See you in Arlington!
"Buying the Hype or Buying the Future"
April 28 - May 2, 2024
LIVE! by Loews arlington, Texas
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!
This year’s conference has education sessions, keynotes, working group and committee meeting time, as well as the legendary networking events where retailers and vendors can collaborate in uniquely fun settings!
Register for the Conference Download the calendar invite
- Rates & Registration
- Agenda
- Hotel/Travel
- Hall of Fame
- Sponsorship
- Sessions & Speakers
- Networking Events
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
5+ attendee Company Discount! Must contact Ann Zecca to receive the discount, see details below.
Conexxus Members |
Non-Members |
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Go Live!
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$2,755 (Guest $975) (5+ Company Discount* - $2,455) |
$3,995 (Guest $1,150) (5+ Company Discount* - $3,695) |
*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, April 28
See the "Networking Events" tab for additonal details.
- Poolside Cabana Party ($220)
- PGA/Korn Ferry Tour Veritex Bank Championship ($375)
- Texas Rangers vs Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game ($220)
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 | |
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Go Live!
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$975 | $1,150 |
Changes/Cancellations
There will be a $250.00 administrative fee for any registration canceled before March 15, 2024.
After March 15, 2024, 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 April 15, 2024 for an administrative fee of $300. Transfers will not be allowed after April 15, 2024.
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.
Please Note the Changes to this year's agenda
compared to previous years!
Draft Agenda: Times and Content Subject to Change
Sunday, APRIL 28 |
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Sunday , varying times |
Welcome Activities (extra fee to attend) See the "Networking Events" tab for additional details.
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| 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Registration & Information |
| 6:00 PM | Welcome Dinner by the pool, Live! by Loews - Arlington (included in your registration fee) |
Monday, APRIL 29 |
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| 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 | Voices of the Retailers: Roadmap Driven by Necessity |
| 9:45AM - 10:45 AM | Recipes for Success with AI: A Beginner's View |
| 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Retailer Business Requirements (RBR) Meeting (All are welcome to attend; only retailers may vote) |
| 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM |
Lunch & Check in at the Office |
| 1:00 PM -3:00 PM |
(All are welcome to attend either meeting. Retailers are especially encouraged to attend the membership & marketing committee.) |
| 3:15 PM - 5:30 PM | Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below) |
| 5:45 PM | Reception with Table Top Exhibits |
Tuesday, April 30 |
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| 7:30 AM - 5:00PM | Registration & Information |
| 7:15 AM -9:20 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 -10:45 AM |
Welcome with Varish Goyal, Conexxus Board of Directors Chair & CEO, Loop Neighborhood Markets Morning Keynote - The Confidence Cycle: How to Unlock the Most Confident Version of Yourself | Juan Bendana |
| 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Multiple Storms on the Retail Horizon... Are you Ready? |
| 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM | EMV and Its Ongoing Effect on Fuel Retail |
| 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM |
Lunch & Catch up on E-Mails |
| 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM |
Innovation Research Committee (IRC) Meeting (Limited to retailer attendance only) Security Advisory Working Group |
| 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM | Break |
| 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM |
General Assembly + Connect with Conexxus (all are welcome) |
| 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Elevating Digital Success |
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | AI in Action: Updates on Three Rising Use Cases |
| 5:00 PM |
Drinks, Games & Dinner at Live! by Loews Clover Club Lawn Texas Rangers vs Washington Nationals, First Pitch 7:05 PM |
Wednesday, May 1 |
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| 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration & Information |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
Think Tank v9.0 Panel: Realities from Top C-Store Leaders |
| 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Reimagining the Convenience and Energy Lottery Experience |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM | Lessons from the Field: RaceTrac's Success Using Edge Computing |
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Outside of the Box: Unique Approaches to Convenience Retailing |
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch & Check in at Home |
| 2:00 PM - 5:15 PM | Working Group & Committee Meetings (see below) |
| 5:30 PM | Hall of Fame Reception honoring Doug New, Nouria Energy |
| 6:45 PM | Leadership Appreciation Dinner (by invitation only) |
Thursday, May 2 |
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| 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 - 3:30 PM | Retail Innovation Working Group (all are welcome and encouraged to attend) |
| 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM | Break |
| 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM | Retailer Business Requirements (RBR) Meeting (All are welcome to attend; only retailers may vote) |
| 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM | Free time to network or explore Arlington |
| 5:30 PM | Casual Farewell Gathering & Dinner |
Working Group & Committee Meeting Schedule |
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Monday, APRIL 29 |
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11:00 AM - 11:45 AM |
Retailer Business Requirements (All are welcome; only retailers may vote) |
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1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Membership & Marketing Committee (Retailer Participation Encouraged) |
Joint Standards Quality Assurance & Technical Advisory Committee Meeting (All are welcome to attend) |
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| Retail Financial Transactions | Device Integration | Data Security | POS/Back Office | |
| 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM |
(3:15 - 4:45 PM) EPS Working Group |
User Interaction Devices Working Group |
(4:00 - 5:30 PM) Data Security Committee
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Joint Meeting:
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| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
IoT Working Group
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Sunrise 2027 Working Group | ||
Tuesday, April 30 |
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| Data Security | Innovation Research | |||
| 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM |
Security Advisory Working Group (All are welcome to attend) |
Innovation Research Committee (Only retailers may attend) |
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Wednesday, May 1 |
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| Retail Financial Transactions | Device Integration | Data Security | POS/Back Office | |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Retail Financial Transactions Committee | Forecourt Working Group |
(2:00 - 3:00 PM) Presentation: Vulnerability Management in Today's World Howard Glavin, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, QSA, CTGA, PCIP, ISO/IEC, Executive Vice President, K3DES |
Cloud POS Calculator |
| 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
Loyalty Working Group |
(3:45 - 4:45 PM) Car Wash Working Group |
(3:45 - 4:45 PM) Presentation: Preparing for Your Journey to Future Dated Requirements in PCI DSS v4.0 Lauren Holloway, CISSP, CISM, CISA. Director, Data Security Standards, PCI Security Standards Council |
(3:45 - 4:45 PM) Food Service |
Thursday, May 2 |
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| Retail Financial Transactions | Device Integration | Data Security | BDX | |
| 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM | Digital Wallet Working Group |
Discussion: "Dispenser of the Future" |
(9:15-10:15 AM) Data Privacy Working Group |
Business Data Exchange Committee |
| Retail Financial Transactions | Device Integration | Data Security | POS/Back Office | |
| 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
(10:30 - 11:30 AM) Mobile Working Group |
(10:30 - 11:30 AM) Device Integration Committee |
(10:30 - 11:30 AM) Data Privacy Open Discussion/Q&A with Alan & Allie |
POS/Back Office Committee |
| 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
Retail Innovation Working Group (All are welcome & encouraged to attend) |
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| 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM |
Retailer Business Requirements (All are welcome; only retailers may vote) |
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All times are in Central Time, the local time in Arlington, Texas.
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
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Live! by Loews - Arlington Texas1600 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011 For reservations call Loews Customer Engagement Center (844)275-1720 |
Participants are responsible for their own hotel accommodations. Reservations may be made through the Conexxus room block, at a rate of $239/ night, by calling the Loews Customer Engagement Center (844)275-1720 or via their website (loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas/group-conexxus-annual-conference-2024?_=1709666057829). This block rate is available for stays from Friday, April 26, 2025 through Sunday, May 5, 2024. Cut off date for reservations at the room block rate is Monday, April 15, 2024, 5:00 PM local time (Central Time Zone). 48 Hour Cancellation Policy. If you have questions regarding hotel availability or room rates, please contact Ann Zecca at [email protected].
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own air and ground transportation needs. Live! by Loews - Arlington, TX is located about 12 miles from Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) and about 20 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL).
