Gain Valuable Insights Into New Builds or Remodels During NATSO Connect’s New Workshop

Constructing a new build or launching a remodel is a significant undertaking, and planning begins long before the ground breaks. Truck stops and travel centers are complex facilities that require considerable market research, competitive analysis, and infrastructure development. NATSO Connect 2024, Feb. 18-22 in Orlando, Florida, will feature a Travel Center New Builds and Remodels Pre-Event Workshop to provide operators with insights into their construction projects.

“A recent poll from NATSO members found that 63 percent are ‘likely’ to invest in a rebuild or remodel during the next 12 to 18 months,” said Amy Toner, the NATSO Foundation’s Executive Director. “This workshop will offer the guidance truck stops and travel centers need to plan investments and the connections to make it happen.” 

The workshop is scheduled to be held Feb. 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and covers critical aspects, including:   

• Checklist and guidance on planning and documentation;  

• Feasibility studies: What they should cover, and the key questions a study must answer;  

• The due diligence needed before launching any project.  

Importantly, the workshop will include time to network, allowing attendees to grow their professional network of operators performing new builds. Attendees also will walk away with a toolkit full of resources and checklists to complete their projects.    

Robert Peppelman, founder of RJP Consulting Group, and Mark Devlin, senior client and program manager will lead the workshop, drawing on their developmental and construction management experience. Peppelman worked as a construction coordinator at Wawa Food Markets and director of construction for Urban Outfitters before launching RJP Consulting Group in 2003. 

"We are honored to partner with the NATSO Foundation on the Travel Center New Builds and Remodels Pre-Event Workshop. Successfully building a travel center begins long before you break ground. My team is excited to share the information travel centers need to plan their next big project," said Peppelman.  

In addition, Darren Schulte, NATSO vice president, membership, will share his retail expertise with attendees and help guide the discussion. Schulte is well known for his insights into the travel center industry. He has built on his extensive retail experience through visits to hundreds of locations domestically and abroad. Through his observational research, he knows the latest trends in the industry to help plan a thriving travel center. 

Space in the workshop is limited, and an additional registration fee of $150 is required. Learn more and register for NATSO Connect, Feb. 18-22 in Orlando, Florida, at https://natsoconnect.com.   

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The NATSO Foundation is the research, education, and public outreach subsidiary of NATSO, Inc. The Foundation provides tools for truck stops and travel centers to future-proof their business through Stop Watch magazine, market research, podcast episodes, and toolkits. The Foundation provides educational resources through the Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship, webinars and training courses, and educational programs at NATSO Connect and Fast Forward Focus. It also provides safety initiatives on roadside repair safety, anti-human trafficking awareness, and Amber Alerts. The foundation is completely autonomous and relies solely on donations. Find out more about the NATSO Foundation at https://www.natso.com/natsofoundation.