Plenty To Do In Three Days

Check Out Our Schedule

Day One

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Registration
Location: Hall H Pre-Function

4:15 PM - 6:00 PM

EDU + BREW: Sip, Learn, and Network!

Grab a beer or coffee and immerse yourself in discussions that matter to your business. This is your chance to gain valuable insights from industry experts while enjoying your favorite brew.

Location: Room 288-290

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

Join us for an insightful session where industry leaders from McLane and Altria discuss navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. This session will cover the current regulatory environment, focusing on tobacco regulations, e-vapor enforcement, and legislative changes impacting the convenience store industry. Additionally, we will delve into the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and other food regulations, highlighting the latest requirements and compliance strategies for ensuring food safety and traceability.

Speakers:

  • Eric Hildenbrand, Chief Strategy Officer at McLane
  • Danielle Halloway, Sr. Director, Industry Engagement, Altria Distribution Group
  • Alicia Downard, Director of PR and Communications, McLane

Riding the Wave of Cold Beverage Innovation

Consumer demand for cold coffee products—clean energy drinks, dirty sodas, and nitro brews—is skyrocketing, presenting a golden opportunity for c-store retailers. In this dynamic panel, you’ll hear from industry leaders who are helping retailers tap into this trend to boost sales. Discover strategies to:

  • Seamlessly connect your beverage bar and cold vault to optimize your product mix.
  • Capture a greater share of wallet from Gen Z consumers.
  • Create a sensory customer experience with a strategically curated, customized beverage bar.
  • Leverage private label brands to deliver differentiated value and drive profitability in the beverage space.

Speakers:

  • Jon Cox, Vice President of Retail Foodservice for McLane
  • Farley Kaiser, Senior Director, Culinary & Innovation, McLane
  • Melissa Mackay, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Insight at Westrock Coffee Company
  • Craig Fishburn, Global Chief Sales Officer, SHOTT Beverages

6:15 PM - 8:15 PM

Opening Reception
Location: Hall I-1

Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and great conversation with industry peers. This is the perfect opportunity to network, relax, and set the tone for an amazing event. Don’t miss out on this fantastic start to McLane Engage!

Day Two

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration
Location: Hall H Pre-Function

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Morning Activations
Location: Meet at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Concierge (bottom floor)

Jazz Yoga Start your day with Jazz Yoga, where jazz meets yoga for a serene and revitalizing experience. Perfect for all levels, this session will leave you balanced and energized.

Guided Mississippi River Run Join our Guided Mississippi River Run for a scenic 5K jog along the iconic riverfront. Enjoy fascinating stories and historical insights from our guide while taking in beautiful views.

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Breakfast
Location: Hall I-1

Engage in facilitated round table discussions on key industry topics, connect with peers, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge. Breakfast roundtable discussions include: Innovating Your Menu, Navigating the Regulatory Landscape, Driving Value in Convenience, Adapting to Technology Changes, and Enhancing Customer Experience

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

General Session
Location: Hall H

McLane Updates Presentation
Join Vito Maurici, Chief Customer Experience Officer, and Murat Genc, Chief Information & Digital Officer, as they share the latest McLane updates. Get a firsthand look at key initiatives and strategic direction shaping the future of our business.

Keynote Speaker: Seth Mattison
We’re excited to welcome Seth Mattison—renowned futurist, advisor, and CEO of FutureSight Labs—as our keynote speaker. His bold insights on workforce trends and leadership will inspire you to lead with confidence in the future of work.

10:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Expo Open
Location: Hall H

Browse nearly 200 exhibitor booths showcasing the latest innovations, products, and exclusive deals. Discover new solutions, connect with partners, and explore what’s next in the industry—all in one dynamic space.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Networking Luncheon
Location: Hall I-1

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Pop Up Learnings
Location: Hall H

Join us for 20-minute, headset-powered Pop-Up Learnings to gain valuable insights from industry experts on key business topics, with practical takeaways and actionable strategies in a dynamic expo environment.

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

McLane Party & Concert
Location: Mardi Gras World

Experience the magic of Mardi Gras! Begin with a walk through Mardi Gras World to witness the artistry behind the spectacular Mardi Gras floats. Then, dance the night away with Galactic. Known for their dynamic performances and deep roots in New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, Galactic will bring their unique blend of funk, jazz, and soul to the McLane Party & Concert!

Day Three

Thursday, July 24, 2025

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Registration
Location: Hall H Pre-Function

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Breakfast
Location: Hall I-1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Expo Open
Location: Hall H

Browse nearly 200 exhibitor booths showcasing the latest innovations, products, and exclusive deals. Discover new solutions, connect with partners, and explore what’s next in the industry—all in one dynamic space.

12:00 PM

Boxed Lunch To-go
Location: Hall H Pre-Function

 

Schedule is subject to change at any time.

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