2026 Star Women in Convenience Awards is close to SELLING OUT!
Don't miss the opportunity to join leaders from across Canada to celebrate and champion the incredible recipients of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience honour.
Across roles, regions and responsibilities, these women are on the move and making a difference. They are propelling their organizations forward. They are adapting to change, embracing complexity and finding opportunities in a channel that continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace. Be in the room to honour the leaders shaping the channel.
The morning event is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2026 at The International Centre, bringing together retailers, distributors, manufacturers and industry advocates from across the country to celebrate 64 leaders for their commitment, innovation and drive.
Event highlights
The 2026 Star Women in Convenience Awards will feature a comprehensive program designed to foster professional growth and celebrate industry champions.
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Welcome Breakfast & Registration: A dedicated morning session for attendees to connect and network.
- Keynote by Susana Pulla, director of marketing, communications and digital for 7-Eleven Canada: "Leading with impact and heart: Building a lasting legacy in the convenience channel"
- 2026 SWIC Winners Panel
- Industry Leaders: The event will also include speakers from Gold and Platinum Sponsors, including Rothman's Benson & Hedges, 7-Eleven Canada, Mondelez, Coke Canada Bottling, JTI-Macdonald and PepsiCo.
Awards Presentation: The formal ceremony honouring the 2026 class of exceptional women making a difference across the Canadian convenience channel.
READ: BUILDING MOMENTUM: Meet the 2026 Star Women in Convenience
Keynote: "Leading with impact and heart: Building a lasting legacy in the convenience channel"
Susana Pulla, who currently serves as the director of marketing, communications and digital for 7-Eleven Canada, will headline the annual celebration dedicated to recognizing exceptional female leaders across the convenience and fuel retailing sectors.Known for her data-driven strategies and authentic customer connections, Pulla is a multi-award-winning leader who has consistently shattered sales goals and KPI metrics while breaking barriers for women in corporate leadership.
She will reflect on her distinguished two-decade journey, tracing the pivotal moments that defined her leadership and her purposeful return to the convenience channel. Beyond her personal history, she will offer a compelling look at why the convenience industry provides an unparalleled environment for women leaders to build a lasting legacy. By framing her return to the channel as a strategic career choice, she provides actionable lessons on leading with heart, overcoming obstacles, and designing a professional path that is as personally inspired as it is commercially successful. Join us to learn how to cultivate your own leadership potential and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
2026 SWIC Winners Panel
The 2026 Star Women in Convenience Winners panel, moderated by Michelle Warren, VP of content and editorial director for the Convenience Group at EnsembleIQ, will feature 2026 winners, who have built long, dynamic and respected careers in the channel. The group will discuss their career journeys, navigating change, building strong teams and more.
Shannon Brown: Foodservice & merchandising manager, North Sun Energy
Émilie Larochelle: Senior account manager, Petro-Canada, a Suncor business
May-May Solomon: Field marketing manager, Western Canada, Circle K | Alimentation Couche-Tard
Sarah Trainor: Operations manager, Proxi Network, Harnois Énergies
SWIC Networking Lunch: 12 p.m to 2 p.m.
Back for it's second year, this exclusive invitation-only session for 2018-2026 SWIC honourees is presented with founding partner JTI-Macdonald.
The event is designed for women to collaborate and celebrate their collective achievements. It will feature a buffet lunch, group discussions and high-level networking. In addition, we are getting ready to announce the Leadership Panel, led by Caroline Evans, VP sales for JTI-Macdonald. Former SWIC winners will dig deep, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences to spark meaningful dialogue before we transition into table discussions.
If you're a winner who did not receive your invitation, please reach out!
Presented by Convenience Store News Canada and organized by EnsembleIQ, the Star Women in Convenience Awards continue to serve as a premier platform for empowerment, recognition, and community engagement within the Canadian retail sector.
Register today