Explore the industry tracks at GS1 Connect 2026 and submit your presentation proposal to share insights on supply chain in foodservice, grocery, healthcare, retail, and technology.

Industry Tracks: Share Your Expertise in Conquering Supply Chain Challenges!

GS1 Connect 2026 features dedicated tracks for key supply chain sectors. We invite you to submit proposals that address the latest challenges, solutions, and innovations in these areas:

Foodservice Track

As a foodservice manufacturer, distributor, or operator, how do you make your supply chain run efficiently? What are the fundamentals needed to identify, capture, and share product information seamlessly with trading partners to meet ever-growing consumer expectations? How do you achieve brand loyalty and maintain sustainability goals in today’s fast-paced supply chain environment? Finally, are you prepared to meet regulatory requirements under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act Traceability Rule, otherwise known as FSMA Rule 204? The Foodservice Track is designed to delve into these topics, focusing on supply chain visibility and actionable best practices, to help your business optimize operations and innovate around information transparency, inventory management, and end-to-end traceability. 

Grocery Track

With the increasing consumer demands for data and ever-evolving shopping habits over the past years, have your business processes adapted to impact visibility into your supply chain operations? How have companies made enhancements to product and location information with GS1 Standards to impact inventory visibility and flexibility in fulfillment options? What key learnings drive success in supply chain performance? How can GS1 Standards help organizations comply with regulations—like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act Traceability Rule, otherwise known as FSMA Rule 204? These are just some of the questions industry leaders will answer with best-practice recommendations to help drive full supply chain visibility with accurate data, effective trading partner collaboration, and innovative ideas for operational efficiencies. 

Healthcare Track

What lessons could be applied to the future of healthcare supply chains from the last several years of preparation for meeting regulatory requirements? How do you capitalize on the tremendous efforts of the industry to expand the benefits of traceability to other areas, including inventory management and interoperability? What are the pillars of high-quality data that healthcare companies can adopt for supply chain visibility and opportunities for efficiency? Questions like these will be the focal points of discussion in the Healthcare Track, with best-practice recommendations you can take back to your organization for inspiration and action.

Retail (Apparel & General Merchandise) Track

Is “back to basics on product identification” the right strategy for keeping pace with evolving technology? How can you maintain or develop a leading edge for success in omni-channel fulfillment? How do you achieve brand loyalty and maintain sustainability goals in today’s fast-paced supply chain environment? Why are RAIN RFID, 2D barcodes, and other technologies for inventory visibility no longer a “nice to have” for staying competitive? Retail partners and brand owners will share valuable insights to help organizations large and small win customers and sales as they apply best practices in the use of GS1 Standards to streamline inefficient business processes and provide source-to-consumer product visibility.  

Standards & Technology Track 

In the Standards and Technology Track sessions, solution providers and industry experts highlight noteworthy customer success stories utilizing GS1 Standards-based technologies. As industries continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the sessions in this track explore the critical role that global standards, new data models, and digital technologies play in unlocking efficiencies across the value chain. Speakers will examine how adopting advanced standards and interoperable technologies can support regulatory compliance, elevate data quality, and foster seamless communication between stakeholders. From the rise of 2D barcodes and RAIN RFID to the integration of blockchain and real-time analytics, this track is designed to help organizations future-proof their operations and harness technology for sustainable business growth.

Additional Topics and Opportunities 

Innovation

Innovation topics are curated to help attendees understand how standards intersect with emerging technologies in order to enhance business and supply chain processes. Key areas of focus include the convergence of physical and digital (“phygital”) experiences, advancements in computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence, new data carriers, sensor fusion, mixed reality, robotics, robotic process automation, digital disruption, digital identity, circularity, sustainability, and the Internet of Things. Following a review of your presentation proposal, we will provide guidance on its placement within the agenda.

How to Do Business With... Sessions

Companies hosting these sessions gain a unique platform to showcase their operational business practices and strategic initiatives directly to a select audience of engaged trading partners, amplifying their brand visibility and influence within the industry. By presenting tailored requirements and updates, hosts can attract new partnerships, fortify existing collaborations, and align trading partners with their long-term goals—all while demonstrating leadership and innovation.

• Present your company's innovative processes and initiatives to a targeted audience of potential and existing trading partners.
• Share your specific requirements and updates, aligning your partners with your strategic vision and paving the way for smoother, more profitable interactions.
• Provide in-depth insights into your company’s business processes.
• Discuss strategies for enhancing collaboration and efficiency in your supply chain.

Ultimately, both hosts and participants emerge empowered, equipped with the knowledge and relationships to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Trading Partner Roundtables

Trading Partner Roundtables are among the top reasons to attend GS1 Connect, according to many years of attendee feedback. These roundtables provide an informal setting to facilitate collaborative trading-partner-to-trading-partner discussions on using standards-based best practices. This isn't just another track session–it's a focused 20-minute roundtable discussion designed to foster deeper collaboration and drive mutual success. Indicate your interest in the form when you apply. This is an exclusive opportunity for Trading Partners only. Note: Solution Providers are not permitted to participate in TPRT sessions. There are other opportunities to network with attendees. If you are interested in securing an exhibit booth or sponsorship to elevate your presence, please email sponsorservices@gs1us.org