Opening Remarks by Paula Lashinsky, Progressive Grocer 

Long before it captured everyone’s imagination, Walmart began its journey to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence. With AI and other exciting emerging technologies, Walmart is intersecting with shoppers in many new ways. Hear from Anshu Bhardwaj, SVP/COO of Walmart Global Technology, talk about this new strategy, Adaptive Retail, Walmart’s entrance into the SaaS space, and more. Anshu will share how Walmart continues to innovate to improve the customer experience and increase employee efficiency across the enterprise.

As CPG’s optimize their budgets and look for better returns in their marketing strategies, retailers need to offer flexible investment options that maximize the ROI and deliver better shopper outcomes. By streamlining programs across Retail Media, coupons and promotions across channels retailers can increase the overall spend from their CPG partners and deliver better value to shoppers, which drives loyalty and sales. In this session we will explore some of the tactics that retailers are applying to build true omni-channel, comprehensive investment opportunities for their brand partners.

Connect with peers and discover next-gen tech by solution partners that can help drive your organization for success.

Electronic Shelf Labels have emerged as a pivotal tool for retailers, offering real-time pricing updates, enhanced customer experiences, and operational efficiencies. However, the path to unlocking their full potential lies in crafting a cohesive strategy that integrates ESLs seamlessly into existing systems and processes. In this panel discussion, we’ll bring together retail leaders to share their firsthand experiences and insights along with industry experts to add real-world examples and candid discussions about navigating the complexities of implementing integrated ESL strategies. This conversation will provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies for retail success. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in today's evolving retail landscape.

Confirmed speakers: Michael Halverson, Director of Product Management, Albertsons Media Collective and Kathryn Mazza, Senior Vice President, RedMedia

Ever wonder how to bring together one of your large store operators and a service provider to fuel customer growth? In this dynamic session, you’ll find out when you hear from Save A Lot Retail Partner Gabe Disbrow and Save A Lot Chief Information and Digital Officer Jennifer Hopper. Learn how they are innovating by synchronizing customer needs with technology opportunities to amplify the impact of empowering businesses to thrive. Join them for an enlightening discussion on fostering a culture of positive collaboration between store owners and service providers to leverage technology for collective success. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to revolutionize your approach to technology success and propel your organization into the future of continual customer delight.

Join your new and old friends to help us celebrate the start of the Grocery Tech event.

Start the day off with a full breakfast and meet up with friends and colleagues before the event gets into full swing.

How does an 88-year-old beloved retail brand grow sales, increase efficiencies, control expenses and keep shoppers loyal? Join Big Y Foods EVP/COO Rick Bossie as he shares the retailer’s process for evaluating and implementing the tech investments that support enhanced customer and employee engagement and accelerate growth.

For decades, grocers have built strong relationships with customers through a personal approach that includes strong customer service, convenient locations, and community connections. However, the post-pandemic rise of Mass Retailers and persistent cross-shopping behavior have revealed a shift in consumer drivers away from personal relationships, toward value and convenience above all else. This interactive workshop demonstrates how grocers can keep up with changing consumer behavior through targeted promotions (value) that match a customer’s interest and purchase cycle (convenience). What we’re talking about here is contextualized commerce, in which each customer receives the right offer, at the right time, at the right price — all aligned to their individual preferences and shopping habits. By harnessing the power of machine learning, grocers can unify their customer data to programmatically deliver one-to-one communications that resonate, creating a connected commerce experience that competitors can’t match. Join us to learn why this level of deep personalization is the operational driver for growth — boosting active users, increasing average order values, and ultimately expanding your market share — that grocers need right now.

Connect with peers and discover next-gen tech by solution partners that can help drive your organization for success.

Explore the strategic advantages of adopting an opportunistic mindset in navigating the complex intersection of (1) merging systems for efficient consolidation, (2) embarking on an adaptable journey to cloud, AI and other next-gen technology, and in parallel, (3) drive IT transformation. Learn how to seamlessly incorporate a cutting-edge technological framework into your business strategy for enhanced agility, innovation, and futureproofing in the dynamic grocery technology sector.

With OOS addressability silently exceeding 60% in stores across the globe, many retailers are proactively looking to increase operating margin and revenue by improving in-store audit capabilities. While in-store technology delivers near 100% accuracy (often 10X more precise than manual audits), identifying the right vendor for your store format and operations is of strategic importance. This seasoned panel will share the keys to their success:

1. Prep - Building internal alignment & readiness to support tech innovation

2. Crawl - Insider tips on evaluating vendors

3. Walk - Secrets to success with deployment & adoption

4. Run - Replicating multiple value streams across the business

5. Jump - Leveraging a platform at scale through integration

Enjoy lunch while participating in an interactive, real-time collaborative discussion designed to facilitate connection with industry thought leaders. Expand your professional network while engaging in topic-focused sales and marketing conversations.

