The Horizon Retailers Association (HRA) has announced plans for its 2026 C-Store Connect Trade Show, scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Cobb Convention Center in Marietta, Georgia, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The event will bring together thousands of convenience store operators, retailers, and industry vendors on a single convention floor. HRA expects to host more than 225 manufacturers, brands, suppliers, and vendors, with attendance drawing from the association's network of over 5,800 retailers, owners, and decision-makers.
Vendor Deals and Exclusive Discounts According to HRA, vendors attending the show will offer pricing-centric and promotional deals exclusive to attendees. The association positions the event as an opportunity for retailers to negotiate directly with suppliers on beverage systems, food service solutions, point-of-sale technology, and loyalty platforms. "Every vendor on the show floor brings pricing centric, promotional driven deals exclusively for attendees," HRA stated in its announcement.
Product Discovery and Networking Beyond immediate savings, HRA emphasizes the trade show as a hub for industry discovery.
The event will feature live demonstrations and showcases of new technologies aimed at streamlining store operations and customer engagement. The association also highlights the networking component. "Quality relationships are essential to everything we do," HRA said. "This one-day event allows retailers to meet directly with suppliers, share ideas with fellow store owners, and build the lasting partnerships that move businesses forward."
Prizes and Giveaways HRA is offering over $50,000 in raffles, doorbusters, and cash giveaways throughout the day. HRA members will have exclusive entry into a mega giveaway with a grand prize of a new car.
Industry Context The C-Store Connect Trade Show began in 2021 as HRA's inaugural event.
The association has expanded the gathering annually since its launch, positioning it as one of the Southeast's largest convenience retail tradeshows. Why It Matters: For independent c-store operators, annual tradeshows serve as critical venues for securing volume discounts, discovering new product categories, and building vendor relationships that directly affect margins and operational efficiency. A concentrated event reduces the time and cost of attending multiple supplier meetings throughout the year.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
