Convenience Matters

Avery Ash of INRIX provides insight into how people move, why the deployment of autonomous vehicles won’t solve all transportation problems and how retailers can use mobility analytics when choosing where to open new stores. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS

Plastic packaging, straws, cups and bags have seemingly become public enemy number 1. Plastic is important for food safety, convenience, and as long as it is disposed of properly, can be remade into new products through recycling. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS  

Sonja Hubbard, former CEO of E-Z Mart Stores and iconic leader in the convenience industry talks about leadership, connections, ups and downs of running a company and advice for rising female leaders. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Find out what role hydrogen is playing in the future of transportation. When will we see fuel cell vehicles expand nationally? What role will the heavy-duty vehicle market play? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

The friendly rivalry between U.S. convenience store giants Sheetz and Wawa has seeped deep into the culture of Pennsylvania. Team Sheetz or Team Wawa? But if you ask the people in the area, you can’t have it both ways. Filmmaker Matthew Fridg sets out to settle the debate once and for all and in the process learn why the fierce love of a convenience store in Pennsylvania matters to people everywhere. To learn more about the film check out www.sheetzvswawa.com/cm. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Lou Perrine's Gas and Grocery in Kenosha, Wisconsin has made a name in its community through unique promotions with free tattoos, a lifetime supply of to-die-for Ho-Ho cakes, loyalty programs and deliveries in sub-zero winter. Hear from the genius who inspires it all. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Becky Steckler of Urbanism Next explores the not-too-distant future of autonomous vehicles, and what we can be doing now to prepare for - and thrive in - our changing cities. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Stephanie Sikorski, VP Marketing, NACS

What do Americans do five times a day? Stuff their pie hole, of course! Hear what Americans are eating, when they're eating and what they're looking for when they're on the go. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

LCFS programs are intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by lowering the average carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in a given geographical area. What effects could such programs have on consumers and other end users? Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

People have been wary of technology that causes change for hundreds of years. What can retail expect to see that will help or hinder on the horizon? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

New regulations by the International Maritime Organization requires changes in diesel fuel production which will ultimately have an effect on retail diesel prices. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Find out how skimmers, shimmers, and shammers target fuel pumps and how retailers can protect themselves and their customers. Learn more at www.convenience.org/skimming. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Electric Vehicle market is evolving to allow for faster charge times but is the charging infrastructure keeping up? As more consumers purchase EVs both in urban and rural areas, gas stations need to keep up with existing charging technology as well as anticipate what's to come. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

In Silicon Valley, California, Loop Neighborhood Markets are disrupting the traditional convenience model. We talked with the chain's President and COO to learn how they created a neighborhood staple. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

The total number of electric cars on the road has surpassed 3 million worldwide and Norway is the world’s most advanced market for EV sales. Hear how retailers can keep up and look to the future for this increasingly popular vehicle choice. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Most Americans pay for fuel with credit cards and gas station operators are racing to meet an approaching card security deadline to enable card chip transactions at the fuel pump. Whether you are a driver or a station owner, hear what changes are in store in the coming years. Visit www.convenience.org/skimming and www.conexxus.org to learn more. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Responsible fuel retailers must be on top of safety prevention when receiving and dispensing fuel, as well as what can be seen above ground and what is underground. Hear why proper tank, pump and operation monitoring is imperative. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

When cars needed gas, they went to gas stations. When customers needed snacks, they went to convenience stores. Now, delivery companies can bring those necessities to wherever they are needed - homes, workplaces, parking lots and street corners. Are convenience stores becoming irrelevant? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Kevin Coupe, author and content guy for MorningNewsBeat.com

Convenience Store food just keeps getting more delicious and specific. From smoothies to shawarma, hear what customers - including Millennials - are craving. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Jayme Gough, Research Analyst, NACS

Convenience stores sell 80% of the gasoline in the U.S. As liquid fuels, vehicle and customer needs evolve and as electronic vehicles grow in market share, retailers need to keep up with the changing times. Hear from two of the preeminent fuel retailers in the industry about their preparations for the future of fueling. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute