13 necsema.net New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING’S Letter As we progressed through 2024, NECSEMA remained dedicated to working closely with our membership and Boards to refine our programming and events. Our goal has been to adapt to the evolving needs of our industry while introducing meaningful variations and additions to our annual calendar. With guidance from NECSEMA’s Associate Board, we continued offering online member-to-member deals, helping our associate members promote special sales and services. We also collaborated with all Boards to introduce affiliate programs that provide value across all tiers of membership. Notably, we maintained offerings such as the technology security consultation through PDI and access to health and additional insurance products via our partner, MyHealthily, catering to NECSEMA members of all sizes. In 2024, we reformatted our Conference & Expo, moving the event to the fall. Held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Polar Park in Worcester, MA, the Expo saw robust booth sales, Top-to-Top program participation, and sponsorship support. As this was our first time hosting the event in the fall and at a new venue, we solicited feedback through surveys to ensure future improvements. We are currently exploring additional venues and considering a shift to late September for better timing. Details on the confirmed date and venue will be shared in January. Ahead of the Expo, we proudly launched a new initiative: NECSEMA’s Women in Convenience: Empowering & Connecting Women for Success, sponsored by Altria Client Services. Our inaugural networking event took place on October 16, the evening before the Expo, at Armsby Abbey restaurant in Worcester, MA. This open house was a tremendous success, bringing together women and men from across our membership to connect, network, and enjoy great food and drink. We also hosted a holiday networking reception on December 10th following our annual Board meeting. Members have responded enthusiastically to this initiative, and we are excited to host more events to support and empower the women in our industry. Our annual golf outing reached full capacity once again this past June. A couple hundred golfers enjoyed a fantastic day filled with contests on the course, followed by a reception and dinner. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers who contributed to making this event a success. This year also marked the debut of our Spring Tip-Off event. Held at Encore Boston Harbor on Friday, March 29, 2024, during the March Madness tournament, the event featured a gourmet lunch, guest speakers, themed contests, vendor tabletops, and an open-bar cocktail networking reception. This new program was met with great enthusiasm. Looking ahead to 2025, we have slightly reformatted the event, combining it with our Annual Store Operator Awards. The 2025 NECSEMA Spring Tip-Off & Store Operator Awards will take place on Friday, March 21, at Bally’s at Twin River in Lincoln, RI. This venue offers a beautiful space and numerous opportunities to elevate the event and celebrate our industry. Store Operator nominations are now open, and registration will begin in January 2025. I am excited about the start of 2025 and the opportunity to continue working with our members to maximize the services, events, and benefits of NECSEMA membership. Warm regards, Lisa Lawinger Brown Director of Membership & Marketing Lisa Lawinger Brown
