Hello, everyone! We’re only weeks away from my favorite event of the year, PDI Connections Live 2024!
I know that, because I’m watching the countdown tracker on the event website (and the team is going into mega-prep mode). My colleague, Traci Fulmer, recently wrote a great blog post on why and how we’re transforming our legacy PDI Users Conference into PDI Connections Live. Our goal is to help connect our industry—PDI customers, industry vendors, and anyone else who’s part of the convenience ecosystem.
Check out her post for what you can expect at the event—I think it will be especially helpful for anyone who hasn’t attended one of our user conferences.
If you’ve already registered or are still thinking about joining us in Washington, DC, I thought I’d share some tips on what you can do to get ready. I also want to recommend some of my own favorite elements of the conference.
First, please note a couple fast-approaching deadlines:
- July 24: The discounted hotel rate ends.
- August 9: The Advanced Discount rate ends ($200 savings off the standard rate).
At the risk of stating the obvious, be sure to register now if you haven’t already done so. Enough said on that front. Now, here’s your to-do list.
Book your hotel room
The Gaylord National Resort is an amazing property, and we’ve scored a fantastic discount rate for all attendees. Be sure to reserve your hotel room ASAP since the discounted room rate ends on July 24. Please note that the allotted room block is nearly full, so don’t hesitate.
Download the mobile app before you go
We’re continually adding functionality to our mobile app for the conference. You’ll be able to track your agenda, set up meetings, and stay connected for the week. As soon as the app is ready for download in August, we’ll notify all registered attendees via email.
Select your classes and sessions
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’ve locked in your agenda to get your top choices. I also want to highlight a special new session we’re calling “speed networking.” Several attendees asked for this type of session to make more connections in a professional but casual environment. You can set your agenda when you register, or you can log back into the event website at any time to make adjustments.
Bonus tip: If you’d like to connect with me or you have an interest in Marketing Thought Leadership, we have several Marketing networking opportunities and sessions this year. Don’t miss this chance to meet your peers and extend your professional network in the most efficient way possible.
Let your colleagues know what you’re doing
If you’re active on social channels, we’ve created some Connections Live 2024 posts that you can share with your network. Just visit the PDI Brand Hub to download everything you need. And feel free to put your own spin on it as you let your colleagues know what you’re up to.
As promised, here are a few personal recommendations on what to do while you’re at the conference.
Build your leadership skills
We selected this year’s keynote speaker for his outstanding leadership and team-building insights. As a former US Naval Officer and author of multiple leadership books, Mike Abrashoff has honed his ability to simplify the concepts of leadership and share practical tips to help you enhance your own skills. I personally got extremely motivated just by reading Mike’s bio on the event website.
Meet industry-leading vendors
In addition to all the PDI offerings, you’ll have a chance to get a closer look at a wide range of industry solutions in the Expo. Be sure to spend Sunday and Monday evening meeting with our conference sponsors while enjoying some great food and drinks.
Visit the Connected Convenience Store
One of my favorite parts of last year’s event was the Connected Convenience Store in the center of the Expo. This is the spot to see the latest c-store innovations in action and connect with the product experts to ask all your questions.
Unleash your competitive spirit at Game Night
OK, I have to admit I got a little bit competitive during Game Night last year. But it was such a blast getting to hang out with everyone in a casual setting. We’ve also made some enhancements for this Monday night event, so expect even more games, snacks, and refreshments. And, for those of you who enjoy a bit of action, we’re adding a ping-pong tournament featuring our fearless leader and CEO, Jimmy Frangis. Stay tuned for sign-ups if you want to participate.
Wear your favorite island attire for Big Night Out
If you thought last year’s 80s-themed Big Night Out party was fun, we’re going to try to top it this year with our tropical-themed “Paradise on the Potomac” customer appreciation event. Be sure to wear your wildest island attire for a Tuesday night filled with live music and games. I promise our Marketing leadership team will deliver—our motto is “go big or go home.” After all, it is BIG Night Out!
Bonus tip: On the topic of wardrobe, bring comfortable shoes. At PDI we’ve been participating in an internal step challenge so we’ll be physically ready to keep up with everyone. Optimal shoe game is key! I know my partner in CMO crime, Derek Gaskins of Yesway, will be bringing his A-game.
Help out with a good cause
Last in this list, but first in my heart, I wanted to call out this year’s charitable cause. We’re donating to a great organization, Operation Homefront, that helps provide financial assistance programs for military families in our communities. To help contribute to the cause, all you need to do is download the mobile app, visit the sponsor booths in the Expo, and scan the QR codes in each booth. The more codes you scan, the more PDI will donate on your behalf.
I hope to see you in Washington, DC!
Register for PDI Connections Live 2024
Sign up today for Connections Live 2024, the industry’s premier training and networking event!
What: PDI Connections Live 2024
When: August 25-28
Where: Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC
Want to sponsor Connections Live 2024?
We’re always looking for new sponsors, so please reach out to us if you’d like to explore any conference sponsorship opportunities.