Each year, the CStore Momentum conference serves as a critical resource for the industry’s up-and-coming young professionals. This year’s show — hosted by Chestnut Market — will take place from Aug. 19-21 in Tarrytown, N.Y., and features a jam-packed agenda of educational sessions, networking opportunities, roundtable discussions and more.
“Having the opportunity as a young executive to develop leadership skills, learn from other chains and network with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities is invaluable, and c-stores that invest in the next generation of leadership build more engaged teams and a stronger company,” said Erin Del Conte, editor-in-chief, CStore Decisions. “Retailers are encouraged to send their emerging leaders to participate in CStore Momentum, helping cultivate the talent, perspective and connections that will shape the future of convenience retail.”
The event opens with a welcoming reception on Aug. 19, so attendees can get a chance to meet fellow young executives. The first full day of the conference will kick off on Aug. 20 with an overview of Chestnut’s history and how it has grown to where it is today. Faheem Jamal, the chain’s director of c-store operations, will welcome guests and introduce several highlights attendees will experience during the educational sessions and on the store tours the next day.
Following the welcoming address, Jamal will be joined on stage by general manager Rick Thielig to give attendees an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the chain’s operational initiatives, including its Retail Is Detail program.
From there, the show is off to the races with educational sessions “Charging Ahead with Tech,” featuring panelists Jackie Halas, VP of Business IT, Global Partners; Dana Moloney, chief operating officer, Warrenton Oil; Abigail Cerra, director of marketing, loyalty and communications, Chestnut Market; and “Evolving with Foodservice,” featuring Farris Jamal, director of merchandising, Chestnut Market; James Fry, food service director, Dandy Mini Marts; and Jeffrey Russell, food service director, Crosby’s.
Attendees will then have the opportunity to take part in burning issue exchanges focused on topics like shaping company culture as a young executive and adapting to change in an evolving industry landscape.
Later in the day, Wawa’s Director of Store Operations Jason Read will take the stage to deliver a keynote speech titled, “Leadership in Motion.” Read will share tips from his 30 years in retail and leading teams and arm attendees with advice on increasing confidence, taking risks, public speaking, the “leadership wake,” and pitfalls unique to women in leadership.
The final day of the conference continues with exclusive store tours around Tarrytown, N.Y., including Chestnut’s The Hutch location, a winner of Cstore Decisions’ Best Store Design Awards, and a handful of local c-stores.
Click here to claim your spot at the show.
