Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Summit hailed a massive success

The first Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Summit on September 15 has been hailed as a major success by the delegates and exhibitors in attendance.

The most significant event in the convenience retail calendar in Ireland last year, over 400 people attended what proved to be a pivotal event for the industry.

With the theme of the ‘Retail Revolution’, the daylong conference heard from a world-class line-up of international speakers, and incorporated a focused Trade Exhibition made up of 70 of the best national and international companies in the industry.

The event, which concluded with the Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Awards, was set-up in response to the rapidly changing retail landscape, helping local retailers keep pace with the multitude of innovations and advancements.

Speaking about the event, Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Summit organiser Bill Penton said: “The first conference was an unprecedented success, and an incredibly valuable event for the local industry. The feedback has been fantastic, and we have no doubt next year’s Summit will be even bigger!”

All Black’s legend Sean Fitzpatrick, now a leading business consultant, led the action-packed programme based on the concepts of insight, innovation, and inspiration.

“I found Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Conference informative, emotive and motivational.  It helped me re-appraise the business and geared me up to approach it with new momentum and vigour. I was really impressed with David Meade’s presentation.” – Tom McAvoy, Milestone Nisa Extra, Newry

Hosted by Irish broadcaster Matt Cooper, speakers included international retail design guru Joe Bona, founder of Massachusetts based company MoseleyBona Retail; Mike Murphy, Senior Vice President of New York and New Jersey retail chain, QuickChek; Euro Garages Commercial Director Ilyas Munshi; IGD Director Ben Miller; BBC behavioural expert David Meade; and RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley.

“This was an incredibly motivational experience – we’ll certainly be back next year!” – Raylene McCaughey, Mc Caugheys 24hr Service Station, Broomfield, Co Monaghan

Attendees heard from Mike Murphy and Ilyas Munshi how the retail landscape was changing, while internationally recognised Joe Bona explained how some of the world’s most successful convenience retailers are confronting the challenges of the day.

“Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer magazine has been the number one route to our market since the launch of our Revolution Laundrette. The magazine, expo and awards gives us a very focused and cost effective platform to find new partners.” – Patrick Brennan, Country Managing Director, Photo-Me

Meanwhile, speakers such as IGD’s Ben Miller – one of the most sought after speakers in the UK on retail matters – explained what steps businesses should consider taking for a secure future.