New Gulf Coast Expo Will Bring Together Three States

BILOXI, Miss. -- For the first time, three states will come together for two days at the Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo 2015.

The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association, and the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association will host the trade show March 11-12 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi.

This is the first year the three groups are joining for one event. The Alabama and Louisiana associations have produced this joint trade show in Biloxi for the past five years. The Mississippi association held its own event in Jackson, Miss.

By joining forces to create one of the region’s largest trade shows of any type, the three state associations will offer their members an opportunity to learn about industry trends, visit with business partners and friends, and make new connections.

"Our members are very pleased with the decision to join their counterparts in Alabama and Louisiana for this exciting event," said Philip A Chamblee, executive director of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association. "We feel that by adding our state's members and resources, the trade show attendance will grow from day one, and all will benefit in a variety of ways."

Features of the Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo 2015 will include a full exhibit floor, meetings, seminars and a golf tournament. Attendees will also be able to visit Gulf Coast attractions, including outdoor activities, shopping, dining and gaming.

"We are tremendously excited about the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association joining the Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo in 2015," said Bart Fletcher, president of the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama. "This addition makes the expo a truly regional show and establishes it as the premier trade show for wholesale and retail petroleum marketers and convenience store operators throughout the Deep South."

Natalie Isaacks, executive director of the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association, added: "Our Louisiana members are pleased to welcome our Mississippi associates to the expo. Adding this Mississippi ingredient creates a perfect regional blend for both attendees and exhibitors. We continue to escalate higher with each show we produce."