NAVIGATE. INNOVATE. ACCELERATE.
A Retail Workshop for Growing Partnership and Collaboration in Convenience.
January 29
Onvo
Wilkes-Barre, PA
April 23
Family Express
Valparaiso, IN
May 7
Good 2 Go
Idaho Falls, ID
Participation in Convenience Directions is limited to the employees of the host retailer and industry suppliers with sponsorship. For more information on how to host or sponsor a Convenience Directions, please contact Pat McIntyre [email protected].
Convenience Directions is a 1-day (sometimes 2-day) program where the leadership of one retail company welcomes their supplier partners to their own backyard to share latest trends, best in class standards, and custom recommendations to drive bottom line profits. This intimate format capitalizes on the rare experience of bringing an array of industry product and services experts together to focus on the success of one retail operator. In this setting, we refer to supplier participants as “category champions,” as they attend as a representative a singular area within the industry to deliver guidance and collaborative solutions to the host retailer.
Convenience Directions is the only place where retailers and suppliers can participate in the NAG Partners Exchange; the most targeted version of the NAG Info Exchange sessions. Here, participating suppliers will each prepare a topic overview of specific opportunities they’ve identified where they can drive growth specifically for the host retailer. Each supplier presentation is 20 minutes and intended to offer open discussion with the host retailer to ensure the outcomes are collaborative solutions and mutual learning.
Each Convenience Directions begins by visiting up to four stores owned/operated by the host retailer. These store visits allow the host retailer to identify opportunities they see for improvement in the field. Successful Partners Exchange sessions will demonstrate tailored feedback tied directly to what was seen and discussed with the host retailer while at their sites.
Category Champions at Convenience Directions
A category champion is a company selected to take a leadership role on behalf of a specific category of products/services at the Convenience Directions event. Category champions shape the overall experience for attendees within their assigned category by providing valuable insights, curating relevant content, leading discussions on industry trends, and fostering meaningful connections with the host retailers. Their expertise helps guide the direction of the event and ensures that the content is both timely and impactful for those within the category.
Yes, new-to-market companies can certainly serve as Category Champions, provided they bring a unique perspective or innovation to the category they are representing. Being new to the market can actually be a valuable asset, as it allows the company to offer fresh insights and showcase how their products or services are poised to impact the industry.
However, new companies should be able to demonstrate some level of expertise or thought leadership in the specific category and have a clear value proposition to contribute to the event beyond their own products. (I.e. data, trends, etc).
As a Category Champion, your key responsibilities include:
- Providing insights and expertise: Share knowledge and trends relevant to your product category. Each Category Champion has a dedicated 20-minute presentation window
- Engaging with attendees: Support networking efforts by connecting industry professionals to relevant information and people within your category. Answering questions and being responsive to the needs of the current attendees is key.
Serving as a Category Champion offers your company visibility as a leader in the industry. Benefits include:
- The chance to position your company as an expert and thought leader in your field.
- Increased brand exposure among industry peers and potential clients.
- Direct access to influential figures in your product category.
At Convenience Directions, there is only one champion per product category to ensure a clear voice and direction.
To become a category champion, please reach out to the Convenience Directions event organizers to express your interest. Selection is based on a combination of industry expertise, relevance to the category, and ability to provide value to the event attendees. If you’re interested, we encourage early engagement to discuss opportunities.
