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NEWS NEW SUNRISE EVENT HERALDS A NEW DAWN The specialist buying group and independent store network proudly billed its iceworks event in north Queensland in April as the first industry retailer conference since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in Australia. Despite the original date for its 12th annual iceworks conference being scrapped due to state Covid-19 restrictions, New Sunrise persevered to provide what it described as the iceworks ‘family reunion’ at the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas. With the tropical location regarded as a great spot for the gathering of more than 250 delegates, the New Sunrise team looked back on 2020 as a successful year regardless of the challenges, with the launch of its first national TV advertising campaign, introducing the new member mascot, Sunny the Kookaburra. This campaign was praised for further bolstering brand awareness of the group’s Enjoy Local member store network in the marketplace. The group’s success was declared proven with industry suppliers rating it as the “number one” national independent buying group in Australia. life the plans being delivered by the group. These included Jill & Jack’s (Wilston, Queensland), Caltex Heatherbrae (NSW), The Station Grocer (Wollongbar, NSW) and Liberty Margate (Queensland). Supplier engagement An ‘interactive walk’ through of each of the different retail categories was held. With the use of an event app and bespoke category ‘rooms’, New Sunrise created a “unique and engaging session” to allow retailers the opportunity to further expand their offers, connect with supplier partners and engage with all delegates in a casual setting. Snowball awards and gala dinner The awards and gala dinner amid the Port Douglas rainforest surrounds were hosted by ‘Elliot Goblet’, the comedy character created by comedian Jack Levi. The event was said to be highly praised by the industry as a demonstration of what can be achieved with resilience and good planning. Award winners: Snowball Supplier of the Year: Bega Dairy & Drinks. Snowball Account Manager of the Year: Scott Taylor, Asahi Lifestyle Beverages. Snowball Retailer of the Year: Troy Bennett, Bennett’s Petroleum. New Sunrise Managing Director Steve Cardinale. New Sunrise Managing Director Steve Cardinale acknowledged and thanked delegates for “the agility and resilience shown to overcome the challenges and adversities in 2020 and deliver a successful year”. He recognised “not only the inspiring innovation of retail members, but also the support and collaboration with supplier partners, and the role of the team in showing leadership throughout the year”. Business session The iceworks business session offered delegates an opportunity to learn, inspire, network and connect. Its theme this year, was ‘Create the difference, enjoy the experience’, referencing marketplaces shifting from transactional to experiential retail environments. ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie. New Sunrise National Merchandise Manager Joseph Alessi. Delegates heard from ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie, newly appointed AACS CEO Theo Foukkare and Convenience Measures Australia Director Brett Barclay. Presentations included the results in 2020, future trends, forecasts, and landscapes in fuel and convenience retailing. National Merchandise Manager Joseph Alessi hosted the business session, outlining the key initiatives for New Sunrise and future growth areas. Speakers from the business and supporting supplier partners also addressed key deliverables, including New Sunrise’s National Retail Support Manager, Deborah Adnum, Category & Brand Manager Andrew Cardinale, and Food Category Specialist Martin Farrell, Common Good Coffee Company’s Kate Weddell, Coca Cola Amatil’s Scott Gibbons, Bega Dairy & Drinks’ Ian Mullan, and Frucor Suntory’s Emily Taylor Delegates also viewed New Sunrise retailers across the country through a series of virtual retailer videos bringing to 4 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAY/JUN, 2021