2026

TGCSA
CONVENTION & EXPO

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Three days of networking, education, industry innovation and memorable experiences brought Tennessee's grocery and convenience industry together in Chattanooga.

Network Learn Connect Grow

2026 Convention & Expo

A Week Built Around Connection

This year's TGCSA Convention & Expo successfully brought people together in a way that felt both productive and enjoyable. Held in Chattanooga, the event offered three days of networking opportunities, special events, education and celebrations that gave retailers, suppliers and industry leaders opportunities to connect, unwind and build relationships that extend well beyond the convention floor.

Measuring the Impact

More Than an Event

93%

Say Attending Provided Value for Their Business

Education, networking and industry connections continue to make participation a valuable business investment.

98%

Would Recommend the TGCSA Convention & Expo

Attendee recommendations reflect the strength of the overall Convention & Expo experience.

92%

Made at Least One New Business Connection

Attendees and exhibitors built new relationships throughout the Convention & Expo.

Attendee Feedback

Convention Events

From the opening reception through the Chairman's Award Dinner, attendee satisfaction remained exceptionally strong throughout the Convention.

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by Imperial Brady, the reception gave attendees an early opportunity to reconnect with peers and set a positive tone for the week.

100%

Golf Championship

Bear Trace Golf Course provided an offsite experience centered around friendly competition and relationship building.

100%

Southern Nostalgia Tour

Attendees traveled up Lookout Mountain for a scenic offsite experience sponsored by Castle Retail Group.

100%

Spa Day

The Chattanoogan provided attendees with a dedicated opportunity to recharge during the Convention.

100%

Chairman's Reception

The pre-dinner gathering provided an elegant transition into the evening's awards program.

100%

Chairman's Award Dinner

A signature event honoring industry leadership, achievement and outstanding contributions to Tennessee's grocery industry.

100%

Casino Night

Presented by Houchens Food Group, Casino Night brought attendees together for games, entertainment and lively competition.

100%

Hospitality Suites

Hosted by Climate Pros and The Articom Group, the suites created additional opportunities for smaller-group networking.

100%

State of the Association Breakfast

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the breakfast brought attendees together before the opening of the Expo.

93%

TGCSA Expo

Exhibitors, education, Business Connect and the Pick Tennessee Products Pavilion created a strong showcase of the industry.

98%

Best Bagger Championship

Sponsored by Bunzl, the annual competition again delivered one of the Expo's most energetic moments.

100%

98%

The Chattanoogan Hotel

100%

Chattanooga Convention Center

98%

Entertainment

97%

Ease of Navigation

On the Show Floor

The Expo Experience

Attendees gave high marks to the layout, exhibitor mix, product innovation and opportunities to make meaningful business connections.

Expo Layout

A clear and accessible floor plan helped support engagement between exhibitors, featured areas and networking spaces.

97%

Exhibitor Variety

A strong mix of products, services and industry solutions created opportunities for discovery and business development.

100%

Traffic Flow

Attendees reported smooth movement throughout the Expo floor and easy access to booths and featured areas.

97%

Product Innovation

Exhibitors showcased new solutions and ideas reflecting where the grocery industry is headed.

100%

Networking Opportunities

Business Connect and Expo interactions helped businesses develop relationships and identify potential opportunities.

100%

Floor Casino / Prize Booth

Sponsored by Truno, the interactive chip and prize experience encouraged attendees to engage throughout the Expo.

100%

Caricature Artist

Music City Caricatures provided personalized keepsakes and an entertaining interactive experience.

100%

Chair Massages

Provided by CG Roxane, chair massages gave attendees an opportunity to take a break and recharge.

100%

Learn

Educational Sessions

Practical sessions addressed immediate operational challenges and emerging opportunities for retailers.

SNAP Compliance Panel

Industry professionals discussed current requirements, ongoing changes and practical approaches to SNAP compliance.

94%

Food Safety & Traceability

Kim Emery of TopShelf provided guidance on compliance, food safety standards and traceability across the supply chain.

100%

AI in Action

Stephen Clancy explored practical applications of AI in inventory, replenishment and everyday retail operations.

100%

Facial Recognition in Retail Security

Cory Wilson of SAFR and Patrick Nasiatka of Panoptyc examined AI-driven loss prevention and retail security tools.

100%

Looking Ahead

Where Attendees Wanted to Go Next

Survey respondents were asked which location they would most like to see host the 2027 TGCSA Convention & Expo.

Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge

29.7%

Nashville

26.7%

Chattanooga

16.8%

Knoxville

13.9%

Kingsport

3%

Other

3%

“

Our Convention & Expo is the engine that powers TGCSA—its success funds the advocacy, networking, education, and scholarships that strengthen Tennessee's food industry all year long. We're grateful to our attendees, partners, sponsors, and speakers for investing in this event and in our shared future.

Rob Ikard

President & CEO | TGCSA

The Story Continues

2027 TGCSA Convention & Expo

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Network • Learn • Grow