EnsembleIQ

News at a Glance The Announcement: Michelle Warren has been promoted to Vice President of Content & Editorial Director, Convenience Group at EnsembleIQ. The Scope: She will direct the cross-border editorial vision for both Convenience Store News Canada and the U.S.-based Convenience Store News. Previous Role: Warren formerly served as Editor & Associate Publisher for Convenience Store News Canada.

News at a Glance The Award: “Best Career Growth” Company for 2026. The