Connections Live 2026 is bringing something new to this year’s event: Boot Camp—an optional add-on experience for attendees who want deeper, more hands-on learning before the conference agenda begins.
I hope you’ll join us on Sunday, August 23, from 10 AM to 5 PM to attend one of four, six-hour immersive sessions designed to give you more time to build skills, work through practical exercises, and learn directly from PDI experts in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you want to expand your knowledge, strengthen your skills, or maximize your Connections Live experience, our Boot Camp sessions are built around hands-on learning and real-world application.
I’m excited to share more about what makes these sessions unique and answer any questions you might have.
What is Connections Live 2026 Boot Camp?
Our pre-conference Boot Camp training sessions are designed for customers who want dedicated, hands-on learning. They include four six-hour immersive sessions where attendees can learn and put concepts into real-world practice alongside PDI experts. These are optional add-on trainings to the Connections Live 2026 agenda.
Why introduce Boot Camp for 2026?
We hear from customers that they want more opportunities for deeper learning and practical training. Connections Live 2026 already offers extensive education and hands-on classes, but Boot Camp creates dedicated time before the conference for those who want a more focused learning environment.
When are the Boot Camp sessions held?
Each of the four Boot Camp sessions takes place on Sunday, August 23, from 10 AM to 5 PM, before the main Connections Live 2026 conference agenda begins. The experience includes approximately six hours of immersive, hands-on learning with PDI experts.
What makes Boot Camp different from regular conference sessions?
The biggest difference is the depth of instruction. Boot Camp sessions are intentionally more immersive and interactive. You’ll have more time to ask questions, practice workflows, and work directly with solutions in real-world scenarios.
How are the Boot Camp sessions structured?
Each Boot Camp session includes approximately six hours of immersive learning led by PDI experts. The sessions are designed to balance instruction, guided exercises, practical application, and discussion so you can leave with knowledge that can be immediately applied to your day-to-day operations.
What topics will the Boot Camp sessions cover?
Each of the four sessions focuses on real operational workflows, productivity improvements, and practical use cases across PDI solutions and services. You can expect hands-on learning designed to help you work more efficiently, build confidence with the technology, and better understand best practices you can use within your organization.
Choose one of these six-hour sessions:
PDI Pricebook: Hands-On Introduction
Level: Basic–Intermediate
Personas/Roles:
- Retail pricing leaders and category managers
- Back-office ERP/Pricebook administrators
- C-store operators responsible for pricing accuracy and margin
Get a practical, guided introduction to PDI Enterprise Pricebook, designed for anyone responsible for item setup, pricing execution, and margin control across convenience retail environments.
Enterprise SIIMPS: Import Profiles to Streamline Effectiveness
Level: Basic–Intermediate
Personas/Roles:
- Financial and accounting teams
- Fuel and wholesale system owners
- Retail technology leaders
Importing data into Enterprise is a great way to improve operational efficiency. This session focuses on PDI Enterprise SIIMPS and how to use import profiles to reliably move data into PDI Enterprise systems.
PDI Suggested Ordering: Maximizing Efficiency
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Prerequisite: Pricebook background
Personas/Roles:
- C-store operators and retail site operations leaders
- Category managers
- Pricing and merchandising leaders
This advanced session explores PDI Suggested Ordering and how to use it effectively to balance in-stock performance, inventory investment, and operational efficiency.
Business Intelligence: SQL Reporting and Power BI
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Prerequisite: SQL Knowledge
Personas/Roles:
- Retail technology and IT professionals
- Financial analysts and accounting leaders
- Enterprise reporting and analytics teams
This advanced session shows you how to unlock the full power of PDI Enterprise data using SQL and Power BI to create meaningful, decision-ready insights for convenience retail.
Are these Boot Camp sessions hands-on?
Yes. Hands-on learning is central to the Boot Camp experience. These sessions are designed to move beyond presentations, so you’ll actively use programs and work through exercises, workflows, and operational examples with support from PDI experts throughout the day.
Who should attend Boot Camp?
Each session is designed for a range of roles and experience levels. Some attendees may be newer to a solution and want a stronger foundation. Others may already have experience but want to deepen their knowledge or learn more advanced workflows. If you or your team members learn best through practical application and direct instruction, Boot Camp is a great fit.
Is Boot Camp only for technical users?
Not at all. Boot Camp was created for customers across operations, retail, back office, and technology teams, not just technical users. While some sessions may touch technical workflows, the bigger focus is on helping attendees apply what they learn in real business environments and walk away with practical skills they can use right away.
What is the biggest benefit of attending Boot Camp?
Dedicated time to learn. Boot Camp gives you and your team uninterrupted time to focus, ask questions, practice workflows, and work directly with PDI experts.
How does Boot Camp connect to the rest of Connections Live?
Boot Camp is designed to complement the broader conference experience. After completing a Boot Camp session, you’ll continue learning through product sessions, hands-on classes, open labs, networking events, and AI-focused experiences throughout the week. It helps start the conference with a stronger foundation.
How much does it cost to attend Boot Camp?
Each six-hour session, led by a PDI expert, is available as a Connections Live 2026 add-on for $595. Register early before sessions fill up. Choose which session you and your team members will find most valuable.
How do I register for one of the Boot Camp sessions?
You can select one of the four Boot Camp sessions during the Connections Live 2026 registration process. Because some sessions have limited capacity, we encourage you to register early and reserve the learning track that best fits your goals.
Is there a group discount for Boot Camp sessions?
No. Group discounts are only offered for Connections Live 2026 registration for 5 or more attendees.
What is the cancellation policy for the Boot Camp registration?
Individual attendee registrations that are cancelled by May 31 will receive a full refund. Cancellations between June 1 and July 31 will incur a $200 non-refundable processing fee. Cancellations on August 1 and after are non-refundable. To cancel, please email the PDI event staff at connectionslive@pditechnologies.com.
Note that group discount bundle registrations are non-refundable.
Still have questions about Boot Camp? Contact us at: pdiuniversity@pditechnologies.com
About Connections Live
Presented annually by PDI Technologies, Connections Live is the industry’s premier training and networking event for fuel, convenience, and retail professionals. Connections Live features in‑person education, hands‑on training, and expansive networking opportunities designed to accelerate innovation across the convenience ecosystem. To learn more and register for Connections Live 2026, taking place August 23–26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, visit the Connections Live 2026 event site.
Will we see you there?
Sign up now for a Boot Camp session add-on when you register for Connections Live 2026!