The state of retail tech: what's actually working in 2026

Retail tech is having a moment and frontline focused technology has quietly become one of the most mature, highest-adoption categories out there

But most retail leaders aren't asking "what's new." They're asking "what's actually working, and where do we put our budget next."

We've got the data. We've got the brands. Join us for a look at where retail technology stands today, what AI could unlock for frontline teams next, and how three of the biggest names in restaurant retail turned technology rollouts into measurable results.

Up for discussion

• The state of retail tech: What does Gartner's 2026 Hype Cycle tell us about where retail is placing its bets? We'll unpack the shift from generative AI hype toward embedded, real-time execution, and what that means for leaders planning 2027 budgets.
• Engaging the frontline: Store associate superapps and frontline worker experience tech are now some of the most mature categories in retail, moving fast toward the plateau of productivity. We'll look at what's driving that momentum and what it takes to get associates to actually adopt the tools you give them.
• What we see today: Real adoption numbers from three of the world's most recognized restaurant brands. McDonald's hit 80% adoption in 16 days. Shake Shack hit 78% in 21 days. Domino's sees 8 in 10 employees using their frontline platform every month. We'll break down what made those rollouts work.

Live AMA

Bring your questions. We'll wrap up with an open Ask Me Anything where you can put your questions directly to the team behind these deployments. Rollout strategy, executive buy-in, adoption, AI, change management, nothing is off the table.