LISLE, Ill. -- Royal Buying Group Inc. (RBG) announced this week the dates and location of its annual Independent C-Store Expo (I-C-Expo). This year's expo will be held on March 31, 2011 a Burr Ridge Marriott Hotel in Burr Ridge, Ill.

“RBG’s Independent C-Store Expo is the perfect opportunity for retailers to come and meet one-on-one with National Representatives from leading c-store suppliers, to learn about new products, marketing promotions and opportunities to grow c-store sales,” Angela Angelilli, RBG’s vice president, Member Services said in a released statement. “Going on our 11th year, we pride ourselves on making the Independent C-Store Expo a first class event, allowing retailers and suppliers to network, while enjoying our reception and an informal atmosphere. We invite, all brands of independent retailers, to come enjoy a day’s worth of activities starting with a c-store training course, with one of the industry best trainers, followed by free educational sessions on topics retailers face every day, and a trade-show exhibit with food, drinks and prizes throughout the night. We would like to help contribute in making your 2011 a success. We hope to see you there!”

The expo will assist suppliers in receiving in-depth, first hand learning and insight into a key segment of the c-store industry, the company stated.

Educational seminars will begin at 1 p.m. with the doors to the trade show opening at 4 p.m. The trade show is scheduled to end at 8:00 pm.

This year's I-C-Expo will feature educational seminars, nationally recognized industry expert speakers and supplier representatives, in addition to the trade show floor and meeting space for networking opportunities, according to the company.

RBG has also assembled an independent c-store advisory board of industry veterans to help guide topics and content.

The I-C-Expo is free for all RBG members and open to all retailers throughout the country. For more information and to register for this event, visit www.i-c-expo.com.

Royal Buying Group Inc., headquartered in Lisle-Ill., is a national organization dedicated to maximizing sales and profitability of convenience stores, petroleum locations, college bookstores, truck stops/travel plaza centers, auto repair facilities, drug stores, tobacco outlets and liquor stores.