TWO DAYS. ALL IN.

April 1-2, 2026

This isn't just a schedule change - it's a total upgrade. By transforming two half days into a full-throttle two-day experience, UMCS is delivering more time on the show floor, more networking, and more of the high-energy events attendees and exhibitors love. 

Here's why 2026 will be the biggest and boldest UMCS yet:

  • More Time on the Show Floor - Explore, connect, and discover at a pace that works for you. 
  • Casino Night - The tradition continues with high-energy fun and unforgettable memories. 
  • TWO Happy Hours on the Show Floor - Because one wasn't enough! Double the networking, double the fun!
  • Live Entertainment - Enjoy the high quality entertainment you've come to expect from UMCS!
  • Power-Packed Educational Sessions - Fresh insights on the latest trends, policy, and strategies driving the industry.
  • Unmatched Networking Opportunities - Build the partnerships that power your business forward. 

Attention Associate Members

By registering as an attendee I confirm that I am not an Associate Member of FUELIowa or FUELING Minnesota.

I understand that if I register as an attendee and I am an Associate Member of either organization, I may be required to become an exhibitor or star sponsor of the Upper Midwest Convenience Store (UMCS) Show, as required by event policies and membership rules.

UMCS Exhibitor Contracts are available on the Exhibitors tab. 

2026 UMCS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

April 1

6:00 AM - Exhibitor Set Up 

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Registration Desk Open

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM - State Association Meetings

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Keynote Speaker - Lou Nanne

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Exhibit Hall Open

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Working Lunch & Workshops

  • Mock Roadside Inspection - Presented by Sgt. Tom Krolak, MN Department of Public Safety
  • FDA's Food Tracing Requirements - Presented by Thomas Briant, Minnesota Food Wholesalers
  • State & Federal Legislative Updates - Presented by John Maynes, FUELIowa, & Dallas Fischer and Tim Gross, Fueling Minnesota

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Happy Hour on the Trade Floor

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Welcome Reception

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Supplier Dinner/Dinner on your own

8:00 PM - Midnight - Welcome Reception, Silent Auction Ends

April 2

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM - Registration Desk Open

7:45 AM - 8:45 AM - Prayer Breakfast

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Day 2 Keynote Speaker - Steve Goreham

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Exhibit Hall Open

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Working Lunch & Workshops

  • The Crossroads of Profitability, Crime, and Legislation - Exploring the Tobacco and Nicotine Market in 2026 - Moderator Kyle May, Director of External Relations, Reynolds American
  • 2025 Business Insurance Claim History - Best Risk Management Practices - Presented by Katie Simmons, Carrie Leibold & Todd Witke, EMC Insurance 
  • Federal DOT Hot Topics 

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Happy Hour on the Trade Floor

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Exhibitor Tear Down

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM - Real Life Example for an AI Marketing Project 

5:15 PM - 6:30 PM - Hospitality at the InterContinental

6:30 PM - 7:45 PM - Dinner and Comedian

7:45 PM - Midnight - Casino Night, Hospitality and Entertainment

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 FIVE AND FOUR STAR SPONSORS