Education Sessions & Workshops
Tune-Up Your Know-How
The CFCA Summit is packed with high-performance educational sessions designed to fuel your business and keep you ahead of the curve. From compliance updates to emerging tech and operational strategies, each session is a key pit stop on your road to success. And don’t miss our final lap on Thursday with a special keynote from NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Spencer Boyd—bringing real-world grit, determination, and drive straight from the track to the stage.
Check out the full session lineup below and gear up for an unforgettable ride.
Tuesday
Labor Law Update
1:00 - 1:50 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom F
Join Colin Calvert and Christine Baran from Fisher Phillips as they guide you through the ever-changing landscape of California labor laws. From compliance updates to real-world implications for your business, this session is packed with the insights every business owner, HR pro, and manager needs to hear.
Don’t leave yourself guessing—arm yourself with knowledge straight from the professionals who live and breathe labor law.
Speakers:
- Colin Calvert, Fisher Phillips
- Christine Baran, Fisher Phillips
Attendance to this session can earn 1 hour of CE towards CFCA Risk Management Series
Transforming Fuel Distribution with AI: A Simplified Road map for Efficiency and Growth
1:00 - 1:50 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom A
Is AI just a buzzword — or your biggest untapped advantage?
Fuel marketers are already using AI and machine learning to boost efficiency, cut costs, and compete with the industry's biggest players.
Join Pavan Mahehshwari, CEO of FleetPanda, for a no-fluff session on how AI is transforming fuel distribution. Whether you’re still on paper tickets or fully digital, this session gives you clear, practical steps to prepare your business for what’s next — no tech jargon, no empty promises.
Speaker:
- Pavan Maheshwari, Fleet Panda, CEO
Attendance to this session can earn 1 hour of CE towards CFCA Risk Management Series
Trends in Deal Making
1:00 - 1:50 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom D
As stock sales surge and private equity structures increasingly influence the downstream energy sector. Join us for this informative session where Fred Whitaker of Cummins & White will unpack the key trends and implications shaping the industry.
Speaker:
- Fred Whitaker, Cummins & White
Attendance to this session can earn 1 hour of CE towards CFCA Risk Management Series
Federal Update
2:00 - 2:50 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom A
Engage with industry leaders from NACS, SC Fuels, and NATSO for a compelling exploration of the pivotal federal issues shaping our future. Uncover the major developments of the past year and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Speakers:
- LeeAnn Goheen, NATSO
- Jon Taets, NACS
- Royd Baik, SC Fuels
Low Nox Issue Lawsuit Overview
2:00 - 2:50 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom F
Join us for an in-depth policy session exploring the ongoing lawsuit and the broader implications for the Administrative State.
We’ll also examine the Congressional Review Act and what the future holds for vehicle emissions regulations at both the state and federal levels.
Speaker:Â Luke Wake, Pacific Legal Foundation
CA Update: Policy Updates + Media & Advocacy Training
3:00 - 5:00 PMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom A
Part 1, Policy Updates
Begins at 3:00
Get up to speed on the policies, proposals, and regulations you need to know to stay compliant and ahead with CFCA’s Sr. Director, Government Affairs, Alessandra Magnasco.
- Speakers:
- Alessandra Magnasco, CFCA
- with Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates
Part 2, Media & Advocacy Training
Begins at 3:45
In today’s climate, public perception matters and so does your voice. Whether it’s media coverage, community conversations, or local government decisions, how your story is told can impact your business.
This hands-on session is open to all attendees and gives you the tools to speak up for your business and tell your story.
- Speakers:
- David Nelson, Capitol Regions
- LA Plax, Staged Right Media
- Ashley Boston, Strauch Company
- James Duke, PMI
- Moderator:
- Beatrice Lam, CFCA
Attendance to Part 2 of this session can earn1.25 hours of CE towards CFCA Risk Management Series
Wednesday
The Future of Fuels Landscape
9:00 - 9:50 AMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom A
The road to decarbonization is anything but one-size-fits-all, and the future of transportation fuels is being shaped in real time.
In this high-impact session, industry experts will explore what’s next for low-carbon fuels in both the light-duty and heavy-duty markets—from E85 and renewable diesel to biodiesel, ethanol, and more. You'll gain insights on shifting regulations, new technologies, and the market realities that will define the next phase of California’s fuel landscape.
Speakers:
- Erin Thorp, US Energy
- Jeff Wilkerson, Pearson Fuels
- Gal Sitty, Kia
- Steve Lesher, Shell
- Ben Oakley, WSPA
Coffee and Capital
9:00 - 9:50 AMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom F
Pour yourself a fresh brew of market intelligence and see where the smart money is flowing in convenience retail and fuels. Our panel serves up practical financing and M&A strategies you can start percolating on
right away.
Speakers:
- Andy Weber, Corner Capital
- Reuven Birnkrant, PetroCal
- Corey Henricksen, Acquisition Refinance & Capital
- Tony Zieglar, Ascentium Capital
Moderator:
- Nick Patel, National Petroleum
Fire Up Your Marketing with Generative AI
10:00 - 10:50 AMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom A
What if the key to standing out in your market was a powerful AI tool you already have at your fingertips?
Discover how generative AI can turbocharge your content creation—helping you boost sales, build customer loyalty, and stand out from the big-box competition. Join convenience store marketing expert and AI wizard Ernie Harker for an electrifying session packed with practical tools, fresh ideas, and the inspiration you need to dominate your market.
Speaker:Â Ernie Harker, Ernburn
RFA E15 Workshop
10:00 - 11:00 AMÂ |Â La Jolla B Conf. Room
Join the Renewable Fuels Association, in partnership with CFCA, for an informative workshop focused on E15 in California. Learn the basics, legal and safety requirements, and whether E15 fits your business model. These sessions will cover equipment compatibility, blending economics, and compliance—giving you the tools to make informed decisions. Offering E15 is optional, but it could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Cant make this session? No worries—the same workshop is offered both Wednesday and Thursday, so you can choose the day that works best for you.
Thursday
Keynote Session with Spencer Boyd
9:00 - 10:00 AMÂ |Â Seaport Ballroom D
As a professional operating in a highly regulated environment, Spencer understands the importance of compliance, precision, and adaptability—challenges our members face every day. And let’s not forget: his career literally runs on fuel. From the track to the pits, his world depends on the same resources, logistics, and partnerships that power our industry.
Speaker:Â Spencer Boyd, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver
RFA E15 Workshop
3:00 - 4:00 PMÂ |Â La Jolla B Conf. Room
Join the Renewable Fuels Association, in partnership with CFCA, for an informative workshop focused on E15 in California. Learn the basics, legal and safety requirements, and whether E15 fits your business model. These sessions will cover equipment compatibility, blending economics, and compliance—giving you the tools to make informed decisions. Offering E15 is optional, but it could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Cant make this session? No worries—the same workshop is offered both Wednesday and Thursday, so you can choose the day that works best for you.
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