The Show Must Go On

Displaying the resolve that has made the United States the strongest nation in the world, convenience store and petroleum marketing industry retailers and suppliers vowed to move forward with their scheduled events, with few exceptions, despite the tragic terrorist attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The Pacific Oil Conference, a West Coast petroleum show, will continue as scheduled September 18-20 in Reno, Nev., as will the highly regarded Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) Convex show. PEI's Convex takes place October 2-4 in Dallas. The BP Amoco Marketers Association (BPAMA) is also moving forward with plans for its Convention, October 16-20, immediately preceding the National Association of Convenience Stores' (NACS) annual conference in Las Vegas so its attendees can also attend The NACS Show. ExxonMobil, however, has postponed its convention, originally scheduled for October 8-11. A reschedule date has not been set.

"Over the last several days, we have received some phone calls from retailers and exhibitors wanting to confirm that our Show will continue," said Kerley LeBoeuf, president and CEO of NACS. "The NACS Show will go on and so will the PMAA Convention, which takes place in conjunction with the NACS Show."

According to LeBoeuf, Jane Berzan, senior vice president of meetings and marketing for NACS, has been in contact with many NACS Show exhibitors who remain committed to their show presence. She also has been in contact with the transportation industry about its resumption of operations to ensure that exhibitors and registrants can get to Las Vegas.

"Hundreds of our exhibitors are launching new products and equipment to our industry and they are eager to connect with the convenience store industry next month," Berzan said. "Likewise, convenience store retailers and petroleum marketers realize the importance of staying ahead of the competition, whether that's hypermarkets selling gasoline or drug stores trying to market convenience, so they're equally eager to see what's new in the marketplace."

Additionally, NACS is taking steps to add crisis management information and guidance into show workshops. Two workshops will now include segments on crisis management issues: The Crisis Management & Human Element workshop (October 23) and the Spokesperson and Media Relations Sessions (October 20).

For NACS registration information contact (703) 684-3600 or (800) 966-6227.
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