NACS Show 2025 – Powering Convenience Retail in Chicago

If you work in the convenience store industry, gas station chains, or anywhere near retail operations, the NACS Show 2025 is not the kind of event you can afford to miss. Taking place from October 15 to 17, 2025, in the heart of Chicago, this massive trade show is where retailers, suppliers, and tech innovators all come together to share ideas, showcase new products, and shape the future of convenience retail.

 

TrueBlue Exhibits is proud to be part of this journey once again—helping brands make their presence bigger and bolder through custom booths and engaging experiences. But before we dive into that, let’s explore what makes NACS 2025 such a key date on the calendar.

 

 

What Is the NACS Show All About?

 

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) hosts this annual event that brings together thousands of professionals from across the globe. It’s a full-on expo with over NACS Show attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees showcasing the latest in convenience retail, foodservice, technology, beverages, and equipment.

 

People come to:

 

. Discover the latest convenience store trends

. See what’s new in food, drinks, tech, and design

. Build connections with industry leaders

. Get practical business advice to take home

 

It’s not just about booths—it’s about learning, growing, and seeing where the industry is going next.

 

Why NACS 2025 Is So Important

 

Convenience stores have been evolving fast. From self-checkouts to fresh food offerings, and from contactless fuel payments to AI-driven inventory systems—change is everywhere. And at NACS, you don’t just hear about these changes—you get to see them live.

 

That’s why companies who attend NACS don’t just survive—they grow. Many brands use this show to test out new ideas, launch products, and make deals that shape their entire year.

 

Also, Chicago as the host city means it’s super accessible for attendees flying in from across the U.S. and internationally. The event takes place at a spacious, well-equipped venue in Chicago, close to many hotels and dining options for attendee convenience

 

Who Should Attend?

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a store owner, a startup tech company, or a foodservice supplier—if your product or service is connected to retail convenience, NACS 2025 is where you belong.

 

You’ll find people attending from:

 

. Independent convenience stores

. Gas station chain

. Global CPG brands

. Technology service providers

. Equipment manufacturers

. Franchises and food brands

 

Everyone there is looking for something—solutions, suppliers, or strategies. If you’re showcasing a booth, you’re helping meet those needs.

 

What to Expect on the Show Floor

 

Walking the floor at NACS feels like entering a buzzing marketplace. From large brands with massive installations to newer businesses in smaller booths, there’s a lot of creativity on display. Expect interactive setups, digital screens, sampling stations, demos, and people everywhere.

 

The event includes:

 

. Educational sessions on retail innovation

. Networking receptions

. Cool product zones like tech and food trends

. Live product demos

. Private B2B meetings (if pre-booked)

 

The learning tracks usually cover real-time challenges like labor issues, energy savings, automation, and customer loyalty. Every session you attend adds value to your business goals.

 

Why Your Booth Matters at NACS

 

Many exhibitors forget that first impressions are everything. You need a booth that not only looks good but pulls people in. That’s where TrueBlue Exhibits comes in.

 

Many exhibitors forget that first impressions are everything. And in a crowded place like NACS, the booth becomes your handshake, your pitch, and your product showcase—rolled into one.

 

Big expos like NACS can get overwhelming. So many booths, sessions, and people… it’s easy to feel lost if you’re not prepared. That’s why we always design exhibits that are clean, modern, and aligned with your brand values.

 

Why Choose TrueBlue Exhibits for NACS 2025?

 

 

 

When it comes to trade shows, experience really matters. TrueBlue Exhibits has helped hundreds of clients across multiple industries stand out at events just like NACS. We understand how retail businesses work, and we know what kind of booth layout and storytelling works best for buyers in this market.

 

Here’s how we help:

 

. We design your booth from scratch (no templates)

. We build and manage every piece, so no stress for you

. We install and dismantle everything on-site

. We coordinate with NACS event staff so you don’t have to

 

Plus, we’re based in Las Vegas, but we handle events all across the country—including Chicago. So you get a local setup crew without sacrificing quality.

 

Tips to Make the Most of Your NACS 2025 Experience

 

Let’s be real—big expos like NACS can get overwhelming. So many booths, sessions, and people… it’s easy to feel lost if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re attending as an exhibitor or just walking the floor, a little planning goes a long way.

 

Here are a few simple but helpful tips to get the most out of your time at NACS 2025:

 

. Set clear goals before you go. Are you looking to connect with new vendors? Launch a product? Learn about POS tech? Having a goal helps you stay focused.

. Download the official app early. The NACS app usually has maps, schedules, and even meeting features to help you plan.

. Don’t skip the early sessions. Some of the best insights come from the morning keynotes or workshops when the floor isn’t too busy yet.

. Engage with other booths, too. Even if you’re an exhibitor, walk around and see what others are doing. You might spot trends or ideas that inspire your next move.

. Take breaks. There’s food and coffee zones throughout the venue—don’t forget to hydrate and relax. Networking is easier when you’re not exhausted.

. Follow up fast. Got a lead? Met a potential partner? Send that follow-up email the same week. Shows like NACS are fast-moving—don’t let momentum fade.

 

Going in prepared means you’ll walk away with more than just brochures—you’ll leave with real connections and ideas you can use.

 

Final Thoughts

 

NACS Show 2025 is going to be bigger and more important than ever. Retail is changing faster than before, and this show is where those changes become real. Whether you’re attending to learn, network, or exhibit, it’s a smart business decision.

 

And if you’re exhibiting, don’t leave your booth design to chance. TrueBlue Exhibits will help you craft a space that speaks your brand language and brings the foot traffic your products deserve.

 

We handle every detail, so you can focus on making sales and building partnerships that’ll last long after the show is over.