2025 Conexxus Annual Conference

See you in Tucson!

January 26-30, 2025

Loews Ventana Canyon | Tucson, AZ

 

Registration is open!  Contact Ann if you wish to bundle AC Registrations, Membership Renewals and/or Annual Sponsorships.

Where do you turn to learn about the innovations that are evolving in our industry??

Each year, the Conexxus Annual Conference brings together those who are passionate about c-store innovation and technology to discuss, learn, and actively work to solve our pressing technology challenges.  This is where the conversations around technology for our industry happen! 

The 2025 Conexxus Annual Conference is all about "Forecasting the Retail Journey." As retail technology continues to redefine how customers interact, we invite suppliers and retailers to join us as we envision the road ahead. With cutting-edge keynotes and education sessions, committee meetings, and fantastic networking opportunities, the 2025 Conexxus Annual Conference is the time to uncover what’s next for retail technology. Don’t miss the chance to collaborate with your industry peers in both formal and fun settings, as we discover and drive innovation together.

 

Register
Now!
   Download the calendar invite

 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Multi-attendee Company Discount!   Must contact Ann Zecca to receive the discount, see  details below.

 
 

Conexxus Members

Non-Members

Registration Rate through Jan 10

$2,595 (Guest $860)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $ 2,295

$2,995 (Guest $1,065)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $2,695

Registration Rate Jan 11-24

$2,755 (Guest $975)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $ 2,455

$3,795 (Guest $1,065)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $3,495

On-Site Rate

 

$3,055 (Guest $1,275)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $2,755

$4,095 (Guest $1,365)

Multi-Attendee Discount * $3,795

 

*To be eligible for the Company Discount, five people must be registered at the same time, processed through Ann Zecca ([email protected]), and must be employees of the same organization. Guests are not eligible to receive the company discount and do not count towards the minimum requirement.  Attendees 1-4 pay at the regular registration rate; the discount applies to attendee 5 and subsequent registrations. To receive your discount, you must register through Ann Zecca and cannot use the online portal. No refunds.

 

Add-On Welcome Activities ~ Sunday, January 26

See the "Networking Events" tab for additional details.

  • Activities TBD

Guest Registration Fees

Guests are those spouses/partners attending only networking events with a fully registered attendee.

 

  Conexxus Member's Guests Non-Member's Guests
Registration Rate through Jan 10

 

$860 $1,065
Registration Rate Jan 11-24 $975 $1,065
On-Site Rate $1,275 $1,365

 

Changes/Cancellations

There will be a $250.00 administrative fee for any registration canceled before January 2, 2025.

After January 2, 2025, the full amount of the registration fee will be forfeited and NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS will be provided.

Registrations may be transferred to another person from the same company before January 10, 2025 for an administrative fee of $300.  Transfers will not be allowed after January 10, 2025.

Media Consent

By registering for and/or attending any Conexxus event, you consent to the use of your image and/or name by Conexxus in/on any Conexxus publication, video, broadcast, cable media, website or social media outlet without charge or obligation. 

Draft Agenda: Times and Content Subject to Change 

Sunday, January 26

                                          

 

Sunday, varying times

Welcome Activities (extra fee to attend may apply)  See the "Networking Events" tab for additional details.

  • Conexxus Charity Golf Outing 1PM
  • Pima Air & Space Museum Tour
  • Hiking
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Registration & Information 
6:00 PM Welcome Dinner at Bill's Grill at Loews Ventana Canyon (included in your registration fee)

 

Monday, January 27

 

7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Registration & Information
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM First Time Attendee Welcome Session
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Opening & Welcome with Gray Taylor, Executive Director, Conexxus

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Monday Keynote: "Perspectives on Global Innovation" - Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM Creating Inclusive Leadership in Convenience
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Break
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Fueling the Future  AI-Powered Values for Fuels & Convenience
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM

PII Is Not for Everyone's Eyes - How to Lock It Down and Meet Compliance Laws

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Lunch & Check in at the Office

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM Retailer Business Requirements (RBR) Meeting (All are welcome to attend; only retailers may vote)
1:45 PM -3:45 PM
  • Technical Advisory Committee/Standards Quality Assurance Joint Meeting 
  • Membership & Marketing Committee Meeting

(All are welcome to attend either meeting.  Retailers are especially encouraged to attend the membership & marketing committee.)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below)
5:45 PM Reception with Table Top Exhibits 

 

Tuesday, January 28

 

