite high turnover rates and limited resources. The session will provide a platform for sharing real-world experiences, identifying common pain points, and exploring innovative solutions to maintain safety and quality while navigating the complexities of today’s operational landscape. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for overseeing food quality, safety compliance, supply chain integrity, and workforce training in convenience retail.

Facilitated By: Kay Segal, Business Accelerator Team

Technology continues to revolutionize every aspect of convenience retail, from mobile payments to advanced data analytics and in-store automation. This session will explore how retailers can leverage digital tools to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales growth. Attendees will discuss emerging technologies such as AI-powered inventory management, digital payment systems, self-checkout solutions, and data-driven decision-making tools. Expect a lively conversation on practical applications, real-world successes, and the future of digital transformation in the convenience retail space. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for technology strategy, operations, and customer engagement through digital tools.

Facilitated By: Matt Riezman, NexChapter

Customer loyalty programs have become essential for driving repeat business and building brand affinity. This session will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing loyalty strategies to maximize customer retention and increase basket size. Attendees will exchange insights on successful loyalty initiatives and explore innovative approaches to customer engagement. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for customer engagement, loyalty program design, and overall sales and marketing strategy.

Facilitated By: Mike Templeton, NexChapter

Growth through acquisitions, partnerships, or strategic development remains a key focus for many convenience store operators seeking to expand their market presence, drive efficiencies, and unlock new revenue streams. This roundtable will provide a platform for attendees to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Discussion topics will include valuation considerations, financing strategies, identifying and assessing acquisition targets, and navigating the complexities of deal negotiation. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers focused on strategy, growth, and financial planning.

Facilitated By: Terry Monroe, American Business Brokers & Advisors

Retail attendee's will participate in an open forum with their non-competing peers from other regions. A Retail Leaders Exchange is not open to media or supplier participants. Lead by a volunteer from the group, the topics for discussion are identified by first asking the group "what's on your mind."

As regulations, consumer preferences, and product innovations continue to reshape the tobacco category, this roundtable dives into the latest trends and challenges facing convenience retailers and suppliers, with a focus on harm reduction strategies. Attendees will explore how the tobacco industry is evolving, including the rise of alternative products aimed at reducing harm, while managing compliance, diversifying product offerings, and adapting to shifting customer behaviors. The discussion will cover ways to maintain profitability while integrating harm reduction options and educating consumers about safer alternatives. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers who have direct connection to the tobacco category, any operations and marketing leaders, as well as anyone who would like to be informed on emerging tobacco trends and regulations.

Facilitated By: Reynolds

From cybersecurity threats to physical store safety, convenience retailers face a range of risks that can impact operations and reputation. This discussion will cover strategies for mitigating risk, enhancing security measures, and preparing for potential crises. Attendees will collaborate on best practices for creating safe and resilient businesses. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers with responsibility for safeguarding retail operations, both in the physical and digital realms.

Facilitated By: Roy Strasburger, Vision Group Network

Attracting, retaining, and developing talent is more challenging than ever. This roundtable will explore best practices for staffing, innovative training programs, and competitive benefits packages that help build a strong workforce. Attendees will share insights on reducing turnover, fostering employee engagement, and creating a workplace culture that drives long-term success. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing talent, as well as creating a positive workplace culture within convenience retail organizations.

Facilitated By: Myra Kressner, Vision Group Network

What motivates customers to visit a convenience store today, and how is that changing? This discussion focuses on evolving trip drivers, shifting shopping habits, and the emerging preferences of modern consumers. Attendees will exchange ideas on how to enhance the in-store experience, capitalize on key traffic-driving categories, and meet customer expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers who focus on customer behavior, store experience, and sales growth.

Facilitated By: Dee Cleveland, Hunt Brothers Pizza

Growth through acquisitions, partnerships, or strategic development remains a key focus for many convenience store operators seeking to expand their market presence, drive efficiencies, and unlock new revenue streams. This roundtable will provide a platform for attendees to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Discussion topics will include valuation considerations, financing strategies, identifying and assessing acquisition targets, and navigating the complexities of deal negotiation. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers focused on strategy, growth, and financial planning.

Facilitated By: Terry Monroe, American Business Brokers & Advisors

Technology continues to revolutionize every aspect of convenience retail, from mobile payments to advanced data analytics and in-store automation. This session will explore how retailers can leverage digital tools to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales growth. Attendees will discuss emerging technologies such as AI-powered inventory management, digital payment systems, self-checkout solutions, and data-driven decision-making tools. Expect a lively conversation on practical applications, real-world successes, and the future of digital transformation in the convenience retail space. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for technology strategy, operations, and customer engagement through digital tools.

Facilitated By: Matt Riezman, NexChapter

Ensuring food safety is non-negotiable in today’s retail environment, but the challenges extend beyond compliance and quality control. Supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, and evolving regulations are putting increased pressure on convenience retailers to maintain high standards while managing operational constraints. This roundtable will cover key practices, compliance requirements, and emerging trends in food safety and quality assurance, with a focus on building resilient supply chains, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring product integrity from sourcing to shelf. Attendees are encouraged to discuss strategies for training staff to uphold food safety protocols despite high turnover rates and limited resources. The session will provide a platform for sharing real-world experiences, identifying common pain points, and exploring innovative solutions to maintain safety and quality while navigating the complexities of today’s operational landscape. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for overseeing food quality, safety compliance, supply chain integrity, and workforce training in convenience retail.

Facilitated By: Kay Segal, Business Accelerator Team

Customer loyalty programs have become essential for driving repeat business and building brand affinity. This session will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing loyalty strategies to maximize customer retention and increase basket size. Attendees will exchange insights on successful loyalty initiatives and explore innovative approaches to customer engagement. Designed for: Retailers and suppliers responsible for customer engagement, loyalty program design, and overall sales and marketing strategy.

Facilitated By: Mike Templeton, NexChapter