The Vision Group Network (VGN) is hosting its inaugural VGN Global Virtual Summit tomorrow, Wednesday November 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. The free three-hour event will feature insights from futurist Gerd Leonhard, followed by a Q&A, as well as insights from seven VGN groups from across the world.

With learnings from more than 40 VGN forums conducted over the past five years, the summit will bring together over 100 of the organization’s members to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail in the areas of technology, EVs, foodservice and more.

“The virtual event provides a unique opportunity to learn from thought leadership on artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and the future of retail and its workforce, and much more, from large and small operator peers navigating similar challenges,” said Vision Group Network.

Presentations from each of the seven groups will focus on trends, strategies and insights including:

• Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG): Hal Adams, managing director at OXXO USA, and Annie Gauthier, CFO/co-CEO of Y-Not Stop and 2025-2026 NACS chair, will highlight key takeaways such as the accelerated pace of change, whether it is AI capabilities, consumer health trends or global disruptions.
• The Vision Group (TVG): Frank Beard, head of marketing at Rovertown, and Raymond Huff, president at HJB Convenience Corp., will share insights from discussions held since TVG’s formation five years ago, ranging from global retail trends like 15-minute cities to cybersecurity threats and "Jetsons-style" predictions coming true to omnichannel retailing and how to create compelling customer destinations in an increasingly digital world.
• Convenience Foodservice Vision Group (CFVG): Brandon Frampton, director of fresh food at Loop Neighborhood Market and Poppy Market, and Kris Klinger, VP auxiliary services at Boston University, will share CFVG’s goal to elevate convenience foodservice to attract and keep customers amid increasing competition.
• Convenience Technology Vision Group (CTVG): Erin Graziosi, president at Robinson Oil Corp., and Nick Peters, VP of IT at Campbell Oil Company, will highlight more than two years of CTVG’s discussions on loyalty program evolution, digital ecosystems, gamification strategies, data modernization needs and much more.

Gerd Leonhard, founder and CEO of The Future's Agency, will present “The World by 2030: 10 Game-Changers and 4 Revolutions—and What It All Means for Your Business.” Leonhard will explore how artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, synthetic biology, renewable energy breakthroughs and four simultaneous global revolutions—geopolitical, digital, green and purpose-driven—will transform the convenience retail landscape.

Register for the virtual summit here.