A focus on Beverage Alcohol at The Convenience U CARWACS Show
The Convenience Store News Canada team is pleased present two mornings of exciting conference content for Canada’s largest and best-attended convenience, gas and car wash event, which takes place March 4-5, 2025, at the International Centre in Toronto: The Convenience U CARWACS Show.
The morning conference happens before the Trade Show opens at noon. It's designed to provide valuable content and expert insights for channel leaders and operators to position their businesses for success.
2025 AGENDA
On Day 1, March 4, 2025, we will be putting a spotlight on the Beverage Alcohol category with two sessions during the morning conference, as well as a keynote at the Industry Dinner in the evening. Here's what to expect.
BEVAL by the Numbers with NIQ: Conference
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: Conference
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.
Panelists: 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; and Manish Thakker, co-owner, Vani’s Convenience in Brampton, Ont.
INDUSTRY DINNER KEYNOTE
Raising a Glass to Growth: Maximizing Beverage Alcohol Success
Suzanne Gardiner, General Manager, Commercial Operations, Mark Anthony Group
Join us for an engaging keynote as Suzanne Gardiner draws on her deep expertise to explore the evolving landscape of beverage alcohol sales in convenience stores. With Ontario's recent entry into this market and growing opportunities across Canada, this session will provide invaluable insights into sales performance trends, consumer behaviours, and strategic opportunities for the upcoming summer season. Discover how the channel shift is impacting market share, what products are leading the way, and how convenience retailers can capitalize on emerging trends to drive growth and customer engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and network with industry leaders over dinner.
More highlights
Trade Show: Find everything you need to run your business, from the latest snacks to technology and more. This is a unique opportunity to meet with key vendors, suppliers and experts all under one roof from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Check out the exhibitors! Note, the show floor is SOLD OUT!
C-store IQ Conference: This two-morning conference is designed to provide valuable content and expert insight to help leaders and operators position their businesses for success. The content will include marquee keynotes, an exclusive preview of the 2025 C-store IQ National Shopper Study, as well as engaging expert advice, research and panels covering everything from beverage alcohol to AI and consumer insights. Check out the agenda!
Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards: Be there when the industry comes together to celebrate the FLICC winners during a presentation on Day Two of the C-store IQ Conference. More info here. *Register, before it sells out!
Industry Dinner: Join your peers on March 4th at 5:00 p.m. for a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. This year, we are honoured to present Suzanne Gardiner, General Manager Commercial Operations - Canada, The Mark Anthony Group as the keynote speaker. Tickets on sale now.
Car Wash Education: Dan Kelly, president and CEO, will be the keynote for an exciting and informative morning of insights and sessions presented by the Canadian Carwash Association on Tuesday March 4, 2025. Scroll down for the full agenda.
Beer Garden: Sample products while connecting with suppliers, from major breweries to local craft brewers, and age-verification solution providers.
Sip Lounge: New in 2025! Meet wine and RTD beverage suppliers from across Canada to sample products and discuss opportunities.
Join thousands of industry leaders, decision makers, key manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers from Canada and across North America. This is your annual opportunity to meet in-person and hear firsthand about the latest products, services, technologies and insights that will help you prepare your business for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Conference is a ticketed event with limited space
You can purchase all ALL ACCESS PASS, which includes both days, breakfast and lunch, as well as access to the Trade Show Floor.
Or, register for a ONE DAY PASS for either day, which includes breakfast and lunch, as well as access to the Trade Show Floor.
Tables are available, too.
