Event offers industry leaders networking, expert content and new products, plus AI keynote speaker Sol Rashidi
TEMPLE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America and an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant brands, will host McLane Engage, August 25-27 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
With the support of title sponsors The Hershey Company and Reynolds American, McLane Engage brings customers and suppliers together for a full-scale trade show experience featuring three days of networking, educational content, new product launches, deals and more.
Keynote speaker Sol Rashidi, recognized as the world's first Chief AI Officer, a former Amazon executive and one of the Top 100 AI Thought Leaders, will share practical insights on artificial intelligence and its impact on c-stores. Her keynote, “AI in the C-Store Industry: What’s Actually Working (and What's Not),” will explore real-world AI applications, lessons learned from implementation efforts and how to prioritize investments that drive competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Attendees can connect with industry leaders and gain insights through a full lineup of educational sessions focused on merchandising trends, customer experience, operational excellence, technology innovation, data-driven decision making and the evolving role of AI across the retail ecosystem. Programming will feature leaders from McLane and industry experts sharing perspectives on growth, collaboration and the future of convenience retail.
The event will also showcase new products and innovations from across the McLane portfolio, including new offerings from Central Eats, HiBird and Consumer Value Products. Attendees will have access to hundreds of exhibitors and product demonstrations to explore emerging trends, programs and solutions designed to help retailers meet changing consumer expectations and drive growth.
“McLane Engage helps customers and supplier partners collaborate to succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane. “By bringing together leaders, innovative suppliers and our customers for meaningful connections, educational content and new ideas, we're strengthening partnerships to accelerate innovation and deliver greater value across the industry.”
New for 2026, McLane Engage will feature a dedicated Supplier Summit to expand collaboration among suppliers and McLane leaders through discussions focused on partnerships, operational excellence and technology. The summit will also recognize suppliers whose performance, innovation and impact are advancing the convenience store industry with awards highlighting achievements in technology, operations and philanthropy.
More information and schedules related to McLane Engage are available at mclaneengage.com. McLane Engage is an invitation-only event for McLane c-store customers and suppliers. McLane customers and suppliers interested in attending may contact their McLane representative. To learn more about McLane and its retail, restaurant and e-commerce solutions, please visit mclaneco.com.
About McLane
Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers, and serves the world’s most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates, and delivers to nearly every zip code in the US. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Contacts
McLane Company, Inc.
Alicia Downard
Director, Communications and Public Relations
alicia.downard@mclaneco.com