7:30 AM - 5:00PM Registration & Information
7:15 AM -9:15 AM Board of Advisors & Board of Directors Meetings (with breakfast available starting at 7 AM) 
8:15 AM - 9:15 PM Breakfast
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CxVG Meeting (Invitation only)
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Hitchhikers Guide to PCI DSS 4.0.1 Compliance to Meet 31 March 2025 Deadlines
10:00 AM- 10:30 AM

Accelerating the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR):  Digitizing the physical world through Edge AI and sensor fusion for operations, insights, and innovations

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Why Edge Computing Is Critical for Modern, Simplified IT Solutions in Multi-Site Convenience Operations

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Convenience Industry Update
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch & Catch up on E-Mails 
1:15 PM -2:30 PM

Welcome with Varish Goyal, Conexxus Board of Directors Chair & CEO, Loop Neighborhood Markets

Tuesday Keynote:  "The Confluence of Tech, Strategy and Culture" - Ed Dzadovsky, Global CTO & EVP, Alimentation Couche-Tard

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM  Education Session
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Break
3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Innovation Research Committee (IRC) Meeting (Limited to retailer attendance only) - includes a deep dive on Retail Media Networks.

Security Advisory Working Group (all are welcome to attend)

5:30 PM 

Networking Dinner, Coyote Corral at Loews Ventana Canyon

 

Wednesday, January 29

 
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Registration & Information
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Think Tank Panel:  Realities from Top C-Store Leaders

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Lessons From The Field: Bridging the IoT Gap

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Driving Success: The Power of CMO and CIO Collaboration
11:15 AM - 11:45 PM Presentation from Invenco by GVR
11:45 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch & Check in at Home
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Wednesday Keynote " Embracing Change" - Ernie Harker
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM General Assembly Meeting
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Break
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below)
5:30 PM Hall of Fame Reception honoring Pat Lewis, Ignite Retail Technologies
6:45 PM  Leadership Appreciation Dinner (by invitation only)

 

Thursday, January 30

 
7:45 AM - 2:00 PM  Registration & Information
7:45 AM - 8:45 AM Breakfast 
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below)
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Catch up at the Office
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below)
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM  Break
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM Retailer Business Requirements (RBR) Meeting (All are welcome to attend; only retailers may vote)
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM Free time to network or explore Ventana Canyon
5:30 PM  Casual Farewell Gathering & Dinner 

 

 

 

Working Group & Committee Meeting Schedule

Monday,  January 27

12:45 PM-1:30 PM

Retailer Business Requirements

(All are welcome; only retailers may vote)

1:45 PM-3:45 PM

Membership & Marketing Committee

(All are welcome to attend; Retailer participation encouraged)

Joint Standards Quality Assurance & Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

(All are welcome to attend)

  Retail Financial Transactions Committee POS/Back Office Committee Data Security Committee Device Integration Committee Business Data Exchange Committee

4:00 PM- 5:30 PM

Retail Financial Transactions Committee Meeting

POS/Back Office Committee Meeting

Data Security Committee Meeting

Forecourt Working Group Meeting

(60 Minutes)

4:00-5:00

Business Data Exchange Committee Meeting

Tuesday,  January 28

  Data Security Committee Innovation Research Committee
3:45 PM-5:15 PM

Security Advisory Working Group Meeting

(All are welcome to attend)

Innovation Research Committee Meeting

(Only retailers may attend)

Wednesday,  January 29

  Retail Financial Transactions Committee Innovation Research Committee Data Security Committee Device Integration Committee
2:45 PM-3:45 PM Mobile Working Group Retail Innovation Working Group Meeting

 

(90 Minutes)

2:45-4:15 PM

Data Privacy Working Group Meeting User Interaction Devices Working Group Meeting   

4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Loyalty Working Group Meeting

Data Privacy State Regulation Updates

Car Wash Working Group Meeting 

Smart Safe Working Group Meeting

Thursday, January 30

  Retail Financial Transactions Committee POS/Back Office Committee Device Integration Committee

8:45 AM-10:15 AM

EPS Working Group Meeting Cloud Pos Calculator API Working Group Meeting Special Interest Meeting:  Connected Store
10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Incremental Authorizations Meeting

Food Service Working Group Meeting Internet of Things Working Group Meeting
1:30 PM-3:00 PM Digital Wallet Working Group Meeting Sunrise 2027 Working Group Meeting Device Integration Committee Meeting
3:15 PM-3:45 PM

Retailer Business Requirements

(All are welcome; only retailers may vote)

                                              

All times are in Mountain Time, the local time in Tucson, Arizona.

