The Vision Group Network (VGN), the premier collaborative platform for convenience retail innovation, announces its inaugural VGN Global Virtual Summit. The event is scheduled for November 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET and is open to all interested industry professionals. This complimentary three-hour virtual event will unite almost 100 Vision Group Network members from across the globe, representing seven specialized Vision Groups focused on advancing the convenience and mobility sectors.

The Summit represents a groundbreaking opportunity for convenience retailers and industry stakeholders to gain perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail. The Summit reflects VGN’s commitment to collaborative innovation and shared learning across the global convenience retail ecosystem.

The Summit will feature a presentation by noted futurist Gerd Leonhard promising future insights, key realizations, and actionable strategies for industry leaders, followed by Q&A.

Attendees will also benefit from comprehensive insights distilled from more than 40 VGN forums conducted over the past five years, featuring presentations from members of The Vision Group (TVG), Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG), Convenience Technology Vision Group (CTVG), Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG), Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG), Convenience Foodservice Vision Group (CFVG), and Global Convenience Vision Group (GCVG).

Registration for this virtual event is now open to all and free of charge. Industry professionals can secure their spot by visiting the official registration portal at REGISTER NOW.

 

Featured Keynote: Gerd Leonhard on Technology, Humanity and the Future of Business

The Summit will feature an exceptional presentation, “The World by 2030: 10 Game-Changers and 4 Revolutions – and What It All Means for Your Business.” by Gerd Leonhard, founder and CEO of The Future’s Agency. Recognized as one of the world’s top ten futurist keynote speakers with nearly 2,000 engagements in over sixty countries reaching a combined audience of 2.5 million people, Leonhard brings unparalleled expertise on the intersection of technology and humanity.

Listed by Wired magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most-Influential People in Europe“ and acclaimed by The Wall Street Journal as “one of the leading media futurists in the World,” 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.

 

Distinguished Presenters Share Vision Group Insights

The Summit features an impressive roster of industry leaders who will share standout ideas and strategic insights from their respective Vision Groups, including:

  • The Vision Group (TVG): Frank Beard, head of marketing at Rovertown, and Raymond Huff, president at HJB Convenience Corp., will share discussions 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 Leaders Vision Group (CLVG): Hal Adams, managing director at OXXO USA, and Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO and Y-Not Stop and 2025-2026 NACS Chair will highlight key take-aways such as the accelerated pace of change, whether it is AI capabilities, consumer health trends, or global disruptions. Most importantly, these conversations engage with industry leaders across companies of all sizes and geographies.
  • Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG): Kristina Anderson, chief service officer at Midwest Petroleum Company, and Donald Rhoads, president/CEO of The Convenience Group, will share discussions about turning theoretical technology into practical applications and standards that work in the real world.
  • Convenience Foodservice Vision Group (CFVG): Brandon Frampton, director of fresh food at Loop & Poppy, 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 stores are now in the experience business where every sensory detail matters, innovation should build on familiar foundations, and AI applications such as waste reduction through predictive analytics.
  • Convenience Technology Vision Group (CTVG): Erin Graziosi, president at Robinson Oil Corp, and Nick Peters, VP IT at Campbell Oil Company, will highlight more than 2 years of CTVG’s discussions on loyalty program evolution, digital ecosystems, gamification strategies, data modernization needs and much more.
  • Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG): Deb Peck-Kelleher, deputy director at the Alliance for Clean Energy NY and Gabe Klein, formerly with US Joint Office of Energy & Transportation, will bring a broad scope of insights in the evolving landscape of EV infrastructure and mobility solutions.
  • Global Convenience Vision Group (GCVG): Zsuzsa Hordai, head of strategic projects at SPAR International and Brian Donaldson, CEO with The Maxol Group will provide international perspectives on convenience retail innovation and market dynamics across different global regions.

 

What Attendees Can Expect

  • VGN Global Summit attendees will gain valuable insights from the collective experience and knowledge sharing of Vision Group Network’s global membership.
  • 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.
  • Attendees will receive actionable strategies derived from years of collaborative discussion and innovation, positioning them to better understand emerging trends, prepare for industry transformation, and make more informed strategic decisions for their organizations.

The Vision Group Network (VGN) brings together, in virtual groups and face-to-face meetings, great minds and leaders from all parts of the retail, foodservice and mobility industries around the globe to create a knowledge base consisting of experience and innovative ideas. All Vision Groups provide valuable insights and actionable programs that allow its members to maximize their business opportunities.

To learn more about the Vision Group Network and to join the mailing list for all Vision Reports visit vgnsharing.com.