Congratulations to Doug New
as the 2024 Conexxus Hall of Fame Inductee!
Doug New
Chief Information Officer
Nouria Energy
We look forward to celebrating Doug and recognizing his achievements and accomplishments with Conexxus over the years! We will be honoring and inducting him into the Hall of Fame during the Annual Conference in Arlington!
Hall of Fame Induction Reception
Wednesday, May 1 at 5:30pm
SPONSORSHIPS
There are prime opportunities to have your organization promoted among our members, industry partners, and conference attendees at the Annual Conference + year round!
Please view our full Sponsorship Opportunities page for available options, and contact Ann Zecca with any questions or to become a sponsor.
Thank you for your support of this important industry technology conference!
First Time Attendee Welcome Session
Linda Toth | Managing Director, Conexxus
~ Monday, April 29 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, April 29 8:30 AM ~
Join Gray as he kicks off the 2024 Conexxus Annual Conference with a review of Conexxus and industry initiatives.
Voices of the Retailers: Roadmap Driven by Necessity
Doug New | Chief Information Officer, Nouria Energy
Gray Taylor | Executive Director, Conexxus
~ Monday, April 29 8:45 AM ~
For over two years Conexxus has hosted the Innovation Research Committee (IRC) comprised of non-technical executives (including non-members of Conexxus) who bring real issues & opportunities to the group that form the foundation for innovation going forward. Hear select members discussing a roadmap for improvement and innovation that they are looking at and view as a key factor to success.
Recipes for Success with AI: A Beginner’s View
Frodi Hammer | CTO, A2i Systems
Alan Lockett | AI Consultant
Moderator: David Ezell | Director of New Initiatives, Conexxus
~ Monday, April 29, 9:45 AM ~
This session will look at current approaches, including examples, for implementing AI applications. We’ll cut through the hype on specific tools and processes that will help you reap the considerable benefits of AI quickly. There’s a “pony in that pile” and it might just be a thoroughbred!
Tuesday Welcome
Varish Goyal | CEO, Loop Neighborhood Markets & Chairman, Conexxus Board of Directors
~ Tuesday, April 30, 9:30 AM ~
Join the Conexxus Board of Directors Chair, Varish Goyal, as he opens day 2 of the 2024 Conexxus Annual Conference and hear insights into the innovation happening at his stores.
Morning Keynote - The Confidence Cycle: How to Unlock the Most Confident Version of Yourself
Juan Bendana | Confidence Coach
~ Tuesday April 30, 9:45 AM ~
With the future changing faster than ever before and uncertainty everywhere we look, we must realize that the skills that got us here today are not the same skills that will help us get to where we’re going next. Today, we need to build a new skill set that will allow us to realize and experience the best version of ourselves so that we can thrive through tomorrow and every day after. This skill set must be rooted in confidence; the foundation of growth, learning, and development. Whether we like it or not, uncertainty isn’t going away. Instead of wishing for more certain times, let's create more certain people. The question is how.
Confidence Coach to top CEO's, Olympians, Actors and Peak Performers across every industry, Juan Bendana is an internationally recognized speaker who helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to thrive in any environment. Drawing from his science-based framework, the Confidence Cycle, Juan has inspired over 250,000 leaders, including those at category leading companies such as Disney, Sotheby's International, and Sony Pictures.
Multiple Storms on the Retail Horizon…. Are you Ready?
Paige Anderson | Director, Government Relations, NACS
Mike Lindberg | Senior Director, Payment Solutions, CHS/Cenex
Allie Russell, JD, CIPP/US | Privacy Analyst, UNC Privacy Office, Associate Attorney, Conley Rose, P.C.
Liz Sertl | Sr. Director, Supply Chain Visibility - Community Engagement, GS1 US
Lauren Holloway, CISSP, CISM, CISA | Director, Data Security Standards, PCI Security Standards Council
Moderator: Linda Toth | Managing Director, Conexxus
~ Tuesday, April 30, 11:00 AM ~
There are multiple major disruptions coming your way. In this lightning round panel, we’ll discuss an overview of what’s happening that will impact all of retail.
EMV and Its Ongoing Effect on Fuel Retail
Dan Harrell | Chief Innovation Officer, Invenco by GVR
~ Tuesday, April 30, 11:45 AM ~
Three years after the EMV transition, the fuel retail industry faces new and unforeseen challenges related to the switch. Dan Harrell will discuss the latest tactics and strategies to combat inefficiencies and ongoing costs in the era of EMV.
Elevating Digital Success
Jen Johnson | Director of Business Development - Localized Marketing Solutions, NACS
Jake McKenna | Product & Parternships, Apple
~ Tuesday, April 30, 3:15 PM ~
Join this session as we delve into the pivotal role of digital advancements in shaping the modern convenience store customer's journey. Discover how harnessing the power of digital can not only drive operational efficiency but also foster stronger connections with tech-savvy consumers in today's dynamic retail landscape.
AI in Action: Updates on Three Rising Use Cases
Krishna Motukuri | CEO & Co-Founder, Zippin
Pierre-Marie Rallu | VP, Captana North America
Rajeev Sharma | Founder & CEO, VideoMining
Moderator: Robert Hampton | Vice President Technology Services and Innovation, Jacksons Food Stores, Inc.
~ Tuesday, April 30, 3:45 PM ~
Keeping up with the rapid advances in computer vision and natural language processing is no simple task. In this session, you'll hear from leaders at three companies who are on the forefront of their respective fields. They'll share how we got here, where the technology is heading, and what problems are being solved at the retail level.
Think Tank v9.0 Panel: Realities from Top C-Store Leaders
Christine Loukota | Director, Emerging Technologies, Alimentation Couche-Tard/Circle K
Abhi Patel | Director IT, Nouria Energy
Ryan Uphouse | Lead Business Analyst, Sheetz
Moderator: Ed Collupy | Innovation Facilitator, Conexxus
~ Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 AM ~
In this latest Conexxus Think Tank session, you will hear from leading 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.
Reimagining the Convenience and Energy Lottery Experience
Simon Butler | CEO, Abacus Solutions International Group
Don Frieden | President and CEO, P97 Networks
Ryan Mindell | Deputy Executive Director, Texas Lottery Commission
Gray Taylor | Executive Director, Conexxus
Moderator: Dave de la Plante | Strategy Director, Bulloch Technologies
~ Wednesday, May 1, 9:30 AM ~
The Convenience & Energy customer experience is evolving rapidly with many new channels of sales interaction. C & E and Lottery are critical to each other and must work together on new opportunities to drive lottery sales through new customer experiences. In this panel, we’ll discuss the future of lottery and gaming, new channels for lottery sales, and emerging opportunities for the integration and standardization of retail and lottery platforms.
Lessons from the Field: RaceTrac's Success Using Edge Computing
Tyler Grubbs | Executive Director of Store Systems & Technology, RaceTrac, Inc.
Phil Stead | Vice President of Sales, Edge Platform, Acumera
~ Wednesday, May 1, 10:45 AM ~
In this session, Phil Stead VP of Sales, Acumera will introduce why edge computing has now become table stakes within convenience retail. Tyler Grubbs, Executive Director of Store Systems Technology at RaceTrac, will then share how RaceTrac, as a premier convenience store brand, has optimized their technology foundation as they look to the future and continued expansion across their lines of business.
Outside of the Box: Unique Approaches to Convenience Retailing
Howland Blackiston | Principal, King-Casey
Steve McKinley | CEO and Founder, Urban Value Corner Store
Zahir Walji | Managing Partner, High Country Market Bistro & Gastropub
Moderator: Frank Beard | Head of Marketing, Rovertown
~ Wednesday, May 1, 11:30 AM ~
The American convenience store has, for decades, found its home next to a fuel canopy with an offer based primarily around mass-market alcohol, tobacco, and consumer packaged goods. But retailers are now exploring new approaches to convenience—some of which are decoupled from transportation energy. In this session, we'll dive deep into this shift and hear from experts with unique perspectives.
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, April 28 -
Add-On Sunday Welcome Activities
(extra fees to attend)
PGA Korn ferry tour Veritex Bank Championship
Texas Rangers Golf club
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Join us for a memorable afternoon at the final round of the PGA Korn Ferry Tour Veritex Bank Championship in Arlington at the new (opened 2019) Texas Rangers Golf Club, the only Major League Baseball-branded golf course. Owned & operated by the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour identifies and develops golf's next stars, preparing them to compete & win on the game's biggest stage. The winner of the tour earns exemptions into the following year's PLAYERS Championship & U.S. Open. Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up 88% of the PGA TOUR's current membership. Experience the Veritex Bank Championship tournament grounds from 7 AM to 7 PM. Go on your own schedule or go with the group, leaving the hotel lobby at 1:30 PM, returning in time for the wecome dinner by the pool Your VIP ticket includes Clubhouse and Lounge access, as well as reserved patio seating overlooking the 18th green. A buffet of heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be available from 11 AM until 5:30 PM.
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Cabana Pool Party ~ Live! By loews Pool
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | $220
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Enjoy a relaxing and fun filled day by the pool in the warm Texas weather. The party includes soaking lounge chairs, private cabanas with ceiling fans and TV's, food & beverage selections, a gorgeous heated pool and of course plenty of time to network with other party goers! You'll have all day access starting at 8AM. What a great way to kick off the week as you unwind after your plane ride or road trip.
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Rangers vs Reds ~ GLOBE LIFE FIELD Baseball Stadium
Game Time 1:35 PM | $220
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Join fellow baseball fans at the Globe Life Field Baseball Stadium, a short walk from Live! by Loews, as the Texas Rangers take on the Cincinnati Reds at 1:35 PM. Your ticket includes deluxe seats on the mezzanine level behind home plate, as well as a $20 food, beverage, or merchandise credit to use inside the stadium. Go on your own or meet in the hotel lobby at 12:45 PM to walk over with the group. |
Sunday Welcome Dinner ~ SOAK Cabana Pool Deck
Begins at 6:00 PM
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Join together as we officially kick off the 2024 Annual Conference! We will gather on the Live! by Loews SOAK Pool Deck for a relaxed evening including drinks and dinner. |
- Monday, April 29 -
Reception with Table Top Exhibits ~ CLOVER CLUB FOUNTAIN & LAWN
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!
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- Tuesday, April 30 -
Dinner & Games ~ Clover Club Lawn
Rangers vs nationals ~ Globe Life Field Baseball Stadium
Starting at 5PM, First Pitch 7:05 PM
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We'll start at 5PM with drinks, dinner and games at the Live! by Loews Clover Club Lawn. After dinner, head to the Globe Life Field Baseball Stadium, a short walk away, as the Texas Rangers take on the Washington Nationals at 7:05 PM. The first 15,000 fans in the stadium will also receive a Marcus Semien Silver Slugger Bobblehead. Semien, picked twice as an AL all-star team member, has a golden glove award as well as 2 silver slugger awards. Your ticket includes seats on the third base side lower level and includes a $20 food, beverage, or merchandise credit to use inside the stadium.
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- Wednesday, May 1 -
Hall of Fame Reception, Honoring Doug New ~ OVERLOOK
5:30 PM
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Doug New Chief Information Officer Nouria Energy
We look forward to celebrating Doug and recognizing his achievements and accomplishments with Conexxus over the years! |
- Thursday, May 2 -
Casual Gathering & Dinner ~ Arlington foyer & Terrace
5:30 PM
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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!
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Thank you 2024 Sponsors!
Diamond Sponsors
Emerald sponsors
Garnet Sponsors
