Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Convenience & Impulse Retailing Expo is Australia's largest event for the convenience retail sector, featuring a diverse range of suppliers and products. This trade-only event offers free entry for retailers and buyers, providing essential networking opportunities and insights into the latest industry trends.
Attendees can expect to connect with leading suppliers and gain valuable knowledge through educational sessions. Convenience & Impulse Retailing takes place in Melbourne, Australia.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: C&I Expo Melbourne 2027 runs 16-17 March 2027 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- 2Scale and Focus: Australia's largest convenience retail expo showcasing suppliers from across Asia Pacific.
- 3Organiser: Managed by C&I Expo, registration available at the official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include convenience store owners, operators, and purchasing decision-makers.
- 5Entry: Trade-only event with free admission for retailers and buyers.
Why visit
Visit C&I Expo to discover innovative products and services tailored for convenience retailing. Network with industry leaders and gain insights into emerging trends that can enhance your business operations. The expo provides a unique platform to connect with suppliers and explore new revenue streams.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at C&I Expo offers unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of convenience retailers and decision-makers. Showcase your products and services to potential buyers, build valuable relationships, and gain insights into market demands. This is an opportunity to enhance your brand presence in the convenience retail sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Convenience store owners looking for new suppliers
Retail buyers seeking innovative products
Industry professionals interested in market trends
Decision-makers from independent grocery stores
Operators from roadside retail outlets
Purchasing managers from impulse retail sectors
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of convenience store products
Manufacturers of retail technology solutions
Distributors of food and beverage items
Providers of store fixtures and displays
Consultants specializing in retail operations
Service providers for logistics and supply chain
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Food and beverage products for convenience stores
Retail technology solutions for operational efficiency
Store fixtures and merchandising displays
Impulse purchase items and snacks
Beverage dispensing equipment
Point of sale systems and software
Location & Facilities
Venue
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
2 Clarendon Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Facilities
Parking
Melbourne Exhibition Centre basement car park: 1,060 undercover spaces managed by Wilson Parking, entrance off Normanby Road (2.2 m height limit). Weekend flat rate about AUD 20; weekday drive-up hourly from about AUD 18 (4+ hours about AUD 66). Can reach capacity early on busy show days - arrive early or use tram from the CBD.
1,060 spaces · A$66.00/day
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Melbourne Exhibition Centre basement car park: 1,060 undercover spaces managed by Wilson Parking, entrance off Normanby Road (2.2 m height limit). Weekend flat rate about AUD 20; weekday drive-up hourly from about AUD 18 (4+ hours about AUD 66). Can reach capacity early on busy show days - arrive early or use tram from the CBD.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2026 C&I Expo wrapped up after a successful two days. A photo gallery highlighted exhibitors on day one of the 2026 C&I Expo. The event was listed as the Convenience & Impulse Retailing Expo 2026.
Photos
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Melbourne, Australia
Why it matters
Attending Convenience & Impulse Retailing on 2027-03-16 to 2027-03-17 in Melbourne lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Retailbiz Australia | Retail Industry News & Business Insights
ReadRetail Display Tips & Industry Blog | Australia Guide
ReadRetail Industry News Australia | Australian Retail News
ReadRetail Marketing Industry News | Shop! ANZ
ReadAustralian Retail Outlook 2026 | KPMG Australia
ReadSHAPE Australia Finalizes Purchase of Australian Professional ...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Primary international gateway for Melbourne
about 25 km (15.5 mi) by road
to venue
about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi
by car
Avalon Airport
Secondary airport for some domestic and low-cost services
about 54 km (34 mi) by road
to venue
about 38-50 minutes by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Sydney Boulevard Hotel
midscale
Sydney CBD fringe (capture area reference)4-star property listed with a Google Travel deal price of $95 for the 16-17 March 2027 night sample; reference only, since the show venue is in Melbourne.
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
upscale
Hyde Park, Sydney CBD (capture area reference)5-star hotel with outdoor pool and fitness centre shown as 21% below its usual rate in the sampled dates; reference only for the Sydney results set.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
upscale
Darling Harbour, Sydney (capture area reference)5-star hotel with fitness centre and restaurant listed 17% below its usual rate for the sample night; reference only.
