Agenda

Spend some time in our Expo Hall, where you'll learn about products and services dedicated to improving your company's operations.

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the retail, restaurant, sports, and transportation landscape by transforming how businesses engage with customers and streamline operations. Artificial intelligence is enabling personalized shopping experiences through tailored recommendations and dynamic pricing, while augmented reality allows customers to try on products virtually, and Robots are interacting with guests. These innovations are creating new shopping experiences and redefining the future of our industry.

As operators build on strong foundations in workplace and education, opportunities are opening in high-traffic transit hubs and retail spaces. To succeed, operators must move beyond a location-by-location approach and adopt a broader live, work, play mindset. This session explores how to align brand, placement, equipment, messaging, and experience to meet modern consumer expectations and create lasting engagement, not just transactional convenience.

In today's fast-paced world, customer experience is paramount. Discover how effective kiosk UX can transform self-service into a positive brand interaction. We'll explore the key principles of touch interface design, ensuring your customers leave satisfied and more likely to return.

All industries from snack and beverages to retailers and restaurants are embracing automated retail as more than just a distribution channel. From smart vending machines in airports and gyms to micro-locations like co-working spaces and wellness clinics, automated retail offers 24/7 convenience, cost efficiency and powerful data insights. This session explores how AI, IoT, and consumer-driven trends are fueling the next wave of innovation, helping brands expand reach, optimize operations, and deliver the seamless, tech-driven experiences today’s customers expect.

In the field onsite technical services, providers that employ an in-house team of service technicians often deliver a more consistent and standardized approach compared to those relying exclusively on 3^rd Party contractors. This discussion explores how different staffing models influence service quality and shape the overall customer experience.

The difference between a so-so rollout and a profitable national deployment is in the trenches of planning, testing, logistics, and both project and partner management. This exclusive panel, featuring deployers who have successfully managed large national kiosk rollouts, delves into the reality of deploying interactive automated solutions at a large scale. Panelists represent diverse deployment models—from a major retailer integrating thousands of self-order kiosks into their own stores to a specialized reseller managing complex multi-client rollouts of thousands of devices nationwide.

Each panelist will share case studies detailing their project's scope, the biggest unexpected logistical hurdles and the demonstrable ROI achieved. The discussion will focus on comparing and contrasting deployment strategies, balancing component standardization with localized needs, and the crucial role of the deployment partner. The session provides attendees with actionable blueprints for moving from a single proof-of-concept to a profitable, fully operational national automated footprint.

Elevate the customer experience and drive revenue in high-traffic environments like airports, hospitals, college campuses, hotels and large scale event venues. This session focuses on implementing strategic self-service solutions to meet the unique demands of these locations.

Step into the future of retail with innovative self-checkout technology. This session highlights cutting-edge kiosk solutions that seamlessly blend engaging customer interactions with streamlined self-service. Learn how these advancements are transforming the checkout experience and driving business growth.

Tap into the growing market of conscious consumers. This session explores how healthy, sustainable, and socially responsible vending can differentiate your business and attract a loyal customer base. Learn how to leverage these trends for a competitive advantage and increased profitability.

Witness three rapid-fire case studies from industry leaders featuring how customer-centered design drives success in automation.

Industry experts will present rapid 15-minute case studies, highlighting real-world wins and tangible results. Gain actionable insights to implement customer-first principles in your own automation projects.

The pace of change in foodservice has never been faster, and innovation is no longer optional. Best-selling author and industry visionary Ira Blumenthal will share how operators and brands can move beyond “the way it’s always been done” to embrace new models, new technologies, and new mindsets. With fresh insights and thought-provoking strategies, he’ll challenge you to see disruption as opportunity and inspire you to build the future of foodservice by reimagining what’s possible. 

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Awards recognize the companies, technologies, and individuals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in self-service. From cutting-edge kiosks and vending systems to transformative payment solutions and socially responsible innovations, these awards spotlight the best in the industry.

Each year, we shine a light on the most impactful work shaping the future of automated retail and kiosk technology. Whether you’re launching a groundbreaking product, driving industry change, or leading by example, this is your opportunity to be recognized by your peers and seen by the entire industry.

Categories include:

• Best Automated Retail Innovation
• Best Kiosk Innovation
• Responsible Innovation Award
• Influencer of the Year

Anticipate customer needs and make informed business decisions. This session explores how AI can enable predictive analytics, allowing your kiosks to provide proactive service and personalized recommendations. Learn how to use AI to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and optimize your offerings.

Autonomous retail, whether in the form of micromarkets, grab-and-go kiosks, or checkout-free stores, is reshaping how customers access food, drinks, and essentials. By combining AI, sensors, and frictionless checkout, operators can offer 24/7 convenience, reduce staffing pressures, and unlock new revenue streams. This session will bring together end users from industries on the frontlines, including sports and entertainment venues, hotels, and casinos, to share how unmanned retail has changed their operations, guest satisfaction, and bottom line.

We’re closing out the show with a panel of industry visionaries sharing bold predictions for what’s next in unattended retail and self-service kiosks. From emerging tech to shifting consumer expectations, these thought leaders will break down the trends set to shape the year ahead — and what it means for your business.