The annual National Advisory Group (NAG) conference, now dubbed CStore Connections, kicked off on March 9 in Charlotte, N.C., at The Westin Charlotte. Beginning with a casual walk through some of Charlotte’s most popular food scenes and offering an abundance of social networking opportunities, the conference continued through the next day and beyond with general sessions and breakout groups.
As NAG Board Chairman Vernon Young said, hopefully, we will all “go home with some good ideas.”
The first day of general sessions touched on topics pertinent to today’s c-store retailers, all centered around the theme of controlling the uncontrollable. These included inflation and supply chain challenges, compliance, and streamlining foodservice.
“Talk with others and see what they’re doing,” many of the panelists emphasized, and be diligent in asking questions.
Throughout the day, attendees were given the chance to sit in on one of the highlights of CStore Connections, the famous Burning Issues Exchanges, which are roundtable discussions pertaining to various hot-button topics in the c-store industry.
Keynote speaker Babir Sultan, president of Fav Trip, capped off the afternoon portion of the day.
“Consistency over intensity,” Sultan noted as one of his key takeaways from his experience with social media and artificial intelligence (AI). Sultan found a way to use YouTube to deter theft and AI to gain a following and engage employees.
Monday closed with “Connections on Tap,” hosted by Reynold’s to celebrate its 150th anniversary at Hoppin’ Charlotte.
CStore Connections will continue on March 11.
