Grocery and convenience stores are rapidly transforming. Between shifting consumer habits, the rise of fuel and forecourt evolution, and stores now doing double duty as fulfillment hubs, the physical space itself has become one of the most important and complicated parts of the business.
So we built an event around it.
Introducing MarketSpaces: a new invite-only retreat from the team behind RetailSpaces, bringing together North America's top grocery and c-store leaders to talk through what's next for physical retail environments.
Without a trade show floor in sight.
What Exactly Is MarketSpaces?
Think of it as the opposite of a conference. MarketSpaces is built for real conversation, not badge-scanning. It’s a small, curated gathering where the people responsible for developing, designing, building, and modernizing physical stores can actually talk shop with peers who get it.
That means:
- Opening keynotes and innovation talks that go beyond the usual panel format
- MasterMind roundtables for candid, small-group problem-solving.
- Sourcing sessions connecting attendees with a curated group of vendors. No cold pitches, just relevant, 1:1 introductions.
- Genuinely good networking, including a sunset cocktail reception, a boat ride, live music, and more, set against the backdrop of Hollywood Beach.
The topics on the table are exactly the ones keeping grocery and c-store leaders up at night: store portfolio strategy, remodeling active stores at scale, new-store development and speed-to-market, prototype design, construction costs and permitting, and how AI and technology are reshaping store modernization — plus fuel, forecourt, and the changing role of the c-store site.
Why an In-Person Retreat, Specifically?
It's easy to swap ideas on a call. It's harder to actually connect. That distinction is the whole premise behind MarketSpaces, and it's one attendees of our sister events have noticed, too:
"The belief that when people are in environments that are engaging and fun, the more likely they are to be open and receptive to others is something I agree with and that Influence Group does very well."
— Lead Director, Construction Program, CVS
That's the idea: get people out of their inbox and into a room (or onto a boat) with peers facing the same challenges, and better conversations tend to follow.
Where and When?
MarketSpaces will take place September 19–21, 2027, at the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL, an oceanfront setting that's a deliberate departure from the standard convention center.
The retreat is intentionally kept small, limited to around 200 like-minded leaders, so it stays casual, candid, and genuinely useful rather than overwhelming.
Who's Behind It
MarketSpaces is the newest addition to Influence Group's acclaimed "Spaces" series, joining RetailSpaces, RestaurantSpaces, and BankSpaces, each built around the same idea: bring the right people together, away from the noise, and let the good conversations happen.
Ready to Join Us?
If you're helping decide what the next generation of grocery and convenience stores looks like, we'd love to have you there.
Qualified grocery and c-store executives attend MarketSpaces at no cost. Accommodations, meals, and full access to the program are included.
Learn more and request your invite at marketspacesevent.com.
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Building What’s Next in Grocery + C-Stores.
MarketSpaces is a community for grocery and C-store development and design innovators.
September 19-21, 2027 | Hollywood, FL
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