2024 SHOW AGENDA

The Convenience U CARWACS Show does not make attendee lists available for purchase externally. Solicitations by 3rd parties for attendee lists, exhibitor contacts, awards or other information are not authorized by The Convenience U CARWACS Show.

CONVENIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM - DAY 1 - March 5, 2024

Day 1 Conference and Trade Show Stage Host

Tara Spencer-Nairn

Tara Spencer-Nairn is best known as the deadpan police officer Karen Pelly in Corner Gas, Corner Gas the Movie and Corner Gas Animated a role she played in the Gemini-winning, #1 rated CTV sitcom earning a Gemini Award for Best Ensemble Performance in 2007 and two Gemini nominations in 2004 and 2006.
Most recently she has appeared  in the hit CBS show GHOSTS and will be appearing in the upcoming CBC GEM series LAZY LEGS
Spencer-Nairn appeared in the recurring role of Sandy in CTV’s hit drama THE LISTENER. She has appeared in numerous other television productions including THE OUTER LIMITS, THE STRAIN; MURDOCH MYSTERIES, FLASHPOINT, SAVING HOPE, DEGRASSI, HUDSON and REX, and SYFY’s KILLJOYS.

Breakfast

 

Attendees must be registered for the morning education sessions to receive breakfast.

Breakfast not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Keynote 

Beth Brickel

The next chapter: C-store IQ National Shopper Study 2024

All new exclusive data and insights from the 2024 C-store IQ National Shopper Study, Canada’s only convenience and gas specific research that delves into the evolving wants, needs and values of your current and future customers, from Gen Z through Millennial, Gen X and Boomer. 
EnsembleIQ Vice-President, Research Beth Brickel surveyed more than 2,000 c-gas shoppers from across Canada and analyzed the data to find out how their daily habits are influencing the c–store shopping experience. What do today’s shoppers expect from retailers? What products are they purchasing? How do they feel about sustainability? What role does c-store foodservice play in their consumption habits? Is beverage alcohol important? And more!
 
This session will be valuable to independent operators, dealers, vendors and corporate leaders.

Daniel Tsai

Daniel Tsai

Driving change: Key strategies to increase fuel volumes, cultivate brand loyalty and build your competitive advantage

Whether you want to increase sales or turn around a fledgling convenience and gas business, business professor, marketing expert, and author, Daniel Tsai, can help. In this interactive session, Tsai will talk about how, in just three years, he turned a struggling c-gas operation into a community destination, with lineups at the pumps and fuel sales expected to triple in 2024.

New this year, Tsai will share proven strategies and insights to answer the audience’s business-specific questions to build their business.

Beverage Alcohol Panel

Liquid Gold: Preparing for beverage alcohol in Ontario in the countdown to 2026
The Ontario government’s announcement that convenience stores will finally be allowed to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails by 2026 is long-awaited and welcome news. Now what? Convenience Store News Canada editor + associate publisher, Michelle Warren, sits down with experts and industry insiders to talk about the opportunities and challenges ahead. From human resources to category management, regulatory issues, distribution models and more, the conversation will unpack what convenience operators and stakeholders need to think about now (and plan for the future) in the countdown to 2026.

In conversation with:  Jamie Arnold,  President, Little Short Stop Stores; Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner, J.C. Williams Group; Anne Kothawala, President and CEO, Convenience Industry Council of Canada; Kenny Shim, c-store owner and President of the OKBA and OCSA; and Jamie White, CEO and Co-founder, Broadhead Brewing Company.

Lunch

 

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive lunch.

Lunch not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Power Hour

 

Join us at four rapid-fire 1:1 conversations that will connect you with the convenience, gas and car wash industry peers and leaders you want to meet!

Trade Show Floor Open 12-5 p.m.

 Join your peers on March 5th at 5:00 p.m. for a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.
This year, we are honoured to present John Boynton, CEO of Arterra Wines, as the keynote speaker.

Sponsored by

Platinum Industry Dinner Sponsor

Industry Dinner Sponsor

Association Supporters

CONVENIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM - DAY 2 - March 6, 2024

Breakfast

 

Attendees must be registered for the morning education sessions to receive breakfast.

