CGA’s Annual Convention Returns to Rancho Mirage September 27-29, 2026

The California Grocers Association is thrilled to welcome you back to Gather California, our bold annual convention that helps brands like yours break into the state’s ultra-competitive grocery market. Gather brings the industry together to build relationships and explore emerging trends shaping the future of grocery.

Registration is now open. Get a head start and save with special presale rates. Prices go up July 1, so don’t wait.

Stay in Style

We’re thrilled to return to the elevated Westin Rancho Mirage Resort and Spa, a spacious resort spread across 365 acres in the beautiful Coachella Valley. The resort is a convenient drive from downtown Palm Springs and offers a serene escape with premium amenities.

Attendees will enjoy upgraded accommodations and access to all property amenities, including a Pete Dye-designed championship golf course, multiple swimming pools, and an award-winning on-site spa.

Grow Your Brand at Gather

Our event connects brands with California’s top retailers—from independent operators to large chains. Sponsors of Gather get the added benefit of pre-arranged meetings with selected participating retailers, opening the door to valuable relationships and new business opportunities.

Our packages are fully customizable to align with your objectives, so click the link below to view available sponsorship opportunities. Reach out to Dave Cook, Business Development Manager, to start the conversation.

On the last weekend of September, CGA kicked off the first Gather California in Rancho Mirage. This reimagined conference brought the California grocery community together at a premium resort location for three days of connection, productive business meetings, and fresh insights. We hope those who attended feel more connected than ever to grocery peers and prepared to thrive in the California market.

In addition to our brand-new venue, our reimagined event featured several new events and connective networking experiences, including the Collaboration Kickoff, DIY Networking Adventure, and Dine For A Cause. The popular Emerging Brands Pitch Contest made its return for the fourth year, with Maple Pop! taking home first place. Our General Session program featured an insightful panel discussion between President of Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Kendra Doyel, CGA Board Chair and Chief Administrative Officer of North State Grocery, Inc. Michel LeClerc, and author and political strategist Mike Madrid about what makes doing business in California unique.

Keynote speakers Brent Gleeson, Victoria LaBalme and Chris Failla offered their perspectives on leadership and adaptability through our evolving industry over a series of education sessions. Though we made several changes to this year’s event, Gather also reprised our crowd-favorite Independent Grocers Forum and Enterprise Risk Protection Executive Summit.

Let’s Gather Again

Thank you to all of those who were a part of the first Gather California. Save the date for the next Gather California, taking place September 27-29, 2026 at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. We can’t wait to gather again!

Visit gathercalifornia.com for more information.