Announcing the 2025 Agenda for The Convenience U CARWACS Show Conference

KEYNOTE

Redefining Convenience for the New Age of Retail

Doug Stephens, Retail Futurist, Author, Business Advisor, Retail Prophet

In a world where practically anything we desire can be on our doorstep with a few taps on a smartphone, "convenience" has been forever redefined.  For convenience operators this demands a corresponding shift in strategy.  Strategy that moves beyond the table stakes of traditional convenience offerings to provide a deeper, more valued and purpose-driven  experience for consumers.  Join Retail Futurist and Fortune 100 business advisor Doug Stephens as he shares the secrets to building competitive dominance and radical customer loyalty.

Future Focused: C-store IQ National Shopper Study 2025

Beth Brickel, Vice-President, Research, EnsembleIQ

All new exclusive data and insights from the 2025 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? Does c-store foodservice measure up? What do they think about the new era of beverage alcohol?  And more!

This session will be valuable to independent operators, dealers, vendors and corporate leaders.

Feeding the Future: Unlocking C&G's Foodservice Potential

Emma Balment, Director, Market Strategy and Understanding, Ipsos Canada

Convenience and Gas is at a crossroads facing an opportunity to reevaluate their value proposition to consumers and their competitive set. With insights from Ipsos Canada, this session will explore C&G’s opportunity to invest in foodservice offerings and compete more directly with Quick-Service Restaurants.

Navigating Nicotine Regulations: United for a Fair Future

Sponsored by BAT: Eric Gagnon, Vice President, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Imperial Tobacco Canada

Join Eric Gagnon, Vice President Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at Imperial Tobacco Canada, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of nicotine regulations and their impact on convenience stores in Canada. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest regulatory changes, the challenges they pose, and how responsible retailers can advocate for fair treatment and defend their industry. As a responsible retailer, you have the power to make a significant impact by raising your voice and standing up for your industry. Together, we will explore effective strategies to advocate for fair treatment and protect your business. Let's make a difference.

Championing Canada’s Convenience Industry

Fireside Chat 

$53 billion in sales. 188,000 jobs. 21,889 stores. Canada’s convenience industry plays an important role not only in the national economy, but also in communities from coast to coast to coast. Join Convenience Industry Council of Canada president and CEO Anne Kothawala in conversation with Convenience Store News Canada editor Michelle Warren, as they discuss navigating change and the big issues defining the channel 2025, from the advent of beverage alcohol and next steps for success; to contraband tobacco, credit card interchange fees, taxation, product diversification and more. 

BEVAL by the Numbers with NIQ

Gabriel Moreau, Vice-President, Sales, NielsenIQ

Six months after Ontario turned on the taps, enabling c-stores across the province to sell beer, wine, cider and RTD, NIQ looks at the numbers and how beverage alcohol is performing against other key categories. What’s selling and where? How are customers responding? How are c-stores competing in the BevAl space? Plus, Moreau will share learnings from markets across Canada, including Quebec, analysis of product trends and what operators and category managers in urban, rural and suburban areas need to know to drive success. This data dive and insights will give stakeholders the knowledge they need to grow the category and their business.

Thirsty for Growth: Mastering Beverage Alcohol Sales at Convenience

Beverage Alcohol Panel

Convenience Store News Canada editor and associate publisher Michelle Warren sits down with beverage alcohol retail category experts to discuss and reflect on learnings, best practices and how this new category is shaping the channel.

Thea Bourne is Retail Program Manager at BG Fuels

Marietta Cini, Vice President of Operations and Sales, Hasty Market

Emily Sparrow, Project Lead and Category Manager Alcohol - Ontario, Petro-Canada, a Suncor business

Manish Thakker, co-owner, Vani’s Convenience in Brampton, Ont. 

Lunch & Learn

Media Innovation and Energy Technology at the Forecourt

Sponsored by National Energy Equipment

Join Tiina McCombie, Micheal McKay and Ismael Alaoui as they explore the new dynamics of media innovation at the pump and its potential to drive revenue growth at the convenience store while strengthening customer loyalty. Explore how Electric Vehicles and sustainable energy technologies are redefining the future of the forecourt and c-stores.  

