Start your day off with a key note speaker, focused on helping you maximize your time at the conference and building your business 365 days a year! The speaker will be followed by an industry update by the Western Convenience Stores Association. This is your chance to hear about the latest industry news and burning issues and find out what the future holds for your business.

Wondering about the health of your industry? Seeking out the next big opportunities? Want to know what government regulations will threaten your business over the next year? Looking to capitalize on the latest trends and find new profit opportunities? Join Alan Fogel, Fulcrum Media's Group Publisher, as he moderates a panel of packaged goods executives and leading retailers as they provide answers to these and other burning questions.

There was a time when convenience stores were perceived as purveyors of junk food and high prices. As consumer demands shifted to healthier food choices, the convenience industry responded with a boom of healthy food service programs. But the convenience channel must continue to evolve to remain relevant to consumers. Our panel of government health and nutrition experts, private suppliers and retailers will discuss the latest healthy food choices available in the channel and how you can integrate healthy food into your product offering.

Contraband tobacco continues to be a major problem for convenience retailers in the western provinces. The western approach to fighting contraband has been one of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. But are they equipped to handle the increased traffic from offshore and through reserves? Our expert panel will discuss how the government intends to tackle the problem. Convenience store owners will also learn how the spread of contraband tobacco impacts their businesses, and what they can do to help themselves protect this vital source of revenue.

Selling to under-aged customers is a major concern in Canada, resulting in severe monetary fines for the staff and storeowners, as well as the loss of the right to sell products that are the lifeblood of many convenience stores. To address this issue our We Expect ID age verification training course was developed to provide the skills to identify and manage situations involving under age customers who are attempting to purchase alcohol, tobacco, adult themed magazines and movies, lottery tickets and fireworks that are illegal to be sold to a minor. You'll see a live interactive demonstration of the online training available and learn how you can get certified in age verification training as well as other valuable courses offered by the Western Convenience Store Association.

You already know your premium tobacco customers visit your store more often and spend more than your average shopper. But do you know what other products they are buying when they purchase their tobacco products and what influences these decisions? Attend this session led by Environics and learn what items are typically included in the premium basket and actions you can take to increase your sales with this discerning customer group.

Your sales and profits in large categories such as beverages, snacks, confectionery and lottery will benefit when you provide multiple points of engagement for your customers. Join us and see how you can convert more of your gasoline customers into buyers inside your store. Learn which categories benefit most from promotions and merchandising solutions and the best practices to grow sales and profits.

Different shoppers visit your store at different times, each looking for different products to satisfy their needs at that moment. Do you have the right assortment and knowledgeable staff to capitalize on consumers' needs and desires throughout the entire day? Learn from consumer insights which categories sell best at different times of day and how you can influence your customers' buying decisions during all dayparts.

This seminar will appeal to retailers who have been considering offering or expanding their grab & go foods. Presented by Hugh Large, The Convenience Guru, this session will review the "fast food" options available to c-stores, the required equipment and fixtures, the barriers to success, and also help you understand why building a better grab& go offering will help you increase your sales and profits.

Who makes the most trips to your store? Who buys more in your store? Who spends more in your store? Want help answering these questions? Your tobacco customers may hold the key. Tobacco remains one of the most important categories in your store. Attend this session presented by Imperial Tobacco Company Ltd. to learn key insights about the category and the customer that will help you build your business.

Timelines have been revised, but your compliance requirements remain. Will you be ready in time to upgrade your current pumps or invest in a new system? Are you clear on your obligations? Attend this interactive panel to learn about the relevant costs and benefits to each option and what you need to do to meet your compliance requirements.

You work long hours, try to source your inventory competitively and sell at an acceptable margin. But are you working smartly? Are you getting all the value, infrastructure and services offered by your distributors and direct suppliers? Attend this session to learn how to maximize your supply relationships.

Does your store offer a shopping experience that keeps your customers coming back? How can you increase customer satisfaction? Join executives from the industry's leading categories for an interactive discussion on the key aspects affecting your customers' perception of your store. Find out from the experts what changes you can implement in your stores that will dramatically improve your customers' shopping experience and lead to increased sales.

Think you have difficult customers, suppliers and employees? What strategies do you employ? This session will help you react professionally when faced with difficult situations. Whether it's a tough conversation with an employee, customer, colleague or supplier, you will learn how to manage those often uncomfortable interactions. Join Gary McDougall, a former hostage negotiation team leader for the Calgary Police Services for this hands–on session and walk away with strategies you can apply in any challenging interaction.

Join the Canadian Carwash Association (CCA) suppliers and operators for interactive round table discussions on items crucial to your carwash success! Meet other carwash owners in an informal setting to discuss areas of common interest. Topics leaders will address insurance, the WaterSavers Program, CCA Wash Volume Report, Marketing, and Finance. Invest your time and learn from industry insiders and your colleagues.

Learn how greening your carwash can turn into an opportunity to attract and retain new customers and provide cost savings and new marketing initiatives. This session will explore how going green can increase profitability and save you money. Hear from panelists with expertise related to the water use, energy savings, equipment maintenance and marketing.

Want to be at the forefront of the carwash industry? Join industry insiders as they discuss the key trends, issues and challenges facing carwash businesses today. Learn where the industry is going and what you can do to keep ahead of the competition.