Vision Reports

The CTVG July Vision Report examines how c-store IT leaders can move beyond collecting and connecting data to building trustworthy infrastructure and leveraging AI to turn operational signals into actionable business insights. Topics include semantic layers, data governance, AI prompting best practices, hallucination risks, and real-world retailer experiments already delivering results.

The July GCVG Report examines how convenience retailers worldwide are navigating regulatory pressure, illicit trade, and the decline of legacy categories. The meeting explored strategies around foodservice investment, technology adoption, and non-fuel revenue growth as operators work to build more resilient business models before market disruption forces their hand.

The June SOVG Vision Report explores the economic pressures facing small convenience retailers, from a widening income divide and inflation-driven basket shrinkage to shifting consumer behavior. Despite rising foot traffic, volume is declining. Loyalty programs, direct sourcing, and foodservice represent the clearest opportunities for small operators to compete.

The June CFVG Vision Report examines how c-store operators can build practical, customer-led food programs. Key themes include starting with behavior over brainstorming, using operational guardrails, leaning on supplier and distributor partnerships, and testing small before scaling. Strong execution of the core offer remains the foundation for successful, differentiated foodservice innovation.

The June evVG Vision Report examines how intelligently managed bidirectional EVs could eliminate the need for costly grid upgrades. Key barriers are no longer technical but rooted in policy gaps, utility resistance, and consumer behavior, all of which are addressable with the right regulatory will and incentive structures.

The CLVG April 2026 report features discussion with the new NACS president and CEO Frank Gleeson to examine fuel's declining role as a growth engine, food service as the global playbook, legislative priorities spanning credit card interchange, SNAP, tobacco, and THC, consumer shifts driven by GLP-1 adoption, technology modernization, and expanded resources for independent operators.

The CTVG April 2026 Vision Report examines system integration as the industry's defining technology priority, surpassing AI and automation in a member survey. The April CTVG meeting explored barriers including legacy systems and vendor fragmentation, and how AI is accelerating integration work while introducing new governance demands.

The March GCVG meeting examined how global roadside retailers are navigating structural disruption as legacy revenue streams erode as food-led strategies, operational resilience, and deliberate capital allocation are redefining profitability, with broad consensus that the traditional convenience model must be rebuilt, not simply optimized.

The CFVG Vision Report examines modern consumer motivations, GLP-1 effects and health-driven eating patterns in convenience foodservice. The report explores how consumers shop by health goals and dayparts rather than nutrition categories, why protein-focused products appeal across demographics, and how authenticity and regional storytelling drive purchasing decisions while younger generations embrace creative convenience store offerings.

The January 2026 CLVG Vision Report explores two critical topics: unprecedented SNAP program changes creating billion-dollar compliance burdens for convenience retailers, and cognitive digital twin technology that enables simultaneous presence across multiple business activities through AI-powered personal replicas.

The VGN Virtual Global Summit brought together Vision Group leaders exploring AI adoption, consumer behavior shifts, and the evolution toward experience-driven retail. Key themes included AI as operational necessity, GLP-1 medications reshaping health trends, EV charging transforming retail models, data management as competitive advantage, and workforce quality as true differentiator in an automated landscape.

The September CTVG meeting examined loyalty program evolution beyond traditional discounts into integrated digital ecosystems combining mobile apps, social media, and gamification. Retailers discussed engagement strategies, technology integration challenges, data modernization needs, and AI applications while exploring academic partnerships and digital identity progress.

The August CLVG meeting explored academic partnerships for innovation and talent development while addressing critical industry challenges. Members discussed university collaborations through capstone projects and hackathons, 24-hour operations viability, mixed EV charging results, improved workforce quality, tariff impacts on construction costs, and AI implementation progress across retail operations.

The August CFVG meeting explored practical AI applications in foodservice and retail operations. Members discussed implementation strategies, overcoming data quality barriers, waste reduction through predictive analytics, employee adoption challenges, and transformation opportunities. The session emphasized how AI can optimize daily decisions and forecasting even with imperfect data infrastructure.

The August 2025 evVG meeting examined how federal policy changes are reshaping EV adoption. Key tax credits (30D, 25E, 45W) expire September 2025, creating a "recalibration" back to pre-IRA conditions. Commercial fleets face challenges from removed incentives and high infrastructure costs. Despite policy headwinds, industry leaders expect continued long-term electrification.

The GCVG August 2025 Vision Report "Everyday AI: Practical AI Applications in Convenience Retailing" examines how AI moves beyond buzzwords to deliver real business value through theft prevention, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. Based on insights from industry leaders, the report addresses implementation challenges, privacy considerations, and workforce transformation strategies for retailers of all sizes.

The June 2025 CxVG virtual meeting focused on digital coupon solutions, including their implementation, technical requirements, and strategic value for convenience retailers, along with a discussion on text messaging systems and drive-thru POS innovations.

At the June 2025 CTVG virtual meeting, attendees explored the future of payments, identity, and technology, highlighting how digital credentials and secure identity are shaping the next era of commerce. Review of foodservice technology was also covered.

The May 2025 Convenience Foodservice Vision Group (CFVG) virtual meeting centered on menu development, consumer behavior and retail strategies. The meeting featured a presentation from Datassential, followed by a lively discussion by CFVG members who shared projections on how to adapt their businesses to these trends.

The May 6, 2025 GCVG meeting, led by Christian Warning of The Retail Marketeers, featured Roger Vogt of Retail Valora and Dr. Tilo Hühn of ZHAW. Topics included business insights and how GLP-1 drugs and health trends are reshaping food retail.

The April 2025 Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG) virtual meeting took a hard look at the electric vehicle landscape. The meeting featured a deep dive into infrastructure, consumer behavior, technology and regulatory challenges, followed by a lively discussion by evVG members on the challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

The April 2025 CLVG virtual meeting centered on the impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer behavior and retail strategies. The meeting featured a broad picture of the drug’s usage and observed consumer behaviors, followed by a lively discussionon how to adapt to this emerging trend.

The April CxVG quarterly virtual meeting highlighted how modern data visualization and analysis tools, particularly Tableau and AI, can transform operations for convenience retailers. Free, accessible technology can enable even the smallest operators to gain powerful insights.

Global Convenience Vision Group (GCVG) has released its first Vision Report, "Do You Want Chips With That? The Emergence of Robotics in the Global Foodservice Market," examining how AI and robotics are reshaping foodservice operations in convenience retail worldwide.

The CTVG Vision Report, "Pivotal Moments for Convenience Foodservice Technology," based on it's March 7, 2025 meeting highlights the challenges retailers face as they strive to enhance customer experience and leverage technologies to drive efficiency and profitability in convenience foodservice. The meeting featured presentations from Cameron Watt, president and CEO of Intouch Insight, and Robert Grimes, founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA).

The Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG) has released its second Vision Report, "The Changing EV Policy Landscape: How Does It Affect You?" exploring the evolving U.S. policy and regulatory landscape, market demand, infrastructure and development. While challenges abound, there is continued momentum toward electrification. The role of AI, strategic retail investments, and future-proofed infrastructure will be critical in shaping the next phase of the EV market.

The meeting was facilitated by Mike Austin, executive editor at Road and Track Magazine, and Nathan Niese, managing director and partner, Boston Consulting Group and featured a presentation by Karl Doenges, executive director, Charging Analytics Program (CAP), Transportation Energy Institute (TEI).

The Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) has released its Vision Report, "Lead the Future: Transformative AI Strategies", about successful AI implementation to maximize benefits while minimizing the risks.

The CLVG quarterly meeting on January 31, 2025, was facilitated by Myra Kressner, president, Kressner Strategy Group and Vision Group Network co-founder. The meeting featured a presentation from Greg Buzek, president and chief AI officer of IHL Group.

This eye-opening discussion emphasized the urgency for convenience retailers to adopt AI, along with a strong emphasis on the need for strategic, data-driven approaches to implementing these technologies. Focus needs to be on data cleanliness, alignment with business goals, and a willingness to experiment and adapt.

The Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG) has released its Vision Report, "Third-Party Delivery: A Double-Edged Sword?" The report contains CxVG Views, an executive summary of a discussion on third-party delivery services, the full meeting transcript, and additional resources.

The CxVG quarterly meeting on January 28, 2025, was facilitated by James Maxey, an industry technology expert and Trinity University faculty member. Jeff Keune, principal consultant at 4910 Consulting LLC, presented a case study on third-party delivery from his most recent role at American Natural, a 6-store convenience retailer specializing in healthy food options, coffee, plant-based merchandise and fuel.

The Convenience Foodservice Vision Group (CFVG) has released its first Vision Report, "The Power of Sensory Science in Convenience Retail." CFVG’s inaugural quarterly virtual meeting on January 23, 2025, was facilitated by Richard Poye, chief operating officer at Food Trends Think Tank.

The meeting featured a presentation by Rachel Toner, founder and technical director of Taste Strategy. CFVG members shared questions and their own experiences in a lively discussion.

The Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG) released its first Vision Report, “Windows for EV Adoption – Opening or Closing?” The report features an executive summary of the inaugural virtual meeting on November 19, 2024 which included a collaborative discussion on members' perspectives on EV adoption and forecasting, the full meeting transcript, and additional resources for further exploration.

The meeting was facilitated by Mike Austin, executive editor at Road and Track Magazine and Nathan Niese, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group. evVG members include a diverse group of EV sector experts.

CTVG’s December 6, 2024 quarterly virtual meeting was facilitated by industry technology veteran, Ed Collupy, principal at Collupy System Solutions LLC, and included guest speakers Daniel Martin, field chief information security officer (CISO) at Verinext, and Todd McClelland, a partner at the law firm Sterlington who presented trends and pitfalls, outlining four trends in cybersecurity trends including human risk management, AI governance, automation and mergers and acquisitions.

The Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG) released its first Vision Report ”Envisioning Technology Innovation in the Convenience Store Future”. This report features an executive summary of the November 14th inaugural virtual meeting, which included a collaborative discussion on members’ current technology pain points and solutions, the full meeting transcript, and additional resources for further exploration.

Facilitated by industry technology veteran James Maxey, and featuring a Conexxus Digital Roadmap presentation by Gray Taylor, executive director of Conexxus, CxVG members engaged in a lively discussion on pressing technology innovation that CxVG and the industry should tackle.

CLVG has released its newest Vision Report, “Expecting the Unexpected: Foreseeing Potential Disruptions,” covering a range of challenges facing the convenience retailing industry ranging from emergency and cyber preparedness to societal issues such as unrest, healthcare and more.

CTVG’s September 13, 2024 quarterly virtual meeting was facilitated by Ed Collupy and featured guest speakers Gena Morgan, vice president of standards and Liz Sertl, senior director of supply chain visibility, both from the non-profit global standards organization GS1, and Randy L. Allen, senior lecturer at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. Their presentations provided overviews of Sunrise 2027, the transition from UPC to 2D barcodes, and results from a retail executive survey on AI, respectively. CTVG members had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, leading the way in bringing industry voices together on these hot topics.

The Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) has released its August 2024 Vision Report, “Near and Far: Looking at Global Convenience Retailing”, discussing trends and innovation in global convenience retailing and mobility.

CTVG’s June 14, 2024 virtual meeting featured Kevin Struthers, chief product officer and co-founder at Axonet and Doug Baker, vice president of industry relations at FMI (Food Marketing Institute) for an overview of retail media networks and considerations and challenges for operating such programs. CTVG members explored the challenges of resource allocation, technology integration, and strategic management, while underscoring the importance of financial planning, data integration, and ensuring customer relevance.

This CLVG Vision Report features a presentation by James Owens, vice president of retail architecture, and Aksel Solberg, development design studio lead, both from HFA Architecture and Engineering, on practical solutions for sustainable construction practices including cost-effective strategies while enhancing operational efficiency.

CTVG's 6th virtual meeting featured a presentation by Tim Tang, director of business technologists at Hughes. This Vision Report provides a thoughtful look into the future of technology in retail and the convenience sector. The CTVG group also explored the future and current state of convenience retail and how that will impact tomorrow's fight for customers.

This TVG Vision Report features a presentation by Michael Sansolo, research director with the Coca‑Cola Retailing Research, Convenience, and Supermarket Councils, sharing insights from a recent CCRRC study shedding light on attracting and retaining workers in the convenience retailing sector.

This CLVG Vision Report features a presentation by Michael Sansolo, research director with the Coca‑Cola Retailing Research, Convenience, and Supermarket Councils who shares insights from a recent CCRRC study on attracting and retaining workers in the convenience retailing sector.

This CTVG virtual meeting focused on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the retail landscape with an exclusive presentation by Greg Buzek, founder and president of IHL, in discussion with CTVG members. Buzek’s presentation, “Retail Radical AI Transformation”, explored the tangible results that can be realized by incorporating generative AI in retail operations.

This Vision Report from CLVG features a comprehensive presentation on AI fuel pricing potential by Frodi Hammer, founder and CEO of A2i Systems, and a robust discussion on AI dynamic retail pricing in convenience retailing.

This special CTVG report focuses on the October 2023 CTVG breakout session. CTVG members and five invited POS solution providers convened for a dialogue and exchange of ideas on the challenges and opportunities with POS systems specific to convenience and fuel retail.

This Vision Report focuses on the challenges and opportunities around point-of-sale systems (POS) specific to convenience and fuel retail: Decoupling & Decluttering; EMV Upgrades: Major Oil considerations, as well as EV charging.

This Vision Report is based on the group’s June 2, 2023 meeting which focused on EV charging infrastructure opportunities for convenience retail. Understanding the complexity around timing, the role of utility companies and government funding programs is key.

Read the “Views” summary for perspectives and commentary posed by Tom Svrcek, analytics partner with McKinsey & Company, and tap into the “In the Room” full transcript to follow the dialogue as it occurred, as well as complete “Artificial Intelligence in Convenience Retail” presentation from McKinsey & Company.

This Vision Report documents the inaugural CTVG meeting held on March 3, 2023, facilitated by Ed Collupy. The report gives you an overview of the current state of retail tech, allows you to meet the participants, and helps you gain insight into the issues and problems that their companies are facing.

This report provides another unique view into the conversations from the quarterly Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) Meetings — the second of which was held January 26th and which focused on EV’s.

This report is of the inaugural Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) meeting on November 1, 2022. Members discussed a broad range of topics impacting convenience retailing today. In particular, hot topics were electric vehicles, employee retention, gig workers, and tipping.