Leaders have quite a few conventions and other programs to choose from. NACS, the main association for c-stores and an active advocate for retailers, could fill a list of industry events all by itself, from focused seminars for executives in areas like leadership and human resources all the way up to the NACS Show — the biggest convenience store conference in the U.S.
But the NACS Show is not the only industry event worth attending. Notable vendors like McLane and Core-Mark, as well as focused events like Convenience Retailing University or the National Restaurant Show, can help convenience retailers network and learn strategies to improve their businesses.
Here’s a rundown of the top remaining c-store industry conferences for 2025.
Top convenience store conferences in 2025
McLane Engage
July 22-24
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans
This invitation-only event held by McLane, one of the top c-store distributors in the U.S., brings together nearly 200 exhibitors for three days of networking, educational sessions and new product launches.
The 2025 event will include sessions on cold beverage innovation, regulatory changes and leadership. It will feature insights from FutureSight Labs CEO Seth Mattison, Westrock Coffee Company Senior Vice President of Marketing and Insights Melissa Mackay and SHOTT Beverages Global Chief Sales Officer Craig Fishburn, along with many McLane experts.
NACS Executive Leadership Program
Aug. 3-7
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
The week-long program is designed to help improve senior-level retail management’s leadership skills.
The program is administered by faculty in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. Participants will take part in group case studies, network and receive “360-degree feedback assessments and individual executive-level coaching.”
Outlook Leadership Conference
Aug. 19-21
The Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California
CSP’s Outlook Leadership Conference gives c-store retailers three days to unpack some of the biggest trends and top challenges within the industry. The 2025 forum will feature education sessions on tech strategies, AI and growth from speakers like Convenience and Energy Advisors CEO Peter Rasmussen and Maverik CEO Crystal Maggelet.
The NACS Show
Oct. 14-17
McCormick Place in Chicago
The c-store industry’s biggest annual show heads back to Chicago next year for the first time since 2021. Every year, the NACS Show attracts more than 23,000 industry leaders from around the globe, who gather for educational workshops, for buying and selling opportunities, and to eat as much jerky as humanly possible.
Speakers for the 2025 show include Christine Loukota, director of emerging technologies for Circle K; Tom Rutledge, senior director of construction for Parker's Kitchen; and Michele Truelove, senior vice president of High's.
NACS Innovation Leadership Program
Nov. 2-7
The MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts
NACS’ five-day, innovation-specific program helps c-store retailers learn research-based management frameworks. It also gives them the chance to participate in hands-on applications that will help them improve their businesses.
Main topics include building an innovative culture, recognizing and overcoming mental hurdles to innovation, leveraging design thinking and developing digital business models.
This story was updated on June 3 to remove past events and provide additional information on upcoming ones.
