ACS Reveals Line Up for Summit 07
15 Mar 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has unveiled the line up for its annual conference, Summit 07.
Taking place on 1 May at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole, Summit 07, sponsored by Cuisine de France and Payzone, is set to be the most exciting event yet with a list of high profile industry names. The theme of the day is Innovation with all speakers presenting inspiring stories on success and change within the industry.
Summit 07 will feature presentations throughout the day from industry experts on topics that range from fair trade and the changing needs of customers to top line future trends and the fresh category.
Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The line up for Summit 07 is our best ever and I am delighted to be able to announce key industry speakers who will give retailers an insight into how change and innovation will drive future success.
“I am so confident about this year’s Summit that any independent retailer who attends the event and feels they haven’t received full value from the day can receive their money back.”
Joining conference chair John Humphrys, and guest speakers Sir Digby Jones and Kriss Akabusi are a host of industry speakers. The speakers will present on various key topics based around innovation to inspire and motivate the audience to change and develop their businesses. These range from the increasing popularity of fair trade products through to developing a workable fresh food offer in your store, to taking on the multiples and winning.
Industry speakers include:
• Nigel Mills
Managing Director - Mills Group Ltd
• Debbie Robinson
Director of Food Retail - The Co-operative Group
• Mike Lassek
Director of Customer Development - Pepsico UK
• Jerry Marwood
Managing Director- SPAR (UK) Ltd
• Ellis Watson
Managing Director- Menzies Distribution
• Francis Ball
FWD Chairman
For the first time Summit 07 will include video case studies, sponsored by Pepsico, featuring the stores of independent retailers: Kate Davies, Andrew Loftus and Peter Bellini’s stores. In a discussion with John Humphrys the three retailers will debate how they have used innovative techniques and retail theatre, and have embraced issues such as food miles and locally sourced produce to attract customers. There will be an opportunity for the audience to also ask questions.
New for 2007 is a break out area, sponsored by Nestle, where delegates can network in a relaxed environment with the sector’s leading suppliers and retailers.
This year’s Gala Dinner, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, will take place on the evening of the Summit, with Kevin Connelly from BBC Two’s ‘Dead Ringers’ as after dinner speaker. Kevin will be entertaining delegates with his amusing impersonations of various sports stars and political figures.
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7486 4448 (ext 222)
Notes
1) ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2) Summit 07 takes place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on 1 May 2007. The full package, including the conference, gala dinner and one night’s accommodation, is available for an ‘early bird’ booking offer of £399 + VAT before 20 March (£299 + VAT for independent members).
Taking place on 1 May at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole, Summit 07, sponsored by Cuisine de France and Payzone, is set to be the most exciting event yet with a list of high profile industry names. The theme of the day is Innovation with all speakers presenting inspiring stories on success and change within the industry.
Summit 07 will feature presentations throughout the day from industry experts on topics that range from fair trade and the changing needs of customers to top line future trends and the fresh category.
Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The line up for Summit 07 is our best ever and I am delighted to be able to announce key industry speakers who will give retailers an insight into how change and innovation will drive future success.
“I am so confident about this year’s Summit that any independent retailer who attends the event and feels they haven’t received full value from the day can receive their money back.”
Joining conference chair John Humphrys, and guest speakers Sir Digby Jones and Kriss Akabusi are a host of industry speakers. The speakers will present on various key topics based around innovation to inspire and motivate the audience to change and develop their businesses. These range from the increasing popularity of fair trade products through to developing a workable fresh food offer in your store, to taking on the multiples and winning.
Industry speakers include:
• Nigel Mills
Managing Director - Mills Group Ltd
• Debbie Robinson
Director of Food Retail - The Co-operative Group
• Mike Lassek
Director of Customer Development - Pepsico UK
• Jerry Marwood
Managing Director- SPAR (UK) Ltd
• Ellis Watson
Managing Director- Menzies Distribution
• Francis Ball
FWD Chairman
For the first time Summit 07 will include video case studies, sponsored by Pepsico, featuring the stores of independent retailers: Kate Davies, Andrew Loftus and Peter Bellini’s stores. In a discussion with John Humphrys the three retailers will debate how they have used innovative techniques and retail theatre, and have embraced issues such as food miles and locally sourced produce to attract customers. There will be an opportunity for the audience to also ask questions.
New for 2007 is a break out area, sponsored by Nestle, where delegates can network in a relaxed environment with the sector’s leading suppliers and retailers.
This year’s Gala Dinner, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, will take place on the evening of the Summit, with Kevin Connelly from BBC Two’s ‘Dead Ringers’ as after dinner speaker. Kevin will be entertaining delegates with his amusing impersonations of various sports stars and political figures.
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7486 4448 (ext 222)
Notes
1) ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2) Summit 07 takes place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on 1 May 2007. The full package, including the conference, gala dinner and one night’s accommodation, is available for an ‘early bird’ booking offer of £399 + VAT before 20 March (£299 + VAT for independent members).