Last minute tips for getting the most out of the NACS Show.
By Jim Callahan
It happens just once a year and it’s almost here. Unlike any other c-store trade show, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show must be experienced live.
Whether you’re as large a chain as 7-Eleven or operate a single c-store, this affair is for you. Forty years in development and a full year in the making, the NACS Show will be held Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In a way, the NACS Show is like a retail Disney World for c-store stakeholders.
If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s not too late. Call or go online today and start packing.
Don’t forget to bring your most comfortable shoes, since the show floor is close to one million gross square feet. Also, double down on the amount of business cards you think you’ll need because there will be many vendors, suppliers and assorted professionals in attendance.
In addition, don’t forget the cell phone charger, and use its recorder and camera to capture the new product images that will excite and dazzle you and your organization. And, don’t forget the “Cool New Products Preview Room,” featuring new products and ideas; it’s well worth the trip.
BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE
Now, if you’re a doubting Thomas, let me take a minute to clear up those concerns by addressing hypothetical reasons for not going, including:
• “I went just last year and products change in 2-3 year cycles.” Thousands of new products are brought to the NACS Show every year. You can’t afford to risk being the last to know all about the next great new energy drink fad or the latest business or tax strategy. You’ll find them here.
• “I can’t afford to take the time away or spend the extra dollars to go.” You can’t afford not to go. Your competition will be there. Besides, the show will more than pay for itself in new ideas. A true ‘no-brainer.’
• “Vegas is not my kind of town.” You definitely don’t need to go to a casino to be a winner. Attending and networking at the NACS Show inspires cash registers to chime sweeter and more often than any slot machine.
• “I’ll never get to see the people I need to see.” Just use the NACS app.
If you haven’t gotten my drift yet folks, let me tell you that if you bring the right attitude you will see and learn more in just a few days at the NACS Show than you will see and learn during the other 361 days of the ensuing year.
You will see the most innovative products without the constant interruption of phone calls, checking in groceries, chips or beer.
Vendors pull out all the stops for this show and chances are you can come up with a free meal, an autograph from a famous athlete or even a sit down strategy session with vendor giants in the industry like Coke, McLane, Frito or General Mills.
Best of all is the chance to mingle and rub elbows with the genuine retail kings and queens in the industry—those who have innovated, strategized and worked their way to the top. Introduce yourself and ask for a minute of their time and chances are you will not be disappointed.
Most of all enjoy the experience. It’s like none other.
Jim Callahan has more than 40 years of experience as a convenience store and petroleum marketer. His Convenience Store Solutions blog appears regularly on CSDecisions.com. He can be reached at (678) 485-4773 or via e-mail at [email protected].