New Sunrise celebrated its 16th annual Iceworks Conference by heading to London, its first European conference.
Held from 2-6 September, the conference, called the ‘Royal Sunrise Family Gathering,’ offered a dynamic platform for industry leaders, innovators, and partners to exchange knowledge, network, and explore the vibrant convenience landscape of London.
With more than 350 delegates from across Australia in attendance, the conference provided participants with valuable connections, collaborations, and unforgettable experiences.
Opening Night: A Warm Welcome to London
Andrew Cardinale, Brand and Marketing Manager at New Sunrise, opened the 16th annual Iceworks Conference by thanking all attendees and highlighting the sense of family that continues to grow each year. The welcome evening brought delegates together in a stunning venue surrounded by iconic London landmarks, featuring themed food stations, engaging games like cricket, and relaxation stations offering massages.
Business Sessions: Leading with Innovation
Vincent Cardinale, Operations Manager at New Sunrise, kicked off the business sessions with the message, “Be a voice, not an echo,” setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions. He underscored the importance of retailers in their communities, encouraging them to lead with purpose and originality.
Steve Cardinale, Managing Director of New Sunrise, followed with a presentation of the company’s vision for the future. He celebrated New Sunrise’s recognition as AACS Retailer of the Year for the second year in a row and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. He also outlined New Sunrise’s ambitious goal of becoming Australia’s top destination for eating, drinking, and… peeing.
After Steve’s address, Joe Alessi, National Merchandise Manager, Andrew Cardinale, Marketing Manager, and Vincent Cardinale, Operations Manager, outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing the shopper experience, increasing visibility, and driving future growth.
Keynote speakers Ed Evan and Emma John from Pret A Manger, and Nigel Simpson from Greggs, shared valuable insights into the UK’s petrol and convenience retail sector. Their presentations provided fresh ideas and strategies that Australian retailers could adapt to their markets, adding to the conference’s international exchange of knowledge.
The afternoon featured a high-energy engagement session between retail operators and suppliers, where discussions centred on new product development, rollouts, and promotions. With £10,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, the session was both informative and exciting.
The day ended with a lively dinner at 100 Wardour Street, supported by Asahi Beverages and Bega Group. Delegates embraced the British atmosphere, dancing the night away and gearing up for the days ahead.
Exploring London’s Retail Scene
On Day Three, delegates took part in an in-market study tour, sponsored by Suntory Oceania. The tour offered a unique opportunity to visit some of the world’s most renowned retail locations, including corporate and independent petrol stations, grab-and-go food outlets, grocery stores, and iconic retail destinations like Harrods.
This hands-on exploration gave delegates fresh insights and practical ideas to implement within their own businesses and markets.
Snowball Awards & Gala Dinner: A Royal Finale
The conference came to a close with the prestigious Snowball Awards and Gala Dinner, held at the historic Guildhall, dating back to 1440. The royal-themed evening provided a grand finale to the “Royal Sunrise Family Gathering,” celebrating the exceptional achievements across the New Sunrise network.
After the awards were handed out, delegates enjoyed a night filled with music, dancing, and camaraderie.
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Attendees
Iceworks 2024 was much more than an industry event; it was a unique gathering of family, friends, and like-minded professionals who demonstrated the true innovation, resilience, and future potential of New Sunrise’s retail network. With Sunny soaring high for all New Sunrise members, the drive to set new standards and achieve greater success continues, as shown by back-to-back wins of AACS Retailer of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
New Sunrise extends a heartfelt thank you to all delegates for making Iceworks 2024 such a tremendous success. Special thanks also go to the supplier partners, whose ongoing support drives success through the Passport to Profit program. Their commitment to New Sunrise’s growth pillars has been key in delivering exceptional results that benefit both businesses and consumers.
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.