CHICAGO — After yesterday’s lively show floor opening, today has taken on a more focused tone as the 2025 NACS Show enters its third day. The energy at McCormick Place in Chicago remains high, but the mood has shifted toward business.
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After a day of sampling and exploration, retailers and suppliers are now transforming conversations into commitments, with deals taking shape across the show floor. Thursday’s agenda included 15 education sessions and a well-attended general session where industry leaders discussed partnerships, product launches, operational innovation, and what’s next for convenience retail.
Flavor, Function and Fresh Thinking
Flavors have taken center stage as exhibitors showcased bold and unexpected combinations. Cinnamon emerged as one of the most prominent profiles, featured in snacks, confections, and even savory items. Pickle-inspired creations and complex, layered flavors — taco, chili, and burger — demonstrated how experimentation continues to push boundaries while tapping into nostalgia.
Spice and sweetness are well represented on the floor, with suppliers launching new snacks aimed at satisfying Gen Z’s desire for bold flavors and portability. The line between meals and snacks has become blurred, and convenience retailers are responding with products that meet both quick indulgence and functional nutrition needs.
Manufacturers also focused heavily on performance and wellness benefits. Clear protein drinks, energy pouches, and fortified snacks showed how the better-for-you trend is moving beyond traditional formats. Caffeine-based products and hydration-centered innovations attracted significant attention, indicating that function now stands alongside flavor as a key factor in convenience retail purchases.
Leadership and the Future of the Industry
This morning’s General Session, 'An Executive Leadership Discussion,' drew a large crowd to the Arie Crown Theater. The session featured Brian Hannasch, 2024–25 NACS Chairman and Special Advisor at Alimentation Couche-Tard; Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO; and Frank Gleeson, who will take on the NACS presidency in January 2026.
The conversation examined leadership lessons from both store and association viewpoints, emphasizing corporate culture, advocacy, innovation, and the evolution of foodservice. The speakers highlighted that growth will stem from organizations that remain adaptable, empower employees, and align their mission with performance. Their discussion underscored the balance between global ambitions and local implementation that characterizes the modern convenience model.
From Learning to Implementation
During Thursday’s 15 education sessions, the main message was clear: innovation relies on focus, speed, and teamwork. Sessions on inventory management, store design, and workforce development highlighted examples of how retailers use data and creativity in everyday operations. Attendees shared cost-effective ways to update stores, from new signage to fresh color schemes, demonstrating that small changes can leave a lasting impact.
Panelists also encouraged companies to see innovation as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort, using shorter “sprints” that help teams test, learn, and adapt quickly. That spirit of experimentation and collaboration has characterized this year’s event.
A Show Moving from Ideas to Action
The first two days of the NACS Show established the momentum. Tuesday’s sessions focused on safety, negotiation, and strategic alignment, while Wednesday’s Expo opening turned curiosity into opportunity as thousands explored new equipment, digital tools, and flavor innovations.
Now, as the show enters its final day, the focus is on celebration and inspiration.
Looking Ahead to the Closing Day
Friday morning will bring a lively finish to the week with Clerks stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes hosting the Closing General Session at 8:00 a.m. in the Arie Crown Theater. The duo, best known as Jay and Silent Bob, will share stories about their careers and how the 1994 cult classic that launched them, set in a New Jersey convenience store, continues to influence how people view the industry. Their session will explore storytelling, branding, and the cultural legacy of retail as a place where genuine human connections occur.
After the keynote, the Expo floor will reopen for one final look at the innovations and partnerships that have defined this year’s event before closing at 1:30 p.m.
As the show winds down, one message rings loud and clear across McCormick Place: convenience retail is moving forward through creativity, collaboration, and confidence. The industry’s future is being shaped not only by ideas but also by the conversations, commitments, and innovations that have come alive on the NACS Show floor.