KEYNOTE

Leading with Passion: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork and Perseverance

Jack Armstrong, Broadcaster-Voice of the Toronto Raptors, Coach

In this energizing keynote, Jack Armstrong shares powerful insights on leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—drawing from his decades of experience as a coach, broadcaster, and mentor. Through compelling stories from the basketball court and beyond, Jack highlights the qualities that define great leaders, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and how teamwork fuels success. His engaging and humorous style will leave attendees inspired to lead with passion, embrace challenges, and build winning teams in both their professional and personal lives.

Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

AI + Tech Panel

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, innovate and compete. Dr. Janice Rudkowski, Assistant Professor, Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, will lead this enlightening discussion exploring how AI is reshaping and redefining business, with a focus on the convenience and gas channel. From a day-to-day perspective, panelists will discuss practical applications of AI that enhance operational efficiencies, customer engagement, and decision-making. On a broader scale, they'll delve into the implications of AI for leadership, workforce development, and long-term business growth.

• Myles Gooding, Partner, Global Consumer Markets Advisory Leader, PwC Canada

• Leslie Gordon, Director of Proprietary Brands, Circle K

• Tali Remennik, Certified Professional Forecaster, Data Scientist, CEO, Granularity

Consumer Outlook: Economic Confidence and the Newcomer Opportunity

Lisa Covens, Senior Vice President, Leger

In an evolving retail landscape, understanding Canadian consumer sentiment is critical for success. In this exclusive session, Lisa Covens will dig into Leger data to provide a big-picture analysis of Canadians' economic confidence—how consumers are feeling about their financial future, spending behaviours, and key trends shaping convenience retail.

A special deep dive will focus on Canada’s newcomer population—a demographic that is reshaping retail preferences at every level and driving new opportunities for the channel. Learn what these consumers value most, how they shop, and how convenience stores can better serve their needs.

Designed for convenience store retailers, vendors, and C-suite executives, this session will deliver data-driven insights to help businesses adapt, compete, and grow in a changing marketplace.

Winning with Women Shoppers

Sponsored by Shopper Marketing Media

Women are the economic story of the century, driving 70-80% of consumer spending through buying power or influence. They are reshaping business and represent a growth opportunity for the convenience channel. Time-starved, they are looking for opportunities to satisfy their families and themselves, in fewer shopping stops. Join Colleen Cronin, Managing Director of Shopper Marketing Media, and Pat Pellegrini, CEO of Vividata, as they share the value of female shoppers and how convenience-gas operators and brands can widen their appeal–with the expansion of beverage alcohol and related categories–to win the hearts and wallets of this busy and influential demographic.

Leading by Example: Impacting the Bottom Line and Beyond

Social Impact Panel
This inspiring panel shines a spotlight on the social impact contributions made by convenience retailers and vendors, celebrating the stories behind CSNC’s annual Impact Awards. Leila Fenc, executive director of the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, will moderate this engaging discussion with senior leaders from across the industry, who will share actionable insights and best practices for aligning social impact initiatives with business performance. From uplifting local communities to championing sustainability, these leaders will reveal how prioritizing social impact not only strengthens the channel but also makes it a meaningful place to work. Attendees will leave empowered with ideas to elevate their own efforts and drive transformative change in their organizations.

• Kathy Murphy, VP of Public Affairs, Coke Canada Bottling

• Catherine O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Regulatory, Government Relations and Sustainability, Nestlé Canada

• Rick Rabba, President, Rabba Fine Foods

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Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards

Celebrate 28 Outstanding Leaders

The Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards highlight and honour the talent and achievements of exceptional leaders under age 40 at the time of nomination. This year’s winners span 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 defined by purpose and passion. 

Lunch & Learn

Crypto on the Rise: How Localcoin Bitcoin ATMs Can Work for Me?

Sponsored by LocalCoin

In this session, Business Development Manager James Hilchuk will explore the rise of Bitcoin ATMs in Canada and abroad, the future of the industry in 2025, and the opportunities Bitcoin ATMs can bring to retailers’ business. Discover how Bitcoin ATMs work, why demand is surging, and how integrating one into your retail store or franchise can help you stay ahead in the evolving digital economy.