All times are approximate and subject to change without advanced notice.  Session times, titles, speakers, and topics are not guaranteed.  A final agenda will be available closer to the start of the conference. 

 HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Conexxus room block cut off is December 23, 2024.

Hotel Information for Conexxus Annual Technology Conference

Loews Ventana Canyon

7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson AZ 85750

Call 877-879-9979
or book online:
Hotel Reservations

 

Participants are responsible for their own hotel accommodations.  Reservations may be made through the Conexxus room block, at a rate starting at $259/ night, by calling the Reservation Center (877-879-9979) or via their website (https://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon/group-conexxus-annual-conference-2025).  This block rate is available for stays from Wednesday, January 22, 2025 through Monday, February 3, 2025.  Cut off date for reservations at the room block rate is Thursday, December 23 2024. 72 Hour Cancellation Policy.  If you have questions regarding hotel availability or room rates, please contact Ann Zecca at [email protected]

If you book in the Conexxus room block, the nightly resort charge is waived.  In addition, you will receive a 15% discount available for full priced spa treatments & a 10% discount on published greens fees.

Attendees are responsible for arranging their own air and ground transportation needs.  Loews Ventana Canyon is located approximately 30 minutes from Tucson International Airport.

Coyote Corral

Patrick Lewis to be Inducted into the Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame in 2025

December 16, 2024 — Conexxus, the leading technology standards organization for the convenience and retail fuels industry, is proud to announce that in January Patrick (Pat) Lewis will be inducted into the prestigious Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame during the 2025 Conexxus Annual Conference. This honor recognizes Lewis’s transformative contributions to advancing technological standards and innovation within the industry.

Pat Lewis, a Partner in Oasis Stop N’ Go Convenience Stores and the founder and CEO of Ignite Retail Technologies, has dedicated over two decades to shaping the future of retail technology in convenience. Pat’s tireless advocacy for innovation and his commitment to improving technology integration have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Throughout his career, Pat has been a staunch supporter of collaborative industry efforts. As a participant in Conexxus for more than 15 years, he spearheaded the Loyalty Working Group, leading to the publication of the first-ever industry standard for POS-to-loyalty host communications. His vision and leadership extended to serving two terms as the Chairman of the Conexxus Board of Directors, where he championed initiatives that continue to influence retail technology adoption today.

“Pat’s contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Conexxus executive director Gray Taylor. “His work on loyalty standards and his dedication to unifying technology across the industry have set a benchmark for excellence. The Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame is proud to welcome such a visionary leader.”

While he admits golf is not his strongest suit, he approaches the game with the same enthusiasm and determination that have defined his career. A two-time participant in the World Series of Poker, he is as strategic at the card table as he is in the boardroom.   His visionary leadership has earned him respect from colleagues and friends across the industry.

Conexxus invites the industry to join us in celebrating Pat Lewis’s induction into the Hall of Fame at the 2025 Conexxus Annual Conference January 26-30 in Tucson, AZ.  This event will recognize Pat’s legacy and inspire the next generation of innovators to continue driving the industry forward.

SPONSORSHIPS

There are prime opportunities to have your organization promoted among our members, industry partners, and conference attendees at the Annual Conference + year round! 

Not a Conexxus member, but want to sponsor at the Annual Conference?    For more information email [email protected] 

Thank you for your support of this important industry technology conference!

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

First Time Attendee Welcome Session

Linda Toth | Managing Director, Conexxus

~ Monday, January 27 8:00 AM ~ 

New to the Conexxus Annual Conference?  Maybe you're a veteran attendee but want to know more about Conexxus or what's happening this week?  This is the session to help you not only plan your week, but also engage with Conexxus year-round.  Get up to speed on not to be missed education sessions, our ever-popular networking events, and what's going on in the working groups and committees.

Conference Opening & Welcome

Gray Taylor | Executive Director, Conexxus

~ Monday, January 27 8:30 AM ~ 

Join Gray as he kicks off the 2025 Conexxus Annual Conference with a review of Conexxus and industry initiatives.

Monday Keynote: Perspectives on Global Innovation

Mark Wohltmann | Director, NACS Global

~ Monday, January 27 8:45 AM ~ 

Based on the findings from NACS Global members in more than 60 countries, Mark will present the latest strategic industry issues convenience retail is facing and best practices retailers around the world are using to keep in the lead.

