Industry specific information to help you transcend the ordinary is what you can expect from the SIGMA Spring Convention in Hilton Head!   Along with Education Alliance Partners NPN and OPIS, we are in the process of designing sessions with “what it means to the motor fuel marketer” in mind.  Following the trend of moving learning into the workplace, these sessions, led by high-level subject matter experts and peers, will enable you to gain valuable knowledge that you can bring to your place of business!  Here is a glimpse of topics that you can expect to learn more about: 

Tentative SIGMA/NPN/OPIS Education Sessions

Sunday, May 18
TRACK 1

Retailing Your Green for Profit

Allocations and Outages: Navigating the Rough and Muddy Waters
In today’s volatile price environment, timing is everything. This special dual-speaker session, you’ll learn about the latest tactics and tools available to cut down on uncertainty and boost your market intelligence so you can be sure you’re getting the best price from your suppliers.

Profiting from Electronic Media at the Pump
After your street sign, your pump is your first chance to communicate with your customer. Will the conversation be limited to just a fuel sale or will there be hints and offers at much more rewarding customer offerings inside? Our speakers will outline the latest ways of using electronic media as an invitation and boost per-customer totals.

TRACK 2
Transportation Logistics and Optimization Myths –True Costs and Money You Left on the Table
The days of get the call and out the door in the bobtail to deliver are long past. Even planning a route based on who called the prior day is not the most efficient. Compound that with higher fuel costs, driver wages and costs to deliver can add up quickly. Logistics data intelligence and analysis is a must. Start today—understand your true costs and options to take the money back you have been leaving on the table.

Low CARB Standard in CA and Federal Effect
California and the federal EPA are within a couple steps of each other in the march toward a clampdown on greenhouse gas emissions. The rules are likely to impact every link in the supply chain. However, there’s a way to get ahead of the change. Learn how to measure your company’s carbon footprint, how savvy marketers can get in on international carbon exchanges and how to apply carbon credits to cut the costs of fuel.

Understanding RINS and Credit Exchanges
The federal biofuels blending mandates may have put wholesalers in the driver’s seat as refiners and other obligated parties seek out RINs (Renewable Identification Numbers) to prove they are complying with the law. At times hotly traded, RINs have added 6 cents/gal or more to ethanol and biodiesel. In this timely session, you’ll learn how RINs might fit in with your business plan and what you’ll need to know to handle them correctly. You’ll also learn how newly formed electronic RIN exchanges are helping RIN holders capture the highest value for their blending credits.

Monday, May 19th
TRACK 1

RevolutionCard: An Innovative Payment Alternative
RevolutionCard is a new Interchange-free payment card brand that offers the first PIN-based credit card in the US. Costing only 0.5% per transaction, RevolutionCard is gaining broad acceptance at merchants nationwide and is the fastest growing credit card brand in the US. Learn about Revolution Money, the RevolutionCard and how a RevolutionCard program can help you lower credit card costs, increase sales and build loyalty with your customers.

Hedging: Is it Right for Company

GPS Vehicle Tracking: Reducing Operating Costs for Fuel Oil Dealers Nationwide
GPS vehicle tracking is changing the way fuel oil dealers are managing and operating their businesses. Thousands of companies are able to monitor their vehicles’ locations, run electronic key management reports and measure their fleet’s performance from any internet connection. SIGMA member, Dennis K. Burke Oil has seen significant benefits since installing their GPS vehicle tracking system including reduced overtime costs, reduced communication costs and improved customer service.

TRACK 2

Biofuels Logistics
Ethanol and biodiesel present unique challenges in the areas of storage, transportation and handling that cut into your profits unless they are fully understood and mitigated. Our speakers will present a comprehensive look at the best practices for moving biofuel blends through to customers without risking contamination, phase separation or fire.

Alt Fuels Session: Title TBD

Increasing the Value of Business Through Real Estate
Owning real estate is an emotional issue for many marketers with arguments to be made both for and against the practice. Our panel of marketers will provide a checklist of the real dollars and cents reasons why you might want to invest in real estate as a means of increasing the value of your business. Led by site valuation expert Mike Baskin, this session is sure to deliver take-home value on this timely topic.

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