It’s a grocery store, it’s a restaurant, it’s a culty phenomenon. However you describe Erewhon Market, there’s one thing for certain: It’s where everyone wants to be. Join Kabir Jain, chief growth officer at Erewhon Market, for a discussion on how the most fabulous grocer in America is leveraging technology (including e-commerce, social media and in-store digital) to create an irresistible customer experience.

In-person connections are fueling Grocery Tech! Our exclusive Power Hour event provides the opportunity for 1:1 introductions with leading grocery peers and influencers. Through a series of quick-hitting conversations — held over drinks — attendees have a unique chance to expand their networks in a fun and casual setting. Power Hour keeps the conversations moving for an engaging and optimized networking experience, while tailored attendee profiles ensures maximum value for all. Quickly expand your connections and meet the diverse array of leaders who matter most to you! Led by John Wilkinson, Chief Curator, b2b talk.

Why do shoppers buy the same wines, spirits and cheeses over and over when so many others are available?  For a decade, Preferabli has been developing patented solutions that make sense of the complex world of taste preferences for these products.  Learn how leading grocery retailers are using Preferabli AI to increase sales and enhance in-store and online experiences.

Wine, Whisky and Cheese Tasting

Join a wine, whisky and cheese tasting led by two prominent experts – a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine. The selections will be from amongst the best producers in the most important regions of the world, and the pairings superbly executed. Discover the nature of your individual taste preferences in wine, whisky and cheese in real time using patented, AI-driven software.

Raise your glass to celebrate the end of an insightful day! Join your colleagues and new contacts for drinks and conversation.

Start the day off with a full breakfast and meet up with friends and colleagues before the event gets into full swing.

Any successful grocery today must use advanced technology to win shoppers back and squeeze profits out of razor-thin margins. This panel of leading industry analysts will leverage the just-released 2024 PG Grocery Technology Trends Study to detail the strategic technology approaches companies should explore as they retool their enterprises. Join us for breakfast, perspective, and inspiration.

The store experience has not changed dramatically over the past 30 years, yet the adoption of technology in-store and online is accelerating. How will the convergence of the physical and digital worlds impact the future of the grocery store and what do consumers think about in-store technology? Multicultural retail trailblazer Sedano’s; Vestcom, the leader in shelf-edge execution; and Wynshop, the pioneer in e-commerce grocery solutions, will share insights around the future of a hybrid store environment. From electronic shelf label (ESL) implementation, to integration of in-store digital displays, to a connected digital/physical storefront, dive into the many considerations that will determine a successful outcome, including a preview of Vestcom’s latest research on shopper reactions to in-store technology.

One is a startup in Houston, Texas, that was borne from the need for nutritious food access during the pandemic. Another is a nearly century-old family business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that has a loyal following for its local assortments, fresh offering and creative take on merchandising. Both District Market Green Grocer and Sendik's Food Market also recognize the important role that technology plays now and the future and have deployed different tools to improve efficiencies and engage with consumers and their employees. Learn how Robert Thomas, founder and owner of District Market Green Grocer, and Joe Wood, chief marketing officer at Sendik's, navigate challenges and pursue new opportunities and growth through partnerships and a shared spirit of tenacity.

With steady growth in retail media networks (RMNs), shopper marketing budgets are being stretched to an unprecedented limit. Research shows that brands investing in retail media products like on-property search and display are primarily doing so from those precious budgets. These are the same funds that have historically gone to other retail media tactics like circulars, digital coupons, in-store merchandising, and other tactics. Retailers have an opportunity to optimize shopper investments in order to favor the high-margin media products that RMNs are built to execute. Join Ibotta’s Chief Business Development Officer, Amir El Tabib, for insights into a reimagined budget allocation strategy and how retailers can support their retail media revenue goals.

The Albertsons Cos. is putting a seamless omnichannel shopping experience at the heart of its operations, and that all starts with a newly redesigned and award-winning app. In this session, we'll discuss how Albertsons is earning Customers for Life by transforming the physical and digital experience with new approaches to personalization, loyalty and recipes.

Closing Remarks by Gina Acosta, Progressive Grocer