Creating Inclusive Leadership in Convenience

Carol Valora, CMP | Senior Manager, Conference Content, Informa Connect, Foodservice Vertical

~ Monday, January 27 9:45 AM ~ 

This panel brings together influential leaders from the convenience store industry to discuss the transformative impact of the C-Store Women (CSW) program.  Dedicated to creating a thriving community for women in the convenience store industry, C-Store Women is a comprehensive, year-round women’s leadership journey that is focused on fostering gender diversity, supporting leadership development, and elevating women at all career stages.  Conference attendees discover key strategies for building inclusive workplaces, gain insights from trailblazing female leaders, and learn how to connect with mentors and peers who share a commitment to advancing women in the field.  Recognizing that a two-day event alone cannot shift the needle, each CSW member is committed to a year-round approach through placement on a Power Team. These teams meet on-site at that C-Store Women event and then collaborate and meet on a quarterly basis to work on topics related to the mission. 

Fueling the Future  AI-Powered Values for Fuels & Convenience

Richard Taylor | Sr. Manager, Strategy & Consulting (Energy, Mobility Retail), Accenture LLP

~ Monday, January 27 10:30 AM ~ 

AI is no longer just a buzzword in Fuels & Convenience Retail—it’s the driving force behind tangible results. The focus has shifted from hype to harnessing real, measurable value. In this session, we’ll explore the latest advancements transforming the industry, featuring impactful use cases that deliver proven outcomes. Discover what’s working, what isn’t, and how to overcome the challenges while seizing the opportunities of this transformative technology. Packed with practical insights, this presentation will empower you to launch or scale your AI initiatives with confidence and success. 

PII Is Not for Everyone's Eyes - How to Lock It Down and Meet Compliance Laws

Sean Gately | VP Business Development, Bluefin

~ Monday, January 27 11:15 AM ~ 

Join Bluefin’s Sean Gately in a discussion and demonstration on the importance of securing PII data and meeting PCI compliance laws, including an exploration into the true costs of a data breach.

Hitchhikers Guide to PCI DSS 4.0.1 Compliance to Meet 31 March 2025 Deadlines

Howard Glavin, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, QSA, CTGA, PCIP, ISO/IEE 27001 Senior Auditor | Executive Vice President, K3DES LLC

Jason Schroeder, CISA, CISM, QSA, P2PE Assessor, QPA, PCIP | Director, K3DES LLC

~ Tuesday, January 28 9:30 AM ~ 

Delve into the 52 future dated requirements and the Target Risk Analysis (TRAs) due on 31 March 2025, understand the impact of the new controls, and determine when they must be in place.  (Spoiler: most must be in place prior to the deadline date.) 

Guidance will be given on how to meet the requirements with a focus on:

  • Web Page Protection
  • Client-side Browser protection
  • Scripts and script protection
  • Structuring your vulnerability and patching SLAs to meet both your needs and compliance. 

Recommendations on prioritization and manageability to allow for compliance by the deadline date of 31 March 2025 will be presented.

Accelerating the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR):  Digitizing the physical world through Edge AI and sensor fusion for operations, insights, and innovations

Sridhar (Sid) Subrahmanya | Principal AI Scientist, AIFA Labs

~ Tuesday, January 28 10:00 AM ~ 

The digitization of the physical world will unlock significant value for the convenience store and fuel retail industry. It will allow retailers to manage their assets, stores, fuel stations, and parking areas more effectively by providing better insights into customer behavior and on-site activities. This includes the ability to detect unusual situations and activities early, helping to mitigate risks. Purpose-built Edge AI devices equipped with sensor fusion will analyze real-time data using industry-standard protocols, interfaces, and APIs. Over time and across different locations, these inferences and actions will lead to deeper insights, better foresight, and greater innovations.

Why Edge Computing Is Critical for Modern, Simplified IT Solutions in Multi-Site Convenience Operations

Phil Stead | Vice President of Sales, Acumera

Paul Kern | Product Management Director, Invenco by GVR

Jon Tribble | Director of IT Retail Services, Kwik Trip, Inc.

Brandon Wright | C-Store Product Owner, GK Americas

~ Tuesday, January 28 10:30 AM ~ 

Join this lively and diverse group of panelists as they discuss the advantages of edge computing. 

Convenience Industry Update

Jeff Burrell | VP Retail Engagement, NACS

~ Tuesday, January 28 11:15 AM ~ 

As the vice president of engagement for NACS, Jeff Burrell spends much of his time visiting with convenience industry retailers and suppliers across the US.  In this session, Jeff will draw on his many conversations and provide us with insights and updates on the industry.

