It’s that time of year again! Registration for PDI Connections Live 2026 is officially open, and I’m already getting excited for this year’s event.
Moving into my new role on the PDI Marketing team has given me a front-row seat to see how everything comes together to create Connections Live. Although I’ve attended this annual gathering as an instructor and participant, I now get to help craft the experience for more than 1,000 fuel and convenience professionals.
For the first time in eight years, we’ll be back in the Lone Star State at the Gaylord Texan Resort, and everything about this location shouts “go big!” In fact, our team recently completed a walk-through visit at the site, and I think you’ll love it as much as we do.
But the venue is just the beginning. We’re adding several bold new features to the proven elements you already love, giving you a compelling mix of practical training, strategic learning, and fun networking opportunities.
I especially want to highlight five big elements this year:
- Lower pricing for attendees
- Pre-conference “Boot Camp” sessions
- PDIQ: AI that understands your business
- Disney-level creativity with Duncan Wardle
- Historical Texas roots
1. Lower pricing for attendees
Let’s be honest—travel budgets aren’t what they used to be. We get it. The headwinds are real, and every dollar matters. But our goal is to have as many people participate as possible.
That’s precisely why we’ve reduced conference rates this year. You can choose from:
- Individual rates as low as $2,195 (register by May 31)
- Group rates up to $1,000 off standard pricing per person (register by June 15)
Quick reminder: Group Discounts kick in when you send five or more attendees from the same company. So rally your team and maximize your ROI.
2. Pre-conference “Boot Camp” sessions
New this year, we’re launching immersive Boot Camp sessions on Sunday before the main conference begins.
These sessions include six hours of intensive, hands-on learning with PDI’s top instructors. Each Boot Camp is purpose-built for a specific role and experience level, including the following tracks:
- PDI Pricebook: Hands-On Introduction
- Enterprise SIIMPS: Import Profiles to Streamline Effectiveness
- PDI Suggested Ordering: Maximizing Efficiency
- Business Intelligence: SQL Reporting and Power BI
These Boot Camp spots are limited, so claim your seat ASAP.
3. PDIQ: AI that understands your business
Are you tired of generic AI hype that doesn’t translate to the realities of your business? We are too. That’s why we built PDIQ, the AI foundation designed specifically for fuel and convenience operations.
This is AI that’s purpose-built for your business, embedded in the products and processes you already know and trust. During Connections Live, you’ll get an exclusive, firsthand look at PDIQ in action—featuring real use cases solving real problems.
We’ll dive deep into the PDI AI strategy with opportunities for you to:
- See practical applications live (beyond theoretical possibilities)
- Learn best practices from AI experts who understand your workflows
- Ask tough questions directly to PDI engineers building these solutions
4. Disney-level creativity with Duncan Wardle
Do you ever wonder how Disney consistently creates such captivating digital and in-person experiences? That magic is engineered through intentional creativity and innovation frameworks.
Our 2026 keynote speaker, Duncan Wardle, knows this better than anyone. As the Founder of iD8 and Former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan will share how his “Design Thinking” approach can help you innovate faster, with greater purpose and dramatically better results.
Don’t miss these insights on how to elevate your customer experience, differentiate your brand, and spark creativity across your team.
5. Historical Texas roots
Lastly, I’m thrilled that the conference is back in Texas, where PDI has deep roots and a large employee and customer presence. My colleagues in the Dallas area are ready to show off their hospitality in making Connections Live 2026 unforgettable for you!
When it comes to our Big Night Out customer appreciation party, let’s just say we’re leaning hard into the Western theme for a proper Texas roundup. We don’t do things halfway, and neither does Texas. It’s a perfect match.
I really hope you’ll join us in August!
Will we see you there?
Register now for Connections Live 2026.
Want to sponsor Connections Live 2026?
We have a limited number of sponsorship spots. Just let us know if you’d like to explore a conference sponsorship opportunity.