At the AWMA C-Metrics, Convenience Industry Outlook Forum, distributors, retailers and manufacturers will receive a first-hand look at the most up-to-date, comprehensive sales data for the convenience industry. Top industry experts will examine how key c-store categories have performed during the first half of 2014.  This year’s event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Chicago O’Hare.

The detailed inside-store sales information will be compiled and analyzed by InRhythm, the founder of InfoMetrics and C-Metrics. Companies can use the data to generate plans to enhance warehouse turns, reduce item distribution voids and make informed decisions to gain a competitive advantage in the convenience channel.

Welcome Remarks

Scott Ramminger, President & CEO, AWMA

Overview of InfoRhythm and C-Metrics™

Viv Penninti, President & CEO, InRhythm, Inc.

Keynote Speaker Bonnie Herzog, Managing Director, Beverage, Tobacco & Convenience Store Research at Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, will present an overview of the current state of convenience retailing.

Concurrent Four Category Close-Up Sessions

Four Category Close-Up Sessions, covering six top in-store categories, will provide participants with an analysis of current sales data and projections for the year for: cigarettes, e-cigs, OTP, candy, salty snacks and alternative snacks. And, unlike data that is commonly available in the industry, the C-MetricsTM platform provides current sales data— through the first five months of 2014— on all warehouse delivered items by category, subcategory, manufacturer brand, SKU.

An unprecedented view into what’s currently going on and, most importantly, what’s projected for the rest of the year!

Cigarettes/OTP David Bishop Managing Partner Balvor, LLC	E-Cigarettes & Vaping Nik Modi Managing Director of Tobacco, Household Products and Beverages RBC Capital Markets, LLC	Candy Kit Dietz Principal Dietz Consulting LLC	Salty & Alternative Snacks Steve Montgomery President b2b Solutions

Who should attend?

Registration Fees—AWMA member distributors register for $95 per person. They also may bring two retailers for free. Retailers not sponsored by an AWMA distributor member may attend for $95 per person. The registration fee for manufacturers is $495 per person.
Manufacturers—All industry manufacturers who provide products through convenience distributors should register their category managers, trade relations executives, sales and marketing teams.
All AWMA Distributor Members—CEOs, VPs, Buyers, Category Managers.
C-Store Retailers—Distributors are encouraged to invite their top retail customers—the first two free of charge—to attend to facilitate joint decisions and strategy development

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Monday, June 23
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Outlook Forum Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 24
9:00 am – 10:00 am Continental Breakfast
10:00 am – 11:00 am Opening General Session
11:15 am – 12:30 pm Breakout Sessions [4 concurrent]
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Breakout Sessions [4 Concurrent]
3:00 pm –  Program Adjourns

Hotel Information

DoubleTree Hotel Chicago O’Hare
5460 North River Road
Rosemont, Illinois 60018
Phone Number:    1-800-756-5505

The AWMA group rate is $159 per night. Please make your hotel reservations by phone or online and indicate the group code: AWM for the special room rate.

Online Link:  http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/C/CHIDTDT-AWM-20140621/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG