Southeast convenience store industry event draws 2,111 attendees for a full day of connections, show-exclusive opportunities, giveaways and celebration.

Atlanta, Ga. — September 2026 — HRA welcomed 2,111 attendees to the 2026 C-Store Connect Trade Show on September 17th, bringing convenience store owners and operators together with leading brands, suppliers and industry partners for one of the Southeast’s premier convenience retail events.

Held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia, this year’s C-Store Connect featured more vendors than ever before, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with longtime industry partners while discovering new products, programs and suppliers.

Major brands including Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Red Bull, Pepsi and United were among the exhibitors, while expanded foodservice and alcohol categories gave attendees even more to explore throughout the day.

The show floor remained busy throughout the event as retailers connected directly with vendors, discovered new opportunities for their stores and took advantage of show-exclusive deals available to HRA members.

Big Prizes and One Very Big Winner

Thousands of dollars in prizes were awarded throughout the day, culminating in one lucky HRA member winning the show’s biggest prize, a brand-new Honda Accord.

The giveaways added another level of excitement to a day built around helping independent convenience retailers discover new opportunities, strengthen vendor relationships and make connections that can continue delivering value long after the show ends.

Celebrating the Vendors Behind C-Store Connect

The C-Store Connect experience began before the trade show doors even opened.

On September 16th, HRA hosted a special Vendor Appreciation Party at The Tavern at Live! at the Battery Atlanta, recognizing the vendor partners whose participation and support help make C-Store Connect possible.

The event gave HRA and its vendor community an opportunity to connect in a more relaxed setting ahead of the following day’s show and celebrate the relationships that remain at the heart of the organization.

From the Show Floor to the After Party

Following seven hours of activity on the trade show floor, C-Store Connect continued with the official HRA Member and Vendor After Party at Live! at the Battery Atlanta.

Live music, games, food and drinks gave HRA members and vendors an opportunity to unwind, celebrate and spend time together away from the show floor.

The After Party has become an important part of the overall C-Store Connect experience, reflecting HRA’s focus not only on creating business opportunities for its members, but also on building lasting relationships throughout the convenience retail family.

“C-Store Connect is ultimately about bringing people together. We want our members to discover new products and opportunities for their stores, but just as importantly, we want them to build relationships with the vendors and people who can help their businesses succeed. Seeing more than 2,100 people come together this year, and then watching those connections continue at the After Party, is exactly what we want C-Store Connect to be.”

— HRA

Looking Ahead to C-Store Connect 2027

With the 2026 show complete, HRA is already planning for C-Store Connect 2027.

Building on this year’s event, HRA plans to continue expanding the C-Store Connect experience for its members and vendor partners while welcoming convenience store operators interested in learning more about HRA and the benefits of membership.

From the Vendor Appreciation Party to a packed trade show floor and the final celebration at Live! at the Battery, C-Store Connect is designed to be more than a one-day trade show. It is an opportunity for the convenience retail community to connect, discover what’s next and celebrate the relationships that help independent retailers thrive.

Additional details about C-Store Connect 2027 will be announced as plans are finalized.

About HRA

HRA supports a network of more than 5,000 convenience store locations and works with more than 200 partner vendors to help independent retailers compete and grow. Through vendor partnerships, purchasing programs, industry resources, advocacy and events such as C-Store Connect, HRA connects its members with products, programs, relationships and opportunities designed to help their businesses succeed.

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