What’s on at C&I Expo 2016?

There’s just one week to go before C&I Expo 2016 starts at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August.

It’s not too late to register to attend and for visitors there is plenty to see and do. The C&I Expo is being held in conjunction with the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS).

Wednesday will see the AACS Convenience Leadership Summit (from 8.30 am to midday) and judging of the Peter Jowett Convenience Industry Awards (2pm to 4pm).

With a lineup of four distinguished speakers, the AACS Leadership Summit is the premier think tank for the industry’s leaders and – for the first time ever – AACS has opened this event to all delegates to C&I 2016 inviting both AACS members and non-member suppliers and retailers to attend.

Hear from Scott Hartman, president of Rutters USA; Leo Pucar, general manager consumer sales, Caltex Australia; Steve Simpson, author and consultant; and, Craig Urquhart, CEO NightOwl Convenience Stores as they relay their experiences and provide inspiration and real life examples of change within the industry.

Later in the day, the AACS Peter Jowett Convenience Industry Scholarship Awards session offers a chance to see the rising stars of the convenience industry in action and be inspired by their ideas and presentations. Entry is free to all C&I 2016 delegates however registration is required to attend.

From midday to 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday the free trade show will offer a host of interesting and entertaining exhibits. With over 100 suppliers there is something for everyone.

The first 500 visitors through the door each day will receive a free showbag packed with information, special offers and goodies from exhibitors including Frucor, Vend Data Media Solutions, One Pure, Bounce, Eastrade International, J&M Communications, Stock Box, SprintQuip, Independent Solutions and more. For a full list of exhibitors click here.

Wednesday evening offers a great night of entertainment at the AACS Gala Awards dinner (tickets for this event must be booked in advance). Enjoy an evening of excellent dining and entertainment in the Melbourne Room.

The evening showcases the best of the convenience industry as suppliers and retailers are recognised for the contributions they have made to the industry over the past year.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to network and meet industry leaders. Tickets must be booked in advance and are $380 (incl gst) per person. The dress code for the evening is cocktail.

Thursday morning kicks off with the C&I Retailers Breakfast – a great chance not only to enjoy breakfast in the company of your peers but also to hear from leading speakers including Eddy Nader, managing director at Nader Petroleum and the force behind the growing Urbanista branded café and store. Only two tables remain and seats are $44 (including gst), so be quick and grab a seat while you can.

From 10am to midday, free convention sessions will feature four top-line industry speakers who will bring a new perspective to your business. Hear from Lou Jardin, managing director at SPAR Australia, Oliver Sargent, partner at PWC, Jeff Griffiths, managing director at Endeavour Petroleum and Dr Gary Mortimer, senior lecturer at QUT Business School.

Thursday afternoon, from noon to 5pm, the trade show again offers plenty of opportunity to discover products and services that will help grow your business and put your store at the forefront of the Australian convenience scene.

Thanks to the collaboration of C&I Media and AACS, there is lots to see and do at C&I 2016. Whether you choose to sit in on the free conference sessions or explore the free trade show or attend the ticketed events there is plenty to learn and see and networking opportunities galore.

Make sure you register today. See you in Melbourne next week!

Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August, Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre

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