The National Grocers Association (NGA) concluded its 2025 Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit Oct. 22, capping three days of strategy sessions, advocacy updates and networking among independent grocers, wholesalers and supplier partners.
The summit, held in Washington, D.C., brought together leaders from every corner of the grocery industry to exchange ideas, strengthen policy priorities and explore innovation shaping the future of food retail.
The second day of the summit was marked by a diverse set of sessions focused on technology, leadership and resilience. Attendees explored topics ranging from artificial intelligence and digital transformation to leadership culture and operational sustainability.
Sessions such as “The AI Journey: Empowering Retail from Insights to Execution” (sponsored by Upshop) and “Resilient Retail: Protecting Your Bottom Line Through Smarter Resource Use” demonstrated how independent grocers are turning data and sustainability strategies into competitive advantage.
“Independent grocers are embracing innovation and leading change across every aspect of food retail,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.
“From AI and digital transformation to workforce development and sustainability, the conversations at this year’s summit reflect a unified vision: ensuring independent grocers remain at the heart of thriving communities for generations to come.”
A keynote luncheon featuring Mike Allen, co-founder and executive editor of Axios, offered an analysis of the U.S. political landscape and its implications for business and policy. The day also featured deep dives into retail media monetization, SNAP modernization and customer connection sessions with Gelson’s Markets and Wakefern Food Corp., before closing with a government relations update from Chris Jones, NGA’s chief government relations officer.
The summit’s final day centered on foresight, collaboration and leadership, equipping attendees with tools to anticipate what’s next in grocery retail. The morning opened with Grocery Foresight Roundtable Discussions, led by NGA’s Stephanie Johnson and Chelsea Matzen, encouraging attendees to identify early signals of change and shape long-term strategy.
In “Adapting for Tomorrow,” Nicole Collida Davis of NielsenIQ guided attendees through the critical strategies grocers must embrace to future-proof their businesses, from digital transformation to shopper engagement.
The event concluded with a “Leadership Panel: Navigating the Future of Grocery,” moderated by Doug Madenberg of The Feedback Group, featuring senior executives from URM Stores, Sendik’s Food Market, Coborn’s and UNFI, who shared insights on consumer trends, supply chain innovation and sustainable growth.
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