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
luxury
Circular Quay, Sydney CBD (capture area reference)5-star hotel with indoor pool, hot tub and spa; popular with guests from the United States in the captured listing. Reference only.
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
midscale
Darling Harbour, Sydney (capture area reference)4-star hotel with outdoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant near the Darling Harbour convention precinct. Reference only.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
luxury
CBD, Sydney (capture area reference)5-star hotel listed 21% below its usual rate for the sampled night; reference only.
The William Inglis Hotel Warwick Farm - MGallery Collection
upscale
Warwick Farm, western Sydney (capture area reference)5-star hotel shown with a great-price rate of $94 for the sampled stay; reference only, outside central Sydney.
Meriton Suites Liverpool
midscale
Liverpool, south-western Sydney (capture area reference)5-star suites listing at $96, shown as 24% less than usual for the sampled night; reference only.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
ferry or light rail
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forSydney CBD to Darling Harbour and convention precinct
Opal-carded ferries and light rail link Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the convention area; plan journeys with the NSW trip planner.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MEL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forMelbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi; Primary international gateway for Melbourne.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from AVV to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAvalon Airport (AVV) to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
about 38-50 minutes by car; Secondary airport for some domestic and low-cost services.
Weather
Mid-March in Melbourne is late summer: generally warm by day with cooler evenings and a chance of short rain spells. Check a live forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology in the week before travelling; hall temperatures inside MCEC are climate controlled.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Australia.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Coffee and laneways
Melbourne's cafe culture is part of the working day. Expect espresso bars and laneway cafes near the CBD and South Wharf; use a break between sessions to grab a flat white and reset.
Trams and Myki
Trams are a practical way to reach MCEC and the South Wharf precinct from the CBD. Buy or top up a Myki card and validate before boarding.
Business dress and greetings
Business casual is common at Australian trade shows. A firm handshake and first names are standard; formal titles are rarely used.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Round up for good table service if you wish, but it is not part of the bill.
Weather variability
Melbourne weather can change quickly in March. Pack layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes for the walk between South Wharf and Southbank.
South Wharf and Southbank
The venue sits on the Yarra River in South Wharf. Restaurants and bars line the river, and Southbank is a short walk across the bridge for after-show dinners.
Trade-show pace
Australian buyers tend to be direct and time-efficient. Have a concise range pitch ready and respect meeting times.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MEL
Book flights to MEL when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare AVV only if fares are materially lower.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL): about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi; Avalon Airport (AVV): about 38-50 minutes by car. Allow road or rail time to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Sydney CBD fringe (capture area reference): The Sydney Boulevard Hotel; Hyde Park, Sydney CBD (capture area reference): Pullman Sydney Hyde Park; Darling Harbour, Sydney (capture area reference): Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Melbourne; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Parking: Melbourne Exhibition Centre basement car park: 1,060 undercover spaces managed by Wilson Parking, entrance off Normanby Road (2.2 m height limit). Weekend flat rate about AUD 20; weekday drive-up hourly from about AUD 18 (4+ hours about AUD 66). Can reach capacity early on busy show days - arrive early or use tram from the CBD.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: March in Melbourne typically brings warm late-summer days; averages cited in travel climate sources for the month are around a 24 C daytime high with cooler nights (confirm a live forecast before travel).
Seasonality: March is a transitional late-summer month in Melbourne with changeable conditions; climate summaries referenced in travel captures report roughly 10 rain days for the equivalent Sydney March period, so plan for occasional showers and shifting temperatures across the two show days.
Packing: Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell for passing showers, comfortable walking shoes for the Southbank and MCEC precinct, and business casual attire plus a light jacket for the exhibition halls and evening networking functions.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Convenience & Impulse Retailing usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration and badge
T-2
Book flights to Melbourne
T-3
Secure a hotel in South Wharf or the CBD
T-4
Check visa or ETA eligibility
T-5
Plan the airport transfer
T-6
Review the exhibitor list and floor plan
T-7
Request meetings
T-8
Check the official schedule
T-9
Prepare your buyer brief
T-10
Arrange lead capture
T-11
Check Melbourne weather
T-12
Confirm transport and timings
T-13
Download badges and documents
T-14
Arrive and orient
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Convenience & Impulse Retailing registration concourse
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Convenience & Impulse Retailing fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is C&I Expo 2027?
