The 2024 C&I Expo has wrapped up at MCEC Melbourne, drawing over 1500 attendees from across the petrol and convenience industry.
The two days brought together retailers, suppliers, and industry experts for two days of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences with the latest trends and products in the industry.
Safa de Valois, Group Publisher of C&I Media, said it was another great event and expressed his gratitude to the exhibitors the effort put into their stands, as well as a big thankyou to the two sponsors – Sanitarium and Posca Hydrate.
“A constant flow of visitors ensured suppliers were kept busy and most importantly got in front of both big players in the P&C space as well as small-to-medium operators.
“The expo floor was bustling with innovations in food and beverage, technology, and convenience solutions. Attendees were treated to a range of products and services designed to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and drive business growth.”
Julijana Manolis, Marketing Manager from FreshFood, which launched its new product Frisky iced coffee at the expo said it was a great place to launch.
“We have seen so many customers come through from a range of different retailers, including food service, petrol, and convenience.”
The event also provided ample networking opportunities, allowing industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative possibilities. This was evident at the buzzing networking drinks on Tuesday evening, sponsored by Posca Hydrate, allowing attendees a bit of downtime to catch up and continue conversations from the day over canapes and drinks.
Starting each day was the C&I Industry Symposium, sponsored by Sanitarium, which featured a lineup of industry thought leaders and subject matter experts who delivered engaging sessions on trends, consumer behaviour, and future opportunities within the petrol and convenience channels.
The C&I Expo will be taking a break next year, before returning in 2026 in a new partnership with the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS).