Convenience and fuel industry leaders will gather August 23–26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort for PDI’s flagship training and networking event
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, April 20, 2026 – Registration is now open for Connections Live 2026, the annual conference presented by PDI Technologies for fuel and convenience retail professionals seeking practical education, peer interaction, and hands-on technology training. The four-day event will take place August 23–26, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, offering its signature in-depth learning and networking opportunities. This year’s event introduces lower conference prices and new pre-conference Boot Camp sessions designed to expand access and offer more intensive training.
Widely regarded as the industry’s premier learning event, Connections Live 2026 features over 150 sessions, including 48 hands-on classes, open labs, peer discussions, and role-based learning paths. Attendees can also earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits while gaining skills that translate into long-term productivity gains and value for their organizations.
“Connections Live continues to evolve based on how our customers learn, operate, and plan for the future,” said Melissa Willis, Head of Marketing, PDI Technologies. “For 2026, we’ve focused on making the conference more accessible through lower pricing while also expanding the depth of learning with immersive training and real-world AI experiences, including interactive access to PDIQ. Connections Live is where customers can explore what’s next and gain practical insight they can apply with confidence in their daily operations.”
Connections Live 2026 will feature Duncan Wardle, Founder of iD8 and former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, as the conference keynote speaker. Wardle will share insights on creativity, design thinking, and purposeful innovation to help organizations elevate customer experiences.
Additional new and expanded offerings for 2026 include:
- Lower pricing and expanded savings, including $800 savings with the early-bird rate through May 31 and group discounts through June 15 for organizations registering five or more attendees
- New pre-conference Boot Camp training, delivering six hours of immersive, hands-on instruction led by PDI experts
- Exclusive access to PDIQ, PDI’s embedded AI foundation, with live demonstrations and real-world use cases across ERP, POS, loyalty, and other business solutions and services
Beyond the classroom, attendees can connect with peers and exhibitors throughout the Expo and networking events. Connections Live 2026 will feature committed sponsors, including Diamond Level sponsor Fintech and Platinum Level sponsor Datalogic, along with a growing roster of Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors. The conference community experience culminates in the signature Big Night Out customer appreciation party featuring live music, games, food, and drinks in a Texas-sized celebration.
Registration for Connections Live 2026 is now open. PDI customers are encouraged to register early to lock in their agenda, explore Boot Camp options, and book accommodations at the Gaylord Texan. To learn more or to register, visit the Connections Live 2026 event site.
About PDI Technologies
PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and profitable growth, delivering solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, PDI helps businesses increase productivity and engage customers faster. Now with PDIQ, PDI is bringing embedded AI into the workflows customers already trust and helping operators work smarter, move faster, and make better decisions. From large-scale ERP and logistics to loyalty, payments, and cybersecurity, PDI simplifies the industry supply chain and delivers the intelligence needed to compete and win in a rapidly changing world. Visit the PDI Technologies website.
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.
Media Contacts
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com