The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show innovates for 2021 Discover, differentiate, profit—three words that speak volumes about the up coming Convenience U CARWACS event slated for September 28-29 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road). The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show is Canada’s largest and best attended c-store, retail fuel and car wash trade event. Over the years it has earned its position because it consistently showcases innovation and creates a perfect setting for the industry to gather and network. The All New 2021 Convenience U CARWACS Show promises to continue this tradition with a hybrid format that is among the first of its kind in Canada. “These challenging times demanded a solution that allow people to gather as an industry,” says Ed Several, executive vice president-events & conferences, EnsembleIQ (EIQ), the operators of the show. “We have come up with a hybrid model that checks all boxes for attendees and exhibitors. With the new format everyone can gather at the show, either in person or virtually, via the Internet on phones and tablets,” he says, adding that EIQ assembled a technology stack that its team then integrated to create a package that brings people together under a digital umbrella that delivers added value to both live and digital attendees. What hybrid means for attendees and exhibitors is that those who wish to attend in person may do so. Others may visit virtually on a platform that allows them to see booths via live-streamed tours and then interact with vendors thru virtual booths and virtual meeting rooms. “With the virtual aspect of the show we can expect a larger group of attendees that will come from all parts of the country to investigate what’s new in products and trends,” says Several, pointing out that the show will feature a virtual convenience store as well as a virtual car wash where attendees can learn about new products and systems digitally.
Future-proof your business The All New 2021 Convenience U
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CARWACS Show is the place to learn and discover. The Show offers dedicated education programming for each sector. This year, convenience sessions are planned to run on the show floor in ‘Pod’ settings with short Ted Talk style presentations, while car wash presentations occur in break out rooms adjacent to the main event. The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show is also the location for companies and groups to bring in their associates or/and employees for company and group-specific sessions before the Show floor opens. “For groups the Show offers an opportunity for their unique communities to gather, discuss and learn,” says EnsembleIQ VP, events, Michael Cronin. He comments that organizations, such as associations, petroleum corporations and c-store chains, have brought their members to discover industry best practices and to engage with suppliers. “The Convenience U CARWACS Show is the place where the breadth of knowledge is such that people can get answers to questions right on the spot. It’s also the place for networking and where colleagues and associates can catch up,” he says, mentioning that while the format has changed, the great reasons to attend have not.
Amazing speakers
We are thrilled to welcome special guest and keynote speaker, Norman Hower, VP and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada, who will discuss how the international convenience store giant is reinventing the c-store experience with its new Evolution Store concept and what the company is learning about the future of convenience.
What will you discover at The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show? Visit www.convenienceu.ca for more information.
Day 1 will be led by technology expert, TV and radio/podcast host, and author Marc Saltzman, who specializes in the intersection between consumer behaviour and smart business tech. Prolific at making sense of our fast-paced digital world and zeroing in on future trends, Saltzman will examine the evolving retail landscape, how businesses can benefit from the changing tide, embrace the social revolution, and lay a foundation for a profitable future. Plus, with the pandemic completely reshaping the habits and shopping behaviours of Canadians, Margaret McKellar, group lead, VP - Kantar Canada, will share exclusive research and powerful consumer insights. Check out the website for more speaker highlights.
Targeted education sessions
The Canadian Carwash Association (CCA) will continue its tradition of great education for its members. Over the years, the CCA events at the Show have been the place for the industry to learn. This year they will present a range of sessions with the popular Car Wash Tour going virtual for 2021. Leading Day 1 is Chemistry 2.0. Expect a detailed investigation of this key wash area with an eye to innovations in equipment and technology advancements. Following this is a round table discussion on eco-sustainability focusing on water reclaim, lighting and solar equipment. On Day 2 the CCA plans a pre-recorded virtual tour of car wash sites that is national in scope. Day Two also features networking sessions to facilitate knowledge, as well as community. OCTANE
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Unique hybrid format makes this show a game changer
CCentral.ca