Retail leaders heading to Dallas for inaugural RetailTEC event

Changes in customer preferences, a growing field of competitors, supply chain disruptions, rising costs—these are among the top priorities for grocery and convenience-store leaders. But the rapid rise of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, retail media networks and digital loyalty, is perhaps the topic that most concerns executives.  

That’s why retail technology thought leaders—including c-suite, finance, operations, marketing and IT professionals—are assembling in Dallas this September for RetailTEC, a three-day conference produced by Winsight, in conjunction with Winsight Grocery Business, Supermarket News and CSP Daily News.

The conference, which runs from Sept. 11-13 at the Hilton Anatole, will help grocery and convenience-store c-store leaders better understand the challenges and solutions in the often-confusing world of retail technology. 

“RetailTEC stands as the definitive event crafted exclusively for grocery and convenience store retail decision makers,” said Amanda Buehner, SVP of communities and retail conferences for Winsight. “Our mission is clear: to provide these leaders with the essential tech-focused insights and connections that will drive remarkable growth in an ever-transforming industry landscape. This event isn't just an opportunity; it's the catalyst that empowers decision makers to reshape the future of retail through technology."  

The event will feature panels by industry leaders, such as Gaurav Pant, chief insights officer at data analytics firms Incisiv and Grocery Doppio, who, along with his colleague Dave Weinand, chief customer officer at Incisiv, will share the findings of their proprietary 2023 Digital Maturity Benchmark Study.  

Industry expert Gabe Olives, who serves as chief information officer of retail consulting, analytics and services company Impact21, will guide attendees through the rapidly changing field of payment technology. He'll discuss cutting-edge tech, such as Amazon One, a contactless payment method at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh stores that scans the palm at checkout rather than a credit card. 

Retail strategist and industry thought leader Art Sebastian, who is the founder of consulting firm Nexchapter, will help provide a roadmap for thinking about and investing in technology. “Attendees will walk away with a framework that they can take back to the office and use,” Sebastian said in a recent interview with WGB. 

Sebastian is an industry veteran who most recently oversaw digital transformation and marketing organization at Casey’s, the third-largest convenience-store operator and sixth-largest pizza chain in the country. Sebastian launched the company’s e-commerce business and loyalty program, and implemented tech stacks for marketing and advertising. He also led the digital transformation effort at the Meijer grocery chain, where he oversaw the launch of a new website for the company and developed a curbside pickup program and delivery business. 

In his years of leadership in retail technology, Sebastian said he’s faced the same questions others are now facing: Is the tech scalable? What’s your integration capability for new technologies? Is it time to retire legacy systems?  

At the conference, he will discuss e-commerce, mobile payments and what he considers the “rage of the entire industry”—retail media networks. “I want to deliver a criteria to help them navigate that,” he said.

Sebastian will also be hosting a RetailTEC pre-event webinar on Tuesday, titled: "Embracing Retail Renaissance: Building your tech roadmap for 2024 and beyond,” where he’ll discuss key tech trends, including harnessing the power of digital transformation, optimizing labor efficiencies and leveraging retail media networks. Registration for the webinar is available here.

RetailTEC is free to attend for approved retailers. Click here to register for the event and get more information.