March 2 - 4, 2027
Austin Marriott DowntownAustin, TX2027 Call for Proposals
CRU 2027 is open to category, merchandising, and operations leaders ready to share what's working in convenience retail.
Topic Priorities
We are seeking proposals tailored to one of the topics below; we will also consider other relevant topics that meet our selection criteria.
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Cannabis & Behind the Counter
- Regulatory and age-restricted product compliance
- Market trends and consumer behavior
- Product innovation and merchandising (tobacco, vapor, cannabis)
- State-specific opportunities
- Category management best practices
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Foodservice
- Fresh food programs and execution
- Digital ordering and delivery
- Menu development and trends
- Operational efficiency and food safety
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Packaged Beverages
- Category growth strategies
- New product launches and innovation
- Pricing and promotional tactics
- Cooler optimization and space management
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Tech
- Retail media networks and digital advertising
- AI and automation solutions
- Mobile apps and digital engagement
- Point-of-sale and payment innovations
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Fuels / Alternative Solutions
- EV charging infrastructure and strategy
- Fuel pricing and margin management
- Alternative fuel options (hydrogen, renewable diesel)
- Forecourt innovation
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Center Store
- Snacks, candy, and confections
- Grocery and packaged goods
- Seasonal merchandising
- Planogram optimization
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Dispensed Beverages
- Coffee programs and equipment
- Fountain and frozen beverages
- Profitability and waste management
- Consumer trends and innovation
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Loyalty
- Loyalty program design and optimization
- Personalization and targeted offers
- Data analytics and customer insights
- App engagement strategies
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Operations
- Store operations excellence
- Labor management and scheduling
- Loss prevention and shrink reduction
- Supply chain and inventory management
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Merchandising
- Visual merchandising and store design
- Promotional execution
- Seasonal programs
- Cross-category strategies
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Women in Leadership
- Breaking through the barriers and double standards that can hold women back from leadership.
- Navigating power dynamics, visibility, and influence in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
- Owning ambition, taking risks, and advocating for yourself without compromising your leadership style.
- Building a stronger pipeline of women leaders through sponsorship, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.
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General
- Industry-wide trends and forecasts
- Economic outlook and market forces
- Leadership and team management
- Career advancement strategies
- Big-picture strategic thinking