Tuesday Welcome Message

Varish Goyal | CEO, Vintners Distributors, Au Energy and Loop Neighborhood Markets

~ Tuesday, January 28 1:15 PM ~ 

Join the Conexxus Board of Directors Chair, Varish Goyal, as he shares insights and perspectives on his stores, the industry, and Conexxus.

Tuesday Keynote:   The Confluence of Tech, Strategy and Culture

Ed Dzadovsky | Global CTO & EVP, Alimentation Couche-Tard

~ Tuesday, January 28 1:30 PM ~ 

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, CTOs and CIOs face the challenge of balancing technology, strategy and organizational culture. This session explores how to avoid tech debt, ensure resiliency, and find the balance between innovation and core operations. Discover industry insights on how Circle K manages integrating both global platforms and cultures through their ongoing mergers and acquisitions. Join us for a candid discussion on navigating the importance of strategic roadmaps, customer-focused transformation, and the evolving role of technical leaders in shaping both technology and culture.

Think Tank Panel:  Realities from Top C-Store Leaders

Tommy Jehli | Head of Product - Digital, Loyalty, CRM, & Data, Shell Americas

Chad Kobayashi | Sr. Director of Retail Technology, Maverik - Adventure's First Stop

Moderator:  Ed Collupy | Innovation Facilitator, Conexxus

~ Wednesday, January 29 8:30 AM ~ 

In this latest Conexxus Think Tank session, you will hear from innovative c-store leaders who are enthusiastic and forward-thinking about the possibilities that technology will bring to their companies. Our panel members will share their experiences and outlook on key retail technologies for their stores and across their business. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with the panel, helping to shape a great conversation. 

Lessons from the Field:  Bridging the IoT Gap

Joseph Brooks | Director of Operations, Field Advantage

Walter Sears | Head of Sales Operations, Disruptive Technologies

~ Wednesday, January 29 9:30 AM ~ 

IoT technology promises groundbreaking insights for consumer metrics and store operations, but how do you move from concept to execution? Join us for a deep dive into the operationalization of IoT sensors, where we share practical lessons learned from the frontlines of large-scale deployment. Together Field Advantage and Disruptive Technologies, will explore the realities of implementing IoT solutions, from initial project planning to overcoming challenges in deployment and scaling.

In this session, we’ll address:

  • Best practices for successful sensor installations.
  • Missteps to avoid during large-scale rollouts.
  • Insights into the tangible benefits IoT can deliver for businesses.
  • A collaborative, real-world case study featuring the combined work of Field Advantage and Disruptive Technologies.

If you've ever been to a presentation that stops at "why IoT is great," this is where we pick up the baton and show you "how to make it happen." Whether you're considering your first IoT project or refining your existing operations, this conversation will provide actionable insights to bring your vision to life.

Driving Success: The Power of CMO and CIO Collaboration

Art Sebastian | Founder & CEO, NexChapter

~ Wednesday, January 29 10:15 AM ~ 

The relationship between the CMO and CIO is pivotal in transforming today’s retail businesses. This session explores how aligning marketing and technology teams through shared goals, open communication, and strategic collaboration drives innovation and customer engagement. Gain insights into the critical elements of this partnership and discover actionable strategies to foster stronger alignment between these two vital roles in your organization.

Presentation from Invenco by GVR

~ Wednesday, January 29 10:15 AM ~ 

Description coming soon.

Wednesday Keynote:  Embracing Change

Ernie Harker | The Billion Dollar Branding Guy

~ Wednesday, January 29 1:15 PM ~ 

The world’s changing faster than ever and let’s face it, it’s tough to keep up. Technology’s just the tip of the iceberg—we’re juggling shifts in every corner of our lives, and it’s leaving a trail of frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm. With humor, energy, and real-world insights, keynote speaker Ernie Harker will break down the rollercoaster of emotions we ride when change hits and arm you with simple, effective tactics to tackle change like a boss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Networking Events

Beginning Sunday, first with add-on activities in the afternoon, and then with our kick-off dinner in the evening, we end each day with a fun and unique networking event.  Come together with your colleagues  and new acquaintances after a day of work for an evening of discussion and play!


- Sunday, January 26 -

 

Add-On Sunday Welcome Activities 

(extra fees to attend may apply)

 

Conexxus Charity Golf Outing benefiting St. Jude

Loews Ventana Golf & Racquet Club

Mountain course

 12:15 PM - 6 PM | $350

Ventana Mountain Course

Join us for a memorable afternoon at the Conexxus Charity Golf Outing.  Located just steps from the lobby of Loews (the conference hotel) and in conjunction with the Ventana Golf & Racquet Club, the Mountain Course is a Tom Fazio designed 6,902 yard par 72 championship award-winning course set in the Santa Catalina Mountains.  Weaving through desert cacti and scenic canyons, the course embodies the character of the Sonoran Desert landscape, as well as a unique variety of desert fauna.   

