The California Grocers Association gathered the grocery community in late September for three days of genuine connection, productive business meetings, and mind-opening insights. CGA’s signature Gather California event brought together owners and executives from more than 30 retail companies—from national chains to specialized ethnic markets and independent operators—with dozens of CPG companies.
Each day offered several opportunities to network with key players in the industry and be inspired by bright business perspectives.
This year’s education program highlighted author and futurist Crystal Washington to arm leaders with tactics and strategies to future-proof their business and consumer-behavior expert Shawna Suckow to share with small businesses the upsides of being an underdog in a saturated marketplace. Former Alibaba executive and AI expert Sharon Gai lead grocers through Gen Z’s new pre-store decision process and moderated a panel featuring two online content creators and a CPG operator for a candid conversation about the creator economy and how grocers can get ahead of online buzz. The Enterprise Risk Protection Summit gave ERP professionals the opportunity to explore the unique operational burdens of protecting grocery stores. Incoming President and CEO of CGA Susan Bonilla took the stage alongside Board Chair Richard Wardwell, CGAEF Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Adam Salgado, and Illuminators Headlite Tommy Huls for a warm introduction to the industry.
Following active business-filled days, evenings allowed for time to unwind with peers at the Bubbles & Bites Social and Evening at the Races reception. During the interactive Retail Rendezvous, guests immersed themselves in an elevated night market hosted by 99 Ranch Markets, indulged in sweet treats at the Superior Grocers ice cream and candy bar, got their heads in the game at Albertsons sports bar, and joined Heritage Grocers Group for a fun-filled fiesta complete with tacos, mariachi, and a rolled cigar bar.
The Illuminators traded in their golf clubs for paddles to host the brand new Pickleball & Cornhole Tournament. Levi Wingo of The Raley’s Companies moderated the ever-popular Emerging Brands Pitch Contest, hosted in collaboration with Navigator Lighthouse Foundation, highlighting six California-based entrepreneurs looking to break into the nation’s most competitive grocery market.
Let’s Gather Again
Save the date for the next Gather California, taking place September 26-28, 2027. Stay tuned for more information about next year’s event. We can’t wait to gather again!