10 things you must do at The Convenience U CARWACS Show
The Toronto Convenience U CARWACS Show turns 10 this year, and the industry can’t wait to get together and celebrate at Toronto’s International Centre March 5 and 6.
This 10th anniversary show will bring together retailers, distributors and suppliers from the convenience, gas and car wash industry for two days of learning, networking and discovery of the latest and greatest products.
Add to that an opening address from David Chilton, bestselling author of The Wealthy Barber and the latest addition to CBC’s The Dragons’ Den, and there’s something for every attendee to look forward to.
Getting educated
The educational workshops and seminars are a focal point of The Convenience U CARWACS Show, and there are plenty of new and exciting sessions available that will offer the opportunity to broaden industry knowledge.
New workshop sessions, which include time for roundtable discussions with other retailers, aim to help retailers improve their in-store environment with sessions like “Merchandising and assortment tips to boost your sales” and “Store renovations and enhancements to grow convenience sales.”
There will also be plenty of information to help independent, banner and chain retailers brush up fundamentals like staffing and advertising with the “Staff engagement to drive customer loyalty” and “Promoting your store” sessions.
Other sessions will focus on trends, beer and wine sales, robbery prevention, supplier interaction, pricing, customer loyalty, and foodservice, along with car wash sessions that address marketing, chemistry, and best practices.
Check out convenienceu.ca for a full list of educational workshops and seminars.
Here are the top 10 tips to get the most from the show:
1. Get pumped. There’s a lot to see and do in two days, so put yourself in the right mindset when you arrive at the show to make the most of the experience.
2. Prepare to learn. Attend as many educational seminars as you can to learn best practices and insights you can take back to build your business.
3. Join the discussion. Other retailers and operators have valuable experiences to share, so participate in roundtable discussions.
4. Pay attention. Keep your eyes and ears open during educational sessions and during discussions to absorb useful information to enhance your site.
5. Make connections. Spend time with other retailers, establishing meaningful connections that will last beyond the show experience.
6. Map it out. Determine which booths to visit before you head onto the trade show floor; it’s a large space, and you’ll save time if you know exactly where to go.
7. Build relationships. Foster a stronger connection with your suppliers by visiting them on the show floor for beneficial face-to-face time.
8. Keep an open mind. When you engage with other retailers and industry experts, listen to their ideas and advice; you never know what might spark a great idea.
9. Be daring. Look for ideas that fall outside your comfort zone; don’t be afraid to try something new!
10. Enjoy yourself. It’s the 10th anniversary show, so get out there and celebrate the convenience, gas and car wash industry!