AI Hype Versus Retail Reality

Discover how new technology makes unattended retail possible without sacrificing compliance. See how identity connects payments, loyalty, promotions, age verification, and more into a seamless customer experience. Consumer expectations and regulations are changing fast. Learn what retailers need to know now. How real-time reporting uncovers missed age verifications before they become violations. Learn how AI-powered search is changing customer discovery—and what you can do to stay visible. See how mobile driver's licenses and digital IDs are changing in-store verification—and what retailers

Digital Bazaar, Inc.

Manu Sporny

Founder/CEO

Tomorrow's winners won't be defined by the technologies they adopt, but by how well they're prepared for continual change. The retailers who thrive won't be chasing the next technology—they'll be building the capabilities that turns new technologies into a competitive advantage. This year's Roadmap explores those capabilities.

NACS

Gray Taylor

Strategic Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

CHS Inc. (Cenex)

Donald Emery

Senior Manager, Product

Conexxus

Linda Toth

Executive Director

Yesway

Robert Hampton

Chief Technology Officer

Make sure your AI investment doesn’t create more complexity than value. This session equips retail leaders with a practical guide to evaluating and purchasing AI solutions and how to avoid costly traps. Explore common pitfalls such as hidden fees, usage-based pricing, subscription sprawl and integration challenges that can undermine ROI. The discussion will break down total cost of ownership across on-prem and SaaS models while highlighting the key questions to ask before making an investment.

Atlantis Management

Rick Rigby

CTO