Vision Group Network (VGN) has released a new Vision Report, “VGN Virtual Global Summit: Looking Ahead by Looking Back,” covering the inaugural VGN Virtual Global Summit.

The November 2025 VGN Virtual Global Summit brought together Vision Group leaders from around the globe to explore the future of convenience and mobility retail. The event featured a keynote presentation by Gerd Leonhard, founder and CEO of The Futures Agency, alongside insights from more than a dozen Vision Group members sharing highlights from their group meetings.

The report captures the dominant themes that emerged: AI adoption, shifting consumer behavior, and the industry’s evolution from a convenience model toward an experience-driven model.

The discussion revealed a striking convergence of how leaders across regions and disciplines view the future of convenience and mobility retail, with insights on everything from GLP-1 medications to EV charging infrastructure.

Key takeaways in the report include:

  • The Future Arrives Gradually, Then Suddenly: Leonhard emphasized that technological and cultural shifts are reaching pivot points where experimentation becomes mainstream reality, urging leaders to prepare for accelerating change. “If you’re not amazed by AI, you don’t really understand it. But also, if you’re not afraid of AI, you don’t really understand it,” said Gerd Leonhard, founder and CEO, The Futures Agency.
  • AI as Strategic Necessity for Operations: Vision Group report-outs emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming essential for operational efficiency, with applications ranging from food forecasting to management tools that enhance rather than replace human capability. “The retailers who embrace AI will be the winners, while those who resist change will be left in the dust,” said Hal Adams, managing director, OXXO USA.
  • Consumer Health Trends Reshaping Retail: The rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications is altering eating habits and prompting Vision Groups to frame this as one of the most significant lifestyle shifts, pointing toward a future of smaller portions and premium choices. “The convenience industry continues to evolve. The insights from the Global Convenience Vision Group have convinced me that the companies surviving 5 years from now will be those who embrace change now,” said Zsuzsa Hordai, head of strategic projects, SPAR International.
  • Experience Over Convenience: Across all Vision Groups, it was noticed that convenience stores are moving toward experience-driven models where sensory cues, store atmosphere, and seamless digital-physical interactions determine success. “We’re an experience business, not just a convenience business. Every action, big and small, every smell, sight, sound, matters,” said Kris Klinger, VP auxiliary services, Boston University.
  • EV Charging Will Impact Retail Models: The Electric Vehicles Vision Group explored how EV infrastructure is changing traditional convenience retail operations and customer expectations. “EV charging integrates into your life rather than the other way around, completely flipping our traditional retail model,” said Gabe Klein, former executive director, U.S. Joint Office of Energy & Transportation, and current co-founder of CityFi and Adapt Impact.
  • Mastering Data Management is Competitive Advantage: Technology leaders in both Convenience Technology Vision Group and Conexxus Vision Group identified quality data foundations and seamless integration as essential for successful implementations, with the convenience industry significantly lagging other retail sectors in AI adoption. “The companies that master data management will lead the industry,” said Nick Peters, VP IT, Campbell Oil Company.
  • Workforce as True Differentiator: Despite technological advances, multiple Vision Group presenters emphasized that people’s quality, not just programs, distinguishes successful brands in an increasingly automated landscape. “I spoke briefly about the importance of marketing programs, but these programs can be copied. The quality of your people is truly what differentiates your brand,” said Brian Donaldson, chief executive officer, The Maxol Group.
  • Community Anchors: Leaders across groups recognized that convenience stores have evolved. “We’re essential community anchors, navigating unprecedented technological, health, and operational changes,” said Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO, Y-Not Stop — St. Romain Oil and 2025/2026 NACS Chair.
  • Academic Partnerships for Innovation: VGN announced a new Academic Partnership Initiative to collaborate with universities on hackathons, research, and capstone projects, with the first collaboration planned with Texas Tech University’s computer science department commencing in 2026.

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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.

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