C&I Expo 2027 runs 16-17 March 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia, per the official show site.
What does the Convenience & Impulse Retailing Expo cover?
The official site positions the expo as Australian convenience retailing's product launchpad and networking event, covering the convenience and impulse retailing sector for retailers, suppliers and distributors.
How do I register to attend?
Visitor registration runs through the dedicated attendee portal at register.candiexpo.com.au, linked from the main show site.
Who exhibits at the show?
Exhibitor listings on the official site include convenience retailing brands such as Vitaco Healthy Foods and Convenience & Impulse Retailing magazine, with day-one exhibitor galleries published after recent editions.
Do I need an Australian visa to attend?
Most international visitors require an Australian visa or travel authority before departure; business visitors commonly use the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream. Confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs.
What is the venue arrival information for MCEC?
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre publishes a Plan Your Visit page with access, transport and visitor information for arrivals on show days.
What is the local currency in Melbourne?
Australia uses the Australian dollar, ISO 4217 code AUD. Card payments are widely accepted; budget in AUD for local transport, meals and incidentals.
What is the weather like around the March show dates?
March is late summer in Melbourne, with warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings; pack light layers and a rain shell for changeable conditions.
Glossary
- Convenience and impulse (C&I) retail
- The retail channel focused on quick, top-up purchases: convenience stores, forecourt shops, route trade and impulse-led formats. C&I Expo brings suppliers of snacks, drinks, confectionery and everyday essentials together with buyers from this channel.
- Route trade
- The network of wholesalers, distributors and field sales teams that supply petrol forecourts, convenience stores and independent grocers. Route-trade buyers are a core visitor group at C&I Expo.
- Forecourt retail
- Convenience retail attached to a fuel station, where fuel customers buy drinks, snacks, coffee and grab-and-go food. Forecourt operators attend C&I Expo to review range, display and food-to-go offers.
- Impulse category
- Products bought on impulse near the point of sale, such as confectionery, gum, energy drinks and snacks. Range reviews at C&I Expo often focus on these high-margin lines.
- Planogram
- A visual diagram showing how products are arranged on shelves or displays. Suppliers and category managers use planograms to optimise space in convenience and forecourt stores.
- Category management
- The process of managing a product category as a strategic business unit, including range, pricing, promotion and shelf layout. It is a common discussion topic between C&I Expo buyers and suppliers.
- Range review
- A scheduled review by a retailer or wholesaler of which products to list, delist or promote. Exhibitors at C&I Expo use the show to present new lines ahead of range reviews.
- Distributor and wholesaler
- Intermediaries that buy from manufacturers and supply independent convenience stores, forecourts and route-trade outlets. They are key visitors and exhibitors at C&I Expo.
- Shopper marketing
- Marketing activity aimed at influencing purchase decisions in-store or near the point of sale, including displays, signage and promotions. Relevant to C&I Expo's impulse and convenience audience.
- Point-of-sale material (POSM)
- Display units, shelf talkers, signage and other materials used to promote products at the point of sale. Exhibitors often showcase POSM solutions at C&I Expo.
- Grab-and-go
- Prepared food and drinks packaged for immediate consumption, a growing category in convenience and forecourt retail. C&I Expo covers food-to-go, coffee and chilled grab-and-go offers.
- Top-up shopping
- Small basket purchases made between main grocery shops, often for meals, drinks or snacks. Convenience and forecourt retailers at C&I Expo cater to this mission.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Convenience & Impulse Retailing 2027
- C&I Expo Melbourne
- Convenience & Impulse Retailing Melbourne 2027
- Convenience 2027
- Convenience Melbourne 2027
- Melbourne Australia
- Convenience Retail
- Food and beverage products for convenience stores
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Sources
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References
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Date checked
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Digital business cards for the show floor
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