23 necsema.net 9:00am–9:45am The Next Hundred Days Location: Bally’s Main Ballroom Thanks to 50+ years as an oil analyst, Gulf Oil’s Tom Kloza has seen it all. But there’s nothing quite like the moving parts of 2026 with action raging in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Russia, and the Black Sea. In this special session, Tom will look at why the most serious supply interruptions in the 21st century have led to understated performances for crude, but record price appreciation for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. He’ll update the global trajectory for petroleum but will also focus on some of the unique factors likely to influence price and supply action for New England. Armed with some of best data in the business, Tom will detail why there is so much enthusiasm about US refining and retail marketing, despite the onslaught of green initiatives designed to curb demand for petroleum products. He’ll also describe how the “psyche” of oil markets has changed drastically in recent months and years and examine likely trends for crude and oil products well into 2027. A special segment will focus on “Lies, Damn Lies & Petroleum Statistics” with observations as to some of the myths that perpetuate petroleum marketing. Speaker: Tom Kloza, Chief Energy Advisor for Gulf Oil 10:00am–10:45am Building Beverage Categories That Drive Results: Winning Strategies from Industry Leaders Location: Bally’s Main Ballroom The cooler remains one of the most important—and competitive—sections of any convenience store. From adult beverages and packaged beverages to dairy, every inch of cold vault space matters. The decisions made within those doors have a direct impact on sales, profitability, and shopper satisfaction. This session will explore category management best practices, merchandising strategies, assortment decisions, supplier partnerships, emerging consumer trends, and lessons learned from managing some of New England’s most productive cold vaults. Whether you’re a retailer looking to improve category performance, a supplier seeking a better understanding of retailer’s expectations, or simply interested in hearing from some of the industry’s leading category professionals, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Moderator: Rob Corona, Director of National Accounts, Barrell One Collective Panel: Madison Everett, Director of Category Management – Packaged Beverages, Alcohol & Dairy, Cumberland Farms; Mark Buonomo, Senior Category Manager – Beer, Wine & Spirits, Global Partners; Marshall Royce, Owner, Cha’s Convenience 11:00am–11:45am NACS State of the Industry Update Location: Bally’s Main Ballroom Join NACS for a current State of the Industry including valuable data and strategic insights for the convenience and fuel retailing sector. The session will explore current trends, analysis, and benchmarking tools to guide business strategies. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the industry’s performance and future outlook, equipping attendees with the information needed to navigate the evolving market landscape and identify growth opportunities. . Speaker: TBD 12:00pm–1:00pm Keynote: The Next Chapter of Convenience: Winning the Customer in an AI-Powered World Location: Bally’s Main Ballroom The convenience industry has never faced more opportunity or more disruption. As shoppers expect greater personalization, value, and convenience, retailers must rethink how they build customer relationships, monetize their data, and leverage AI to improve both operations and customer experience. Drawing on examples from leading convenience retailers across North America, Art Sebastian will share practical insights into the trends reshaping the industry and the strategic priorities leaders should embrace over the next three to five years. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for navigating what’s next. Speaker: Art Sebastian, Founder & CEO, NexChapter Inc, LLC EXPO SESSIONS Attendee Registration www.necsema.net
