Techtalks

Techtalks


Experience retail innovation in real-time at Groceryshop 2025 with Techtalks.

Back by popular demand, our TechTalks Stage, sponsored by Microsoft—centrally located on the show floor—brings together cutting-edge solutions and bold ideas that are shaping the future of retail. Industry leaders will take the stage for 10-minute rapid-fire sessions designed to deliver insights with impact—no fluff, just the future.

Last year, our attendees heard from experts from Microsoft, Zip, Crisp, Algolia, VusionGroup, Infor, BlueYonder, SymphonyAI, and more as they unveiled the latest advancements transforming how retail operates.

Stay tuned for more information regarding Techtalks at Groceryshop!

Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to sales@groceryshop.com

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The agenda:

Monday, September 29

1:30 PM - 1:40 PM

Unlocking Retail’s Next Frontier: AI, Data Monetization & Retail Media for Collaborative Growth
VusionGroup
In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, the intersection of Retail Media, AI, and Data Monetization is redefining how Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands engage with shoppers and collaborate with retailers. In this TechTalk, Trent Becker, VP of Data & AI at VusionGroup, will explore how data-driven insights and AI-powered solutions can unlock new value across the retail ecosystem. From optimizing retail media campaigns to enabling precision targeting and performance measurement, Trent will share how VusionGroup’s suite of solutions connects shelves, shoppers, and supply chains to deliver measurable ROI and stronger brand-retailer partnerships.

Speakers:
Trent Becker, VP, Data & AI at VusionGroup
Cody Smith, Senior, Marketing Manager at VusionGroup

1:45 PM - 1:55 PM

PopSockets gets a grip on retail data with Crisp + Snowflake
Crisp
Discover how Kyle Chu, PopSockets’ BI and Financial Analyst Manager, partnered with Crisp and Snowflake to automate data aggregation and deliver real-time store-level insights. Crisp integrates seamlessly with Snowflake, enabling PopSockets to consolidate and action on all its data sources, including retail, e-commerce, marketing, ERP, and finance data. Using Crisp, PopSockets has strengthened its relationship with Target and other major retailers by optimizing inventory levels and addressing out-of-stocks, resulting in 44% Best Buy sales growth and 95%+ in-stock rates at major retailers.

Speakers:
Derk Herdes, SVP of Sales at Crisp
Kyle Chu, Sr. Manager FP&A and Business Intelligence Sr. Manager FP&A and Business Intelligence at PopSockets

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3:10 PM - 3:20 PM

From Aisle to AI: The Next Generation of Grocery Growth
Algolia
The digital grocery aisle isn’t just evolving - it’s being reengineered. The next generation of growth will be won by grocers who turn every search, chat, and shelf into a personalized, friction-free experience. In this fast-paced session, we’ll reveal how industry leading grocers are using AI-powered search & discovery, intelligent merchandising, and agentic guidance to transform the grocery experience. We’ll spotlight success stories from grocers who are already on their growth journey - and share how you can do the same.

Speakers:
Michelle Cucchi, Product Marketing Director at Algolia

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3:25 PM - 3:35 PM

Empowering grocery shoppers: The role of BNPL in navigating economic headwinds
Zip

Given the change in today's economic climate, Zip can be a benefit to grocery customers. Grocery is where everyday choices meet real life; this talk shows how flexible, responsible payments at checkout support financial wellness and build shopper trust 

Speakers:
Peter Volynsky, Chief Commercial Officer, US at Zip

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3:40 PM - 3:50 PM

Overcoming the Dilemma Facing Grocery Supply Chains
Infor
Grocery supply chains face a perfect storm of challenges: shifting consumer demand, labor shortages, inventory complexity, and increasing expectations for sustainability and transparency. This session explores how adopting a unified supply chain management suite—including warehouse management and supply chain planning—delivers the end-to-end visibility, forecasting accuracy, and operational agility needed to succeed. Through this integrated approach, grocery organizations can develop resilient, efficient supply chains that adapt and thrive during ongoing disruption.

Speakers:
Mike Herder, VP, Supply Chain at Infor

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Tuesday, September 30

1:30 PM - 1:40 PM

Agentic AI for the Physical World: AiFi and Microsoft at the Frontier of Grocery Innovation
Microsoft
Discover how AiFi’s spatial intelligence platform, powered by Microsoft Azure, is transforming grocery retail through advanced AI and computer vision. In this session, leaders from AiFi and Microsoft will discuss the deployment of frictionless checkout, real-time loss prevention, and operational automation in stores, highlighting measurable improvements in inventory accuracy and customer experience. Learn how AiFi’s physical intelligence layer “eddie” interprets shopper and employee behavior to deliver actionable insights and personalized in-store marketing. Join us to understand how scalable, privacy-conscious AI is reshaping the future of grocery shopping

Speakers:
Vic Miles, Regional Business Leader, Americas at Microsoft Corporation
Will Hendry, VP, Data & AI at AiFi

1:45 PM - 1:55 PM

Accelerating Innovation: How Sprouts is Prioritizing and Implementing Agentic AI
Microsoft

Discover how Sprouts is leveraging agentic AI to drive productivity, enhance team member expertise, and deliver differentiated customer experiences. This session will walk through the journey from ideation to delivery, highlighting the frameworks and strategic decisions that shaped the development of their team member-facing assistant. Learn how Sprouts balances building versus partnering, prioritizes business value, and ensures successful adoption through organizational engagement. Gain practical insights into the GIVE enablement model—governance, integration, value, and education—and see how a strong partnership with Microsoft accelerates innovation and enterprise readiness 

Speakers:
Jen Lee, GM, Retail and Consumer Goods Sales at Microsoft Corporation
Evan Naylor, VP Operations Strategy and Transformation at Sprouts Farmers Market

3:10 PM - 3:20 PM

Grocery & CPG: Breaking Down Internal & External Silos across the Supply Chain
Blue Yonder
With market dynamics, shifts in demand and food supply and price disruptions, it’s now a necessity to have cross functional collaboration, not only inside your company verticals, but across suppliers and carriers. A defined network strategy is key to reducing volatility, costs and ensuring you meet business and customer expectations.

Speakers:
Thomas Urh, Sr. Director of Pre-Sales at BlueYonder

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3:25 PM - 3:35 PM

Are you going to be a Jetson or a Flintstone?​
SymphonyAI
Come see how SymphonyAI is redefining the Category Manager of the future.
Powered by Agentic AI and Microsoft Technology, SymphonyAI transforms retail planning from reactive to proactive, where generative and predictive AI anticipate trends, optimize assortments and promotions, and deliver personalized shopper experiences at scale.
This session will showcase how leading grocers are using SymphonyAI to:
Act before disruption hits, with proactive insights that drive faster, smarter decisions.
Unlock measurable results, from sales uplift to sustained margin growth.
Reimagine category management, moving beyond fragmented systems to a future-ready, AI-powered platform.
The future isn’t tomorrow, it’s here. Will you be future-ready like the Jetsons, or left behind with the Flintstones?

Speakers:
Gina Hargrave, Head of Solutions WW at SymphonyAI
Vic Miles, Regional Business Leader, Americas at Microsoft

3:40 PM - 3:50 PM

Bridging the Profitability Gap: How Microsoft and VusionGroup Are Powering the Connected Store
VusionGroup
Grocery e-commerce is booming—but profitability remains elusive. In this fireside chat, Microsoft and VusionGroup will explore how connected store infrastructure is bridging the gap between digital growth and operational efficiency. Learn how Azure and Vusion’s ESL + IoT stack are transforming grocery operations, with real-time shelf data, AI-driven insights, and automated pricing that help retailers serve in-store and online shoppers—without compromising margins. Through real-world examples, discover how leading grocers are boosting inventory accuracy, reducing food waste, and elevating the shopper experience while improving profitability.

Speakers:
Jim Norred, CCO, VusionGroup
Jen Lee, General Manager/Head of Retail, Microsoft

 

 

 

 

 

Last year's Techtalk sponsors:

Amazon Ads
Arena
Dragonfruit
Kyndryl
Phononic
ServiceNow
SymphonyAI
NEURETAIL