2026 Agenda
Below is an outline of the program to help you plan your participation. A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event.
Monday, May 18, 2026
12:00–2:00 PM
Government Relations Committee
(Government relations committee members and invited guests only)
Government Relations Committee
(Government relations committee members and invited guests only)
2:00-4:00 PM
Executive Committee Meeting
(Executive committee members and invited guests only)
Executive Committee Meeting
(Executive committee members and invited guests only)
6:00–9:00 PM
Board of Directors Dinner
(Board members and invited guests only)
Board of Directors Dinner
(Board members and invited guests only)
6:00–9:00 PM
Nationals Baseball Game
(Government relations committee members and invited guests only)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
7:00–8:00 AM
Board of Directors Breakfast
(board members and invited guests only)
Board of Directors Breakfast
(board members and invited guests only)
8:00–10:45 AM
Board of Directors Meeting
(board members and invited guests only)
Board of Directors Meeting
(board members and invited guests only)
11:15 AM–11:45 PM
Lunch
Lunch
11:45–12:05 PM
Welcome Remarks
Senator Welch (D-VT)
Greg Ferrara, President & CEO, National Grocers Association
Welcome Remarks
Senator Welch (D-VT)
Greg Ferrara, President & CEO, National Grocers Association
12:05–12:45 PM
Mock Hill Meeting: Pushing Back on the Banks
Mock Hill Meeting: Pushing Back on the Banks
Doug Kantor, General Counsel, National Association of Convenience Stores
Stephanie Badger, Vice President, The Nickles Group
12:45–1:15 PM
Economic Update
Economic Update
Charlie Rapier, Chief Revenue Officer, FMS Solutions
1:15-1:45 PM
Making Your Case on Capitol Hill: Practical Advocacy in Today’s Congress
Making Your Case on Capitol Hill: Practical Advocacy in Today’s Congress
Mark Strand, President, Congressional Institute | Sponsored by Associated Supermarket Group
1:45-2:15 PM
Networking Break
Networking Break
2:15-3:15 PM
Turning Priorities into Progress: Our Legislative Asks on Capitol Hill
Stephanie Johnson, Group VP, Government Relations, NGA
Turning Priorities into Progress: Our Legislative Asks on Capitol Hill
Stephanie Johnson, Group VP, Government Relations, NGA
3:15–4:00 PM
Building Power on Main Street: What’s Next for MSCC & How We Win
Chris Jones, Executive Director, Main Street Competition Coalition
Building Power on Main Street: What’s Next for MSCC & How We Win
Chris Jones, Executive Director, Main Street Competition Coalition
Katie Van Dyck, Founder KVD Strategies
Matthew Seiler, RN, Esq. VP & General Counsel, National Community Pharmacists Association
Andy Green, Principal, Center Market Strategies
4:00-5:00 PM
Keynote SessionFeatured
David Wasserman, Senior Editor & Election Analyst | Sponsored by Flashfood
Keynote SessionFeatured
David Wasserman, Senior Editor & Election Analyst | Sponsored by Flashfood
5:30 PM
Transportation will be provided to the reception and dinner at the Capitol Hill Club. The last bus will leave at 5:45 PM.
Transportation will be provided to the reception and dinner at the Capitol Hill Club. The last bus will leave at 5:45 PM.
6:00–8:00 PM
Networking Dinner
Capitol Hill Club | All registered attendees | Sponsored by ECRS
Networking Dinner
Capitol Hill Club | All registered attendees | Sponsored by ECRS
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 AM
Breakfast & Group Preparation
Breakfast & Group Preparation
Sponsored by ECRS
8:15-8:45 AM
Transfer to Capitol Hill & Group Photo
Transfer to Capitol Hill & Group Photo
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Congressional Advocacy Meetings
Congressional Advocacy Meetings
5:00–7:00 PM
Congressional Networking Reception Featured
Congressional Networking Reception Featured
Madison Room, Library of Congress
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