FAQs
What is the Center Store Forum?
The Center Store Forum is an annual industry event that brings together convenience store retailers and suppliers to focus on center store category management, including packaged foods (snacks and candy), household essentials, personal care products, and more. The forum features expert speakers, consumer trend analysis, and innovative approaches to product placement and merchandising to help retailers optimize their center store revenue and performance.
When and where is the 2025 Center Store Forum?
The 2025 Center Store Forum will take place from Monday, September 8, 2025, through Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at theWestin Chicago Lombard, IL.
Who should attend the Center Store Forum?
The forum is ideal for convenience retailers, category managers, foodservice directors, operations executives, and anyone responsible for center store strategy and sales. Suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and service providers in the dispensed beverage industry will also benefit from attending to connect with retail decision-makers and showcase their solutions.
What are the different fees and registration types?
Retailer:
An individual who works, manages or owns a retail outlet in the convenience and petroleum industry.
Registration fees are complimentary for those who have received an invitation, thanks to the support of our sponsors. Please contact Mike Marino at michael.marino@informa.com for more information.
Sponsor:
An individual who works for a company that is a sponsor of the conference.
If you are not yet a sponsor and would like additional information, please contact Brandy Mulcahy at fssponsorrelations@informa.com.
I was contacted by a housing provider that offered to assist with making my Center Store hotel reservation. What should I do?
Please be vigilant if approached by any company representing themselves as the housing provider for the Center Store Forum. These companies will offer to make hotel reservations within the room block on your behalf or misrepresent themselves as agents of the hotel. Please note that Center Store Forum does not rent, share or sell your contact information to any third parties.
The companies that we have been made aware of are Convention Housing Planners Corp, Expo Housing Services and Exhibitors Housing Management. Please let us know as soon as possible if another company reaches out to you.
Center Store Forum is not utilizing the services of any housing agent or third party and the host hotel will never reach out to attendees to solicit booking rooms. Please only make your accommodations using the link in your registration confirmation email.
What is the group rate at the Westin Chicago Lombard?
The group rate is $179 + tax (based on availability). The group rate expires on Monday, August 11, 2025.
What time is check-in and check-out at the Westin Chicago Lombard?
Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 12:00pm.
Where can I view the meeting agenda?
View the Center Store Forum Agenda at the button below.
Is there wireless internet in the meeting space?
Complimentary wireless internet will be provided throughout the meeting space. Login details will be provided during the meeting.
What is the meeting attire?
The meeting attire is business casual.
