Special Events
Every activity within the OL agenda is an opportunity to expand your professional network. Whichever you choose, you'll be surrounded by the convenience industry's best and brightest. Don't miss this opportunity to meet new friends, chat with old ones and, most importantly, have fun. Approximately 5-7 weeks prior to the Conference, guests will receive an invitation to register for the outing of their choice. Please be aware that capacity is limited and excursions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, pre-registration for special events is required. You are also required to check-in for each special event at the special event desk the morning of your selected activity to secure your spot. If you do not check-in at least 10 minutes prior to bus departure time, you forfeit your place to an attendee on the wait list.
Join us for a round of golf at the prestigious Trump International Golf Course, where you can cultivate valuable business connections while taking in stunning ocean views. Get ready for some friendly competition and an unforgettable morning.
- 6:00am - 7:30am: Breakfast (see above)
- 7:15am: Bus Departure to Golf Course (Main driveway in front of lobby - continuous bus departures every 15-20 minutes until 8:45am)
- 7:30am - 9:00am: Check-in and warm-up
- 9:00am - 9:15am: Cart assignments and rules
- 9:30am: Tournament Begins (Shotgun Start)
- 1:00pm -2:30pm: Continuous bus departures every 15-20 minutes to Terranea with boxed lunch provided
Paddle through the stunning kelp beds along the Terranea coastline. This underwater forest is home to the California state fish, garibaldi, bottlenose dolphins, seals, sea lions, and bat rays.
- 7:30am - 8:00am: Check-in and breakfast
- 8:00am: Departure
- 8:30am - 10:00am: Ocean Kayaking
- 10:00am: Arrive back at Terranea
This class will include a combination of postures, breathing exercises and other techniques to promote flexibility, build strength, reduce stress, and bring the body, mind and spirit into balance.
- 8:30-8:55am: Check-in and breakfast
- 8:55am: Departure to Ocean Lawn
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Seaside Yoga
Join us for this interactive experience designed to expand your appreciation and enjoyment of wine. You will enjoy swirling, smelling and sipping high-quality wines and learning how to evaluate them like a professional wine sommelier.
- 8:30am - 9:00am: Check-in and breakfast
- 10:00am - 12:00pm: Wine Tasting at Cove Terrace
Secure your Spa Day pass to experience the luxurious Terranea Spa. Indulge in all the spa amenities, cafe, fitness center and oceanfront spa pool. (Appointment booking for treatments will be on your own.)
Spa passes will be available for pick-up at the OLC registration desk.
Special Events Lunch
Location: Palos Verdes TerraceReturning from some fun in the sun or getting a taste of the good life? Join us for lunch to refuel before you head into an afternoon of sessions and the official kick-off to Outlook!
CSW Members are invited to join the reserved lunch tables to network with fellow members, discuss team outcomes, and explore key topics for the coming year. This is a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and plan ahead with your peers in the C-Store Women community.
Opening General Session
Location: Palos Verdes BallroomIn 2023, inflation cooled from 40-year highs despite consumer spending and employment continuing to defy expectations. The question on everyone's minds is whether United States can continue to gain momentum over the next 12 to18 months given potential shifts in international prospects and U.S. policy. In his mid-year overview of the U.S. economy, Arjun Chakravarti will discuss why he believes unprecedented differences in U.S. consumers' sentiment and personal circumstances (consumer costs, job prospects and accrued wealth) can tell us whether we are looking at breakout growth, stagnation or prolonged inflation both for retail spend and the broader macroeconomy.
Managing Partner
COGKNITION
Join CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond for an engaging conversation with Upside’s resident economist, Dr. Thomas Weinandy, as he unveils the latest trends in consumer spending within the fuel and convenience store industry. Leveraging a wealth of data from industry sources, anonymized partner data from Upside’s extensive network of 100,000 retailers, and insights from nationwide consumer surveys, Dr. Weinandy will offer a comprehensive view of the evolving spending landscape.
Senior Editor
CSP
Research Economist
Upside
In this captivating and empowering talk, Greg shares invaluable lessons and stories that illustrate the transformative power of creativity, drawing from his extensive three-decade experience at Nike. Throughout his time there, Nike succeeded in infusing its brand with profound emotion, elevating the Swoosh beyond a logo, to become a symbol of human potential, while Just Do It" transcended being only a slogan to become a mindset embraced by millions worldwide. In his keynote, Hoffman shows us how we can all practice "Emotion by Design," by crafting products, stories, and experiences that make people feel that even their most audacious dreams are possible to achieve.
Nike's Former Chief Marketing Officer | Author of Emotion by Design
The Modern Arena
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 3)
Learning is a lifelong journey, and leadership evolves as well. For Outlook 2024, we have identified some of the best leaders in their respective fields who have agreed to share their tools and secrets to great leadership. These special sessions will surely provide foundational and thought-provoking insight whether you are a seasoned leader or one whose next step is the C-suite.
InStore.ai is launching a cutting-edge, AI-based voice technology platform that reveals vital in-store insights from customer and employee interactions. Until now, this level of information has not been available. These actionable insights unveil inefficiencies and identify opportunities for improvement. Powered by an advanced suite of functionalities: search, alerts, dashboards, and other automated tools, this platform is truly groundbreaking. Our retail panel will share how these insights have helped optimize operations, elevate employee engagement, and improve the overall customer experience.
Founder and Managing Partner | Moderator
The Business Accelerator Team
CEO & Co-Founder
InStore.ai
CEO
Mach 1
Chief Technology Officer
Atlantis Management Group
After selling out our Spicy Takes panel last year, we're back again with 2.0! You won’t want to miss this raw, unfiltered conversation about the state of the industry and its near-future outlook. Which new technologies are overhyped, and which ones present actual opportunities? What keeps retailers up at night, and how are they navigating those challenges? This is an opportunity to hear honest feedback from your peers on these topics and more. Get ready for the spiciest panel of the year!
Co-Founder and President | Moderator
Rovertown
Co-Founder & CEO
AXONET
Chief Information Officer
Global Partners LP
Explore strategies to expand your digital presence and build stronger consumer connections as retailers and brands collaborate. This session will present trends, case studies, and best practices to enhance the operator value proposition through data-driven insights and more personalized consumer engagement. Join loyalty expert Todd Gulbransen, SVP and GM, Consumer Programs and Marketing, at PDI Technologies, as he shares actionable solutions for retail decision makers focused on growth.
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Consumer Programs & Marketing
PDI Technologies
Networking Reception & Dinner
Location: Palos Verdes TerraceJoin us for an exclusive evening to kick off Outlook 24! Enjoy as we bring together fellow attendees, industry leaders, and subject matter experts outside on the Palos Verdes Terrace. This is your chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and expand your network in an engaging setting. Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and don't forget to check out the Cigar Bar while mingling with our keynote speaker, Greg Hoffman, Nike's former CIO and Author.
General Session
Location: Palos Verdes BallroomJoin Technomic’s Donna Hood Crecca as she outlines evolving consumer behaviors and new market dynamics poised to impact convenience in 2024 and beyond. Learn how developments ranging from medical breakthroughs to shifting consumption trends will inform the growth opportunity for key categories and how to stay one (or two) steps ahead.
Principal
Technomic
The third-party offer funding landscape is rapidly changing with the availability of consumer data coupled with emerging technologies. Many Convenience and Fuel Retailers are already capitalizing on tobacco manufacturer and CPG funding for their loyalty programs. Hear first-hand from these third parties and a best-in-class retailer on what the Ideal Third-Party Execution looks like from their perspective.
Vice President, Retailer Relations & Event Content Director | Moderator
Informa Connect Foodservice
Senior Manager Third Party Implementation
Altria Group Distribution Company
Vice President of Convenience
Mars Wrigley
General Manager
PAR Retail
Vice President of Marketing
Yesway
Explore the future of convenience stores with Allie Kelly, Executive Director of The Ray, as she unveils strategies for revenue growth through advanced infrastructure. Learn how implementing solutions like highway solar arrays and recycled tire asphalt can drive profitability in your store. Discover the potential of roadside solar installations and eco-friendly parking lots to not only boost revenue but also enhance your bottom line. Don't miss this opportunity to pave the way for a more lucrative future in transportation and retail.
Executive Director
The Ray
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 3)
Learning is a lifelong journey, and leadership evolves as well. For Outlook 2024, we have identified some of the best leaders in their respective fields who have agreed to share their tools and secrets to great leadership. These special sessions will surely provide foundational and thought-provoking insight whether you are a seasoned leader or one whose next step is the C-suite.
Learn how United Pacific overcame the challenges of disparate communication methods, unclear policies, and interdepartmental friction leveraging Workcloud Task Management. Implementing the right solutions allowed them to consolidate and streamline communications for over 5,000 team members across 650 stores enhancing efficiency and cooperation.
Senior Manager, Customer Success Executive, North America
Zebra Technologies
Senior Manager, Retail Operations Systems and Projects
United Pacific
Which customer trends will help you drive more people in store? Join Upside and industry executives as we discuss the most current spending data across the fuel and c-store industry. You'll gain early access to the new State of Spend report, with actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving consumer landscape.
Vice President of Fuel Sales
Upside
Director, Fuel Pricing and Analytics
DelekUS
Research Economist
Upside
Vice President of Revenue
Terrible Herbst Inc.
The dynamics for mergers & acquisitions in the petroleum marketing and convenience retail industry are constantly changing, but one thing that has remained fairly constant for over a decade is that deal activity continues to be robust. Join us for an update on M&A activity, what’s driving activity and how valuations are being impacted by performance and economic factors. We will also get to hear from two very experienced leaders in our industry when it comes to M&A transactions as David Colletti, SVP of Real Estate and Mergers & Acquisitions for 7-Eleven, Inc. and Ryan Howard, COO of True North Energy, LLC, will be sharing their insights on what they’re seeing and how their organizations are approaching M&A in today’s market.
Director
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.
804.591.2048
Co-Head of Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Group
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.
Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Mergers & Acquisition
7-Eleven, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer
True North Energy, LLC
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 3)
Learning is a lifelong journey, and leadership evolves as well. For Outlook 2024, we have identified some of the best leaders in their respective fields who have agreed to share their tools and secrets to great leadership. These special sessions will surely provide foundational and thought-provoking insight whether you are a seasoned leader or one whose next step is the C-suite.
As discussed in PAR Retail’s General Session, the third-party offer landscape is rapidly changing, and many retailers are already capitalizing on tobacco manufacturer and CPG funding for their loyalty programs. But retailers that are still using broad third-party offers are leaving money on the table. As experienced by leading retailers, third-party offers drive the greatest business outcomes when delivered in a targeted manner. In this session, we will dive deeper into best-in-class execution of personalized third-party offers with leading experts across the category.
Vice President, Sales & Growth | Moderator
PAR Retail
Director of Strategic Accounts
PAR Retail
Senior Manager Third Party Implementation
Altria Group Distribution Company
Vice President of Convenience
Mars Wrigley
Vice President of Marketing
Yesway
Learn how industry leader Sheetz leverages RELEX to better predict customer needs, ensuring customer satisfaction while reducing excess inventory and protecting the brand through optimizing food service. This conversation will span from identifying a need in the supply chain, lessons learned while implementing a best-in-class forecast, and benefits realized by the store operators, category managers, and supply chain team.
Senior Procurement Manager
Sheetz Inc
Senior Solution Principal
RELEX Solutions
In this session, we delve into the future of convenience stores by exploring innovative strategies to engage consumers and build a better world. We'll uncover the next megatrends beyond electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and how you can not only attract more shoppers but also drive profitability. Join us to discover practical insights and initiatives which create meaningful community and environmental impact while enhancing your store's bottom line.
Chief Strategy Officer
CLYNK
Chief Sustainability Officer
BlueTriton Brands
OL Connect: Networking Lunch
Location: Palos Verdes BallroomJoin us for the OL Connect Networking Lunch, designed to foster meaningful connections and insightful discussions among leaders. This event will be centered around relevant themes, providing a structured yet relaxed environment. Make the most of this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow within the c-store community.
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 3)
Learning is a lifelong journey, and leadership evolves as well. For Outlook 2024, we have identified some of the best leaders in their respective fields who have agreed to share their tools and secrets to great leadership. These special sessions will surely provide foundational and thought-provoking insight whether you are a seasoned leader or one whose next step is the C-suite.
For decades, quick service restaurants have delivered food on demand to hungry patrons. As the consumer's need for faster service grows, convenience stores are uniquely positioned to disrupt the industry and capture market share by tapping into key customer desires: speed of service, food safety, and cleanliness. Steritech will present data gathered from the nearly half a million operational excellence and food safety assessments it conducts annually in QSRs and convenience stores, comparing performance and highlighting best practices that can drive sales and customer loyalty.
Director, Analytics
Steritech
Vice President of National Sales
Steritech
Hosted by Paytronix Convenience Store Strategist, Jeff Hoover, this talk will focus on future proofing convenience stores with innovative technology and practices. Jeff will discuss the value of integrating Artificial Intelligence, upsell opportunities with food service, and 1:1 mobile messaging campaigns that set you up to drive long lasting relationships with guests. This talk is for anyone who is interested in learning how to extend their services beyond gasoline and how to lean into the act of convenience.
Director of Strategy and Analytics
Paytronix
CEO & Founder
Convenience and Energy Advisors
Prepare to dive into a collaborative session where you’ll be guided through the ins and outs of Lean Six Sigma to tackle the gnarliest c-store marketing process challenges. Together, you will work to uncover your biggest challenges, pick and prioritize solutions, and map out an action plan to hold each other accountable. The tools and techniques you learn here can be applied to any business problem. Not only will you leave inspired, you'll have a crew of marketers ready to ride alongside your marketing journey.
President of Strategic Initiatives
Pointsmith
General Session
Location: Palos Verdes BallroomWho are the top operators in our industry? For 20 years, CSP and Intouch Insight have partnered to conduct the premier competitive mystery shop in the c-store channel. Throughout the years, the best of the best have participated.
We will invite the three finalists on stage to announce the winner of the annual Intouch-CSP Customer Experience Award.
Before presenting the award, we will offer an exclusive analysis of store execution across multiple dimensions, addressing industry challenges and revealing how customer expectations are evolving. This analysis will highlight leading chains and provide insights into how and where c-stores must continue to adapt.
President & CEO
Intouch Insight
Get ready for a high-octane session where C-suite executives take center stage! Join Abbey Lewis and Derek Gaskins for a rapid-fire Q&A with top-level executives. This dynamic discussion will delve into the most pressing challenges, innovative strategies, and future visions of industry leaders.
From mastering disruptions to fueling growth, these leaders will reveal their insights, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations. Brace yourself for an engaging session that guarantees to ignite inspiration and deliver valuable insights.
Chief Marketing Officer | Moderator
Yesway
Vice President of Content Strategy | Moderator
Informa Connect
President & CEO
Stinker Stores
President
GetGo
Chief Information Officer
Global Partners LP
Former CEO
Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc.
Art Sebastian, Board Chair of C-StoreTEC, will discuss the latest advancements and strategic initiatives shaping the future of the convenience store industry. Hear updates on the board’s current projects, highlighting the transformative changes set to revolutionize the sector and foster growth.
Art will also provide an exciting preview of the upcoming Retail Media Networks event, a pioneering platform designed to connect retailers with the latest media solutions and marketing strategies.
C-StoreTec Advisory Board & CEO Nexchapter LLC
The NFL’s All-Time Sack leader will reflect through his experiences how strong leadership skills can transcend to almost any industry. From being the 1st pick in the NFL Draft to winning 2 NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and becoming one of the greatest players in defensive history, Bruce was a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills franchise and lead the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. In his keynote, Bruce will share how he was able to use the lessons he accumulated in the NFL to launch a successful real estate development career in his home state of Virginia.
NFL Hall of Famer, Real Estate Developer
Happy Hour
Location: Palos Verdes TerraceAfter a day filled with learning and inspiration, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful ocean view setting with a drink in hand and solo guitarist sounds. This is the perfect opportunity to connect through lively conversations with your industry peers, and then head out to dinner together to cap off an exciting day.
Dinner on Your Own
Enjoy a number of on-site dining options at Terranea. Click here to learn more and make reservations.
Closing General Session
Location: Palos Verdes BallroomFaced with inflationary pressures and consumer uncertainty, the convenience community is facing stresses that stretch beyond the normal competitive rhythms. Our costs our higher, customer is down and consumer spend is tighter.
So, what are we doing about it?
Some retailers are seizing the opportunity and pursuing greatness. In this highly interactive session, we talk to three leading executives operating very distinctive business models to see how they’re employing operational excellence, customer-centric technologies and brand narratives to fuel sustained growth.
Vice President, Retailer Relations & Event Content Director | Moderator
Informa Connect Foodservice
Vice President of Break Time Operations
MFA Oil Company
Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer
Murphy USA
President & CEO
The Wills Group/ Dash In
Gain valuable insights into Threat Assessment & Management within the retail industry as Frank Patercity, Director of Corporate Security at Kroger, leads this informative session. Discover how a systematic approach is vital for identifying, assessing, and managing risks that can impact operations, assets and personnel in C-stores and retail settings. Frank will share insights on the critical importance of managing threats and concerning behavior and offer strategies on Active Assailant response & prevention. Learn how implementing these measures can enhance resilience, minimize vulnerabilities, and create a safer environment for employees and customers, safeguarding business continuity, reputation, and profitability.
Director of Corporate Security
Kroger
Abbey Lewis hosts a vibrant discussion featuring a diverse consumer panel, each representing a different generation—Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. They'll dive deep into the hottest topics driving the convenience store industry, sharing invaluable insights into consumer trends, preferences, and behaviors.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable knowledge and strategic insights that can propel your business forward in today's fiercely competitive environment.
Submit your questions for the panelists before the conference or engage in real-time Q&A on the conference app during the session. Join us for an experience that promises to illuminate the path to success in the ever-evolving world of convenience retail.
SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
Vice President of Content Strategy | Moderator
Informa Connect