Summit Season is Upon Us: Join the Industry in Halifax in September

Set along Halifax’s harbourfront, the 2018 National Convenience Industry Summit brings together retailers, distributors and manufacturers from across Canada. During a time of industry disruption, this year’s program will focus on Navigating a Changing Channel. The 2018 summit will provide relevant research, inspiring keynotes and networking events that will offer insight into future opportunities, challenges and trends.

Once you arrive in Halifax on Tuesday September 25, join us for a night out on the town to kick things off. Meet with industry friends and network into the night. The program kicks into high gear the next day with a full day of sessions, trade exchange and close off with our gala awards event. On the final half-day of programing, our keynote speakers will leave you with some valuable insights to take back to the office.

Business Sessions

The summit program features five business sessions that focus on the matters that affect our members’ business. Speakers like:

Carman Allison, who returns to the summit stage by popular demand, to share the latest trends and tell us the stories behind the numbers. With a particular focus on how to respond to retail disruption, attendees come away with some ideas on how to navigate through an ever changing retail landscape.

A local to the area, Pete Luckett joins the panel of speakers to share how the industry can create enticing customer experiences with bold displays and new product concepts to leverage consumers purchasing habits. Pete Luckett is famous for creating spaces where customers don’t shop as much as they congregate and every retailer knows the longer they shop, the more they buy.

And, Scott Stratten, president of UnMarketing, will explain what we lose in the endless quest for the next bright shiny business object. Today’s business climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. While everything has changed, nothing is different.

Trade Exchange

The Trade Exchange is a mini-trade show where each manufacturer has a station to showcase their products. Distributors and retailers from across Canada visit to exchange information with manufacturers.

This is a platform for developing and building business partnerships. It is an opportunity for manufacturers to meet with retailers and distributors. The primary purpose of the mini expo is to provide an opportunity for manufacturers to touch base and network with senior retailers and distributors for future business.

National Convenience Industry Awards Gala

On Wednesday, September 26, individuals and companies are honoured for industry excellence and innovation as the recipients of the Convenience Innovation Awards and the Awards of Excellence are celebrated together.

The Convenience Innovation Awards recognize top product development in the convenience industry. The program provides a benchmark for leading innovation, recognizes those top products in the industry, and awards suppliers for outstanding research and development.

The Awards of Excellence recognize individuals and businesses that contribute to the growth of the convenience industry. The Awards of Excellence ceremony pays tribute to the recipients, acknowledges their accomplishments, and announces their induction into the NACDA Hall of Fame.