Technology Innovation Forum

Feb 01, 2026
Grand 123-124
Technology & AI

"How Smart Strategy and Tactical Precision Can Beat Size and Scale" 

This 2-hour forum will feature innovative speakers leading the way for tech disruptions in the retail industry. As big retailers invest in major tech initiatives, it becomes more important than ever for independent and regional retailers to identify and work with exceptional partners.  Join moderators Kevin Coupe, Michael Sansolo, and Tom Furphy as they unpack insights from today's leaders. 

Forum Agenda:

  • 10:00 AM - General Session - How AI Can Empower Store Design (Grand 123-124)
  • 10:50 AM Breakout - Defining Effective Collaboration
    • Instacart & Allegiance Retail Services, facilitated by Tom Furphy (Grand 111)
    • SAS Retail Services- SpartanNash & RSA America - County Fair Foods, facilitated by Michael Sansolo (Grand 112)
    • Gelson's Market with Upshop & VusionGroup with the Fresh Market, facilitated by Kevin Coupe (Grand 123-124)
  • 11:25 AM - General Session - Why Quantum Computing Will Be the Next AI (Grand 123-124)

Sponsored by RSA America

 

Moderator
Michael Sansolo
Michael Sansolo, Retail Food Industry Consultant - Sansolo Solutions
Tom Furphy
Tom Furphy, CEO - Consumer Equity Partners
Kevin Coupe
Kevin Coupe, Content Guy - MorningNewsBeat
Speakers
Kyle Patterson
Kyle Patterson, President - SAS Retail Services
Jerome Rose
Jerome Rose, Senior Vice President, America Sales - VusionGroup
Lauren Kennedy
Lauren Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts - Upshop
Mathew Toussaint
Mathew Toussaint, Senior Director, Guest Experience & Labor Management - The Fresh Market
Deborah English
Deborah English, President & Founder - D L English Design Studio
Alex Jackson
Alex Jackson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing - Frieda's Branded Produce
Ravi Achanta
Ravi Achanta, CEO - RSA America
Rob Belcore
Rob Belcore, Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer - RSA America
Donna Zambo
Donna Zambo, EVP, Chief Information & Marketing Officer - Allegiance Retail Service
Justin Luther
Justin Luther, President - County Fair Food Stores
Brandon Pasch
Brandon Pasch, Vice President, Merchandising - SpartanNash
Merrick Rosner
Merrick Rosner, Head of Revenue, Local Independent Grocery - Instacart
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams, President/CEO - Gelson's Market