Destination 2028 will look at acquisition, innovation and resilience in wholesale and convenience

The conference Destination 2028 will explore ‘Acquisition, Innovation and Resilience: How Wholesale & Convenience is Leading the Industry’.

Co-organised by Clare Bocking, managing director of Immediate Impact, and Amy Searle, co-founder and managing director of Joe Public PR, the event will take place on 19 January 2027 at The Coton Centre in Tamworth.

The programme includes presentations from Debbie Robinson, CEO of OurCo-op; Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidfood; Simon Gray, founder & CEO of Fizz With Purpose; and Amrit Singh, managing director of SV Wholesale. Other speakers include David Cooke, CEO designate of Unitas Wholesale; Gary Mullineux, managing director of Caterforce: and Coral Rose and Jess Douglas, managing directors of The Wholesale Group.

There will also be a panel discussion with convenience store owners up and down the country ‘who are doing exceptional things with their businesses in their local communities’.

Bocking said: “Our Destination Conferences give our industry the chance to step back, share what we’re learning and look ahead together.

“Wholesale and convenience is changing quickly, and the conversations between leaders, suppliers and partners can help turn that change into opportunity. I’m looking forward to sharing some of those fantastic developments and hearing how the key levers of acquisition, innovation and resilience are being used to create sustainable growth.”

Searle added: “We’ve deliberately designed our Destination Conference to be completely relaxed and informal. It’s about creating an energetic environment for long-standing relationships to grow.

“There is real, tangible commercial value to be gained at the conference. Previous conference sponsors have walked away with major listings and long-term collaborations. It’s the kind of support and connection you simply can’t force in a boardroom meeting or over a cold call.”

Tickets can be booked here. For sponsorship or activation opportunities, contact amy.searle@joepublicpr.com or clare@immediateimpact.co.uk.

Destination 2028 is also a charity fundraising event for Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Proceeds from the event go towards MAG’s work in removing landmines and munitions left behind by war, helping affected communities rebuild their lives.

Over the past 11 years, more than 130 people from the wholesale and convenience sector have taken part in multi-day cycle rides in different parts of the world to raise funds for MAG. The final ride will take place in early February, and Destination 2028 will help bring the industry’s total fundraising closer to its £2 million goal.