2026 CSD Webinars
Title: Smart Expansion— Growing Your Footprint & Selecting Sites in the Age of High Costs
Date: January 27, 2026
Abstract:
In today’s challenging economic climate, convenience store chains face mounting pressure to expand wisely while navigating high construction, labor and real estate costs. In this webinar, experts and retailers in the trenches discuss strategies for growth and site selection as well as the pitfalls c-store retailers must avoid.
Learning Objectives:
- Mastering site selection techniques
- Navigating economic pressures for acquisitions and new builds
- Identifying common growth strategies
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Mentorship: From Finding a Mentor to Becoming One (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: February 24, 2026
Abstract:
An effective mentor can help a young executive bridge the gap between learning the business and running the business. Many people can qualify as a mentor, and finding the right match or matches takes time. Learn from those who came before you about strategies for finding the right mentor and the tips they’ve learned that can now be passed down.
This session will also explore how to get the most out of a mentoring relationship, how to build your own personal board of advisors and how to evolve from being a mentee into becoming a mentor yourself. Participants will walk away with practical frameworks for starting mentorship conversations, setting expectations and using mentorship to accelerate growth in the c-store industry.
Learning objectives:
- How to find an effective mentor(s)
- Maintaining mentor/mentee relationships
- How to build a foundation to become a successful future mentor
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Leveling Up Loyalty — Integrating Payment, Mobile Ordering, Gamification and Rewards While Personalizing Offers
Date: March 10, 2026
Abstract:
Loyalty isn’t just about punch cards and discounts anymore. Today’s most effective convenience retailers are creating seamless, data-driven ecosystems that connect mobile ordering, integrated payments, gamified experiences and personalized rewards — all designed to increase basket size, repeat visits and customer lifetime value. In this forward-looking session, discover how to elevate your loyalty strategy by bringing together the technologies and tactics that today’s consumers expect. Industry leaders will share how they’re building loyalty programs that not only drive traffic but also deliver measurable ROI through real-time insights and personalized engagement.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand best practices for loyalty personalization
- Use data to drive sales and ROI
- Discover how tech integration can enhance the customer experience
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: From Burnout to Balance: Setting Boundaries for Sustainable Success (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: April 7, 2026
Abstract:
It’s easy to say yes when you’re just starting out and looking to make a name for yourself. Eventually, there needs to be a balance between workload and self-care. Hear from experts in the c-store industry as they describe methods for setting boundaries, both at work and in life. They’ll share real strategies for managing expectations, communicating limits with confidence, and building habits that protect your energy. Walk away with tools you can use immediately to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success.
Learning objectives:
- How to find your professional boundaries
- Communicating your needs and working toward solutions
- Balancing hard work and expectations with limits
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Developing Your Data Plan — How to Set the Stage for AI
Date: May 26, 2026
Abstract:
Before you can harness the power of artificial intelligence, you need a solid foundation of clean, connected, and actionable data. This webinar will guide convenience store retailers through the critical first steps of building a data strategy that enables AI-driven insights and automation.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the type of data needed for best AI use
- Strategize methods for gathering data and effectively using it
- Determine possible use cases for AI
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Negotiation Mastery: Advocating for Yourself and Your Worth (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: June 24, 2026
Abstract:
If you don’t have too many years of experience under your belt, it can be hard to campaign for your ability and skillset. During this session, retailers will share their experiences with self-advocacy in the workplace. From navigating promotion opportunities to asking to be a lead on a project, these c-store veterans can provide actionable advice for improving your confidence, clarity and effectiveness when advocating for yourself, both with employers and clients.
Learning objectives:
- How to determine meaningful prospects
- How to negotiate professional opportunities
- How to advocate for yourself and your brand to partners and customers
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Driving Foodservice Profitability
Date: July 14, 2026
Abstract:
Foodservice is a crucial growth driver for convenience stores, but rising costs are creating significant challenges for profitability. In this webinar, experts and retailers explore how to maximize margins and minimize costs through smart pricing strategies, menu optimization, bundling, cross-merchandising and effective waste control.
Learning Objectives:
- Determine effective strategies for different types of foodservice programs
- Understand how best to minimize costs without disrupting customer experience
- Learn pricing methods and strategies for partnering with third parties
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Navigating Impostor Syndrome (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: August 11, 2026
Abstract:
Even the most talented young professionals can feel as though they aren’t ready for a project, position or other opportunity. The truth is, they are probably more qualified than they think they are; it’s only a matter of taking that step forward. Hear from others in the retail industry about how they recognized imposter syndrome and dealt with it as they progressed in their career.
You’ll also learn tips for how to reframe self-doubt into ongoing development. The conversation will help you better understand your internal barriers and build habits that reinforce your strengths.
Learning objectives:
- Finding confidence to offer solutions or take charge
- How to analyze personal thought patterns
- Build personal growth in a professional environment
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Go Local, Grow Loyal Shoppers
Date: September 8, 2026
Abstract:
This webinar will walk retailers through the current surge in local sourcing, how to tap into regional flavor and pride, and the step-by-step approach to getting started. Learn from trends, real-world examples, and retailers like you who are building baskets with hometown goods.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to source local suppliers
- Consider whether local suppliers will influence customer purchase behavior
- Strategize marketing tactics with local suppliers in mind
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Decision-Making Under Pressure (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: October 27, 2026
Abstract:
As a leader, you’ll have to make decisions that impact an aspect of the business, and in the ever-changing c-store environment, these often need to be quick. It can be difficult to find your bearings with this if you don’t have much experience yet. Take the opportunity to speak with c-store pros on how they learned to make decisions under pressure with confidence. You’ll have a toolkit to help you trust your judgement and lead decisively, even in fast-paced situations.
Learning objectives:
- Navigating challenges quickly and decisively
- Improve leadership during real-time situations
- Trust yourself and your knowledge under pressure
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Getting Started With Private Label
Date: November 10, 2026
Abstract:
Private label products offer convenience stores a powerful way to boost margins, build brand loyalty and differentiate from competitors. This webinar will guide c-store retailers through the essential first steps of launching a successful private label program — from selecting the right product categories to start with to pricing strategies and marketing tactics that resonate with your customers.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the initial steps to take in implementing private label
- Determine the best practices for private label — products, branding, merchandising, etc.
- Hear about private label success stories to spark ideas
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: 40 Under 20 Virtual Gala
Date: December 2, 2026
Abstract:
Each year CStore Decisions and the Young Executives Organization (YEO) introduce their list of 40 under 40 C-Store Leaders to Watch. Help us celebrate our industry’s top next-generation leaders!
The winners will be announced during a 40 Under 40 Gala, which is a virtual recognition and celebration for the 2026 class of 40 Under 40 and the entire convenience retail industry. Held in early December, this event will be promoted via CStore Decisions and the Young Executives Organization (YEO). The winners will be published in our December 40 Under 40 issue and also promoted to our engaged social media audience and profiled on our website.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Networking with Purpose: Creating Meaningful Professional Connections (A CSD Power Hour)
Date: December 9, 2026
Abstract:
Forging a network of professional connections is imperative as you navigate your career. These connections can help you better understand your business as well as share insights, trade stories and give you ideas. And it’s important to build professional relationships with intention in order to create a long-term support system.
Hear from c-store leaders on how to approach conversations, follow up effectively and cultivate peer relationships that really matter for your career and business growth. Learn how they’ve built their circles and start creating your own.
Learning objectives:
- How to approach new professional connections
- Growing your brand and career through peer relationships
- Giving and receiving support in a professional setting
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________