How conferences, theme parks, and everyday errands reveal powerful lessons in loyalty and connection.
CSP Outlook Leadership Conference: People First
This summer, I had the pleasure of attending CSP Outlook, and I can honestly say it may have been the best conference I’ve ever attended.
Often in our industry, we overcomplicate the story by piling on buzzwords. This conference was a refreshing reset. The theme that echoed through session after session was simple: What solution am I solving for?
Of course, loyalty, foodservice, and retail media networks were headline topics, but what struck me most was the human side. We’re not robots crunching data; we’re people, building relationships. It was energizing to connect, share ideas, and walk away with new perspectives.
Legoland: Joy in the Details
From there, I swapped business attire for family mode and headed to San Diego. Destination: Legoland.
My daughter was in heaven riding coasters, dancing at the 6:30 pm kids’ party, and marveling at giant Lego creations. Watching her pure joy was a reminder of why we work so hard.
And yes, even Legoland offered a business lesson. They’ve mastered the art of knowing their audience. Everything from the ride design to the buffet line heights was tailored perfectly for 3–10-year-olds. Keep the kids happy, and parents will come back again and again. A simple, brilliant loyalty strategy.
Circle K Offers Everyday Convenience
Back at home in Phoenix, real life caught up with me, starting with a much-needed car wash at Circle K.
Seamless, app-powered, and with no need to leave the car, it reminded me just how powerful convenience can be. When you remove friction, you win loyalty. Simple as that.
And, in full transparency…yes, I also grabbed a Kit Kat bar on the way to the gym. Some lessons are learned the sweet way.
Reflections
From big conference halls to theme park adventures to everyday errands, the past week reminded me of one thing: lessons are everywhere. If you slow down, listen, and observe, insights will meet you in the most unexpected places.
About the Author
Steve Siegel is the sales director at Liquid Barcodes. Steve has spent many years in the convenience industry, most recently at P97 Networks and Circle K before that.
