SGF Annual Conference

Wednesday 18th November 2026
Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow

2025 Testimonials

It was a pleasure to host the SGF annual conference. A well organised, dynamic day,  it had some really interesting speakers, and it was a great opportunity for delegates to hear from inspiring figures in the sector.  Everyone was so passionate about their industry and incredibly engaged. Also, a brilliant chance to network.    

Rona Dougal, BBC Scotland Presenter

“What a pleasure to attend my first SGF conference. Engaging sessions and inspiring speakers. Superbly managed and wonderfully organised, creating great networking and collaboration opportunities. Well done Pete, Angela and all the team”

Stephen Jempson, Jempsons Ltd

“We attended the SGF for the first time in October 2025. The day allowed us to speak to some existing customers and discuss performance and our range, as well as speak to new retailers and customers to potentially partner with in the future. The evening event was a great opportunity to speak with others we may not have during the day and discuss trends and plans moving forward. It was great to speak with some other suppliers or customers, who we may not have seen at other events previously”

Keshav Sharma, Au Vodka

SGF Conference 2026 – Customer & Community: More Than a Store!

Get ready for an inspiring day at the SGF Conference 2026, where Scotland’s convenience retail community will come together to celebrate the vital role local shops play at the heart of our communities and local economies.

Taking place on Wednesday 18th November 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, Glasgow, this year’s conference promises a packed programme of insight, discussion, practical ideas and networking, alongside our largest trade exhibition of the year.

Hosted by Scottish broadcaster Rona Dougall, the day will feature an outstanding line-up of speakers and contributors, including Dr. Pete Cheema OBE, Stephen Flynn MSP, Jamie Buchanan, Rhona Lawson, Shiva Kumar, Stephen Curran, Graham Watson, David Perks, Kathryn Neil, Margaret Anne Clark, Karl Southworth, Wendy Craig, Andy Kenney and Ryan Hutchison.

From business updates and sector insight to interactive sessions with the UK DMO – Exchange for Change and Bobby’s Foods, the programme will shine a spotlight on the theme “Customer & Community: More Than A Store” — exploring how retailers continue to adapt, innovate and deliver even more for the people and places they serve.

And when the business is done, the celebrations continue at our black-tie President’s Gala Dinner, complete with entertainment — the perfect chance to relax, connect and enjoy a memorable evening in fantastic company.

If you would like more information on the above packages or chat through sponsorship opportunities please email events@sgfscot.co.uk.

#SGFAC26

Speakers

Conference Chair

Rona Dougall

Scottish Broadcaster

Dr. Pete Cheema OBE

Dr. Pete Cheema OBE

Chief Executive, SGF

Stephen Flynn MSP

Stephen Flynn MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport

Scottish Government
Jamie Buchanan

Jamie Buchanan

Programme Director

SGF Go Local Programme
Rhona Lawson

Rhona Lawson

The Knowledge Bank

Shiva Kumar

Shiva Kumar

Day Today, Haddington

Stephen Curran

Business Unit Director – Wholesale

AG Barr
Graham Watson

Graham Watson

President, SGF

David Perks

David Perks

UK Managing Director

ME Group UK
Kathryn Neil

Kathryn Neil

Programme Director

SGF Healthy Living Programme

Margaret Anne Clark

Head of People & Performance

Scotmid
Karl Southworth
Wendy Craig

Karl Southworth

Head of Field Sales, Allwyn

Wendy Craig

Divisional Sales Manager, Allwyn

Andy Kenney
Ryan Hutchison

Andy Kenney

SGF President Elect / bp

in conversation with

Ryan Hutchison

SPAR Scone

Exhibitors

Full list of exhibitors coming soon.

Interactive Session Hosts

Speakers

SGF Annual Conference & Gala Dinner

Interested in supporting our event?

Involvement in the annual conference is a unique chance to raise your profile and promote your company to retailers across Scotland. Hosting 350+ delegates across the one-day conference , we have a range of excellent opportunities available including sponsorship , exhibition and hosting a breakout session.

To find out more please email events@sgfscot.co.uk

Contact

If you would like to find out more about our Annual Conference, please contact SGF on events@sgfscot.co.uk

#SGFAC26