New this year, a portion of each golfer's fees will go to supporting St. Jude.  Founded in 1962, St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  

Meet in the lobby at 12:15 PM to collect your golf goodie bag and the group will walk over to the clubhouse to pick up clubs and carts. Tee time promptly at 1PM.

 

 

Sabino Canyon Guided Hiking

1:15 PM - 4:30 PM | $75

Join fellow attendees on a guided hike exploring the local flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.  This is a botany and geology-themed educational outing focusing on the enduring wonders of the Sonoran Desert, which runs from Northern Mexico to Southern Arizona, and features a rich and diverse ecosystem not found anywhere else on the planet.  Guides will explain the mysteries of the Sonora’s iconic flora, like a 40-foot Saguaro that can hold enough water to last it a year -- a late bloomer that’s likely three times as old as the average person on the hike but didn’t sprout an arm until it’s 75.

We'll meet in the lobby at 1:15 to depart for the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.  A tram will take the group up the trail and you will hike down.  The hike itself will last about 2 hours and we'll have you back in plenty of time to freshen up in time for the Welcome Dinner at the resort.  

Space is limited.  Be sure to register early to confirm you spot.  Note:  If you've already registered for the conference but would like to add the hiking event, please email [email protected]  and she can add it to your registration.

Hiking

Hiking

 

 

Pima Air & Space Museum Tour

1:15 PM

Pima Air & Space Museuam

Pima Air & Space Museuam

Join  fellow aviation fans for a tour at the Pima Air & Space Museum.  Located in Tucson, about 30 minutes from Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, the museum is one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world!  Featuring about 400 historic aircraft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner, the museum sits on 80 acres of outdoor display and and encompasses 250,000 square feet of indoor exhibit hangers. 

We'll meet in the lobby at 1:15 to grab Ubers. Once there you will purchase an admission ticket (currently $22.50 pp) and explore the indoor museum. In addition, you can explore the outdoor space by buying a ticket to a public tram tours ($10).  The 45-minute Tram Tour takes passengers through the museum’s 80 acres on a 1.5 mile circuit to view more than 150 planes in our collection. Tram Tours are narrated by experienced, friendly guides who describe highlights of our collection, a plane’s significance, and often times share their personal stories of service with many of the aircraft on display.

The museum closes at 5PM.

 

 


Sunday Welcome Dinner ~ Bill's Grill

Begins at 6:00 PM

Join together as we officially kick off the 2025 Annual Conference! 

We will gather at Bill's Grill, located at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, for a relaxed evening including drinks and dinner.   Feel free to join as you are able, even if you are arriving late to the resort.

Bill's Grill

- Monday, January 27 -

Reception with Table Top Exhibits ~ Grand Ballroom Foyer

5:45 PM

A highlight event each year, where annual Diamond and Emerald Sponsors have the opportunity to provide a tabletop display for showcasing their latest innovations and offerings.  Meet and greet with new organizations, win prizes, and enjoy an evening of learning more about our exhibiting sponsor organizations and products!

Acumera

AIFA Labs

Armor Sage Technologies

 

AvaLAN Dover

bluefin

Field Advantage

 

GS1 US

Hughes

k3des

 

 


- Tuesday, January 28 - 

Dinner & Games ~ Coyote Corral

5:30 PM

Join us on Tuesday for a fun evening of networking over dinner & games down at the Coyote Corral.  

 

 

Coyote Corral

 


- Wednesday, January 29 -

Hall of Fame Reception, Honoring Pat Lewis ~ Grand Ballroom foyer

5:30 PM

Coyote Corral

Join us for the induction of Pat Lewis into the Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame.  We look forward to celebrating Pat and recognizing his achievements and accomplishments with Conexxus over the years!  

 

- Thursday, January 30 -

Casual Gathering & Dinner ~ Grand Ballroom Foyer

5:30 PM

After we wrap up the working group and committee meetings on Thursday, we will gather to close out the conference with a relaxing drink and light dinner.  A great time to reflect and relax with fellow attendees after an inspiring, productive, and thought-provoking week of intense work on c-store and fuel retail innovation!

 

 


 

Return to top