Breakfast not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Keynote

Better Together in the Changing Workplace
Successful leaders understand today’s increasingly multigenerational, multicultural and multifaceted workforce brings both opportunities and challenges if not managed effectively. To create trust, collaboration and creative work environments, inclusive leaders need to effectively communicate, understand and listen to their fellow employees. Everybody wants to be seen, wants to be heard and wants to be acknowledged. Learning how to communicate and cooperate in the workplace leads to a healthier, happier, motivating and inspiring workplace where everybody benefits. Named one of Canada’s Top 10 Notable Speakers by Ignite Magazine, Tina cleverly tackles hot button topics, like diversity and inclusion, in today’s racially complex climate. By carefully weaving personal stories with touching humour, she disarms attendees as she breaks down barriers to foster an inclusive and uplifting space leaving attendees inspired to think, behave, act and communicate with positive intention and purpose.

Level Up Panel

Level Up: How technology, AI and data can not only transform organizations from an operational standpoint, but also aid in attracting and retaining top talent.  

Toronto Metropolitan University is using a virtual reality Circle K convenience store to teach category management fundamentals to a new generation of c-store leaders. At the same time, artificial intelligence is pushing the retail sector to adapt and learn quickly, upending everything from strategy to basic operations. The world is changing: Is your business ready? Dr. Janice Rudkowski, Assistant Professor, Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, will lead this enlightening discussion with Jeff Doucette, General Manager, Field Agent; Oscar Nyemb, Director, Business Insights, Strategy, Category Management, Red Bull Canada; Tali Remennik, CEO & Co-Founder, Granularity; and Cheryl Wells, Director of HR, NielsenIQ,

Fireside Chat

Unlocking Potential: Economic confidence and what it means for the future of Canada’s convenience channel

Leger SVP Lisa Covens and Victor Vrsnik, 7-Eleven Canada’s senior manager, corporate affair and business development, team up to discuss insights from Leger’s latest State of the Canadian Economy study and examine the data through the c-store lens. What does consumer confidence mean for key categories fuelling the convenience sector? How are retailers advocating to unlock government-restricted business opportunities and evolve core offerings–such as foodservice and beverage alcohol–to ensure the long-term success of the channel? And more. 

Passion and Perseverance: Leadership Panel

 

 

 

 

 

CICC president and CEO, Anne Kothawala, moderates this inspiring panel where high-profile industry leaders talk about their career paths, what keeps them motivated and why they are passionate about C&G being a fantastic channel in which to build an exciting and rewarding career. 

Panelists: James Rolph, Director, Canada Convenience Retail, Parkland Corp.; Melese Tiruneh, Senior Director of Merchandising, 7-Eleven Canada; Shannon Wing, General Manager, Retail, Suncor/Petro-Canada.

Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards

Join us in celebrating the winners of this all new award!

The Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards highlight and honour the talent and achievements of exceptional leaders under age 40. The inaugural 22 winners come from diverse backgrounds and excel in a wide variety of roles. These leaders go above and beyond to innovate, problem solve, exceed customers’ expectations, support others and build careers that align with their personal values on important issues, such as sustainability and inclusivity. Be there when industry comes together to celebrate the FLICC winners during the Awards Ceremony

Lunch

 

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive lunch.

Lunch not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Trade Show Floor Open 12-5 p.m.

CARWASH EDUCATION PROGRAM - DAY 1 - March 5, 2024

Canadian Carwash Association | Refreshments & Networking

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive this offer.

Welcome and Introductions

Presented by Karen Smith

Build Better Managers

Presented by Claire Moore.

What's Next With Sustainability Practices?

Presented by Robert Widler.

CFIB Advocacy Update

Presented by Ryan Mallough.

Ask the Car Wash Experts

Presented by Dave HillTim WalkerDuro Bicanic, and Robert Widler

CCA Annual General Meeting

 

Canadian Carwash Association | Lunch

Attendees must be registered for the morning sessions to receive lunch.

Lunch not provided for Trade Show Only Pass.

Trade Show Floor Open 12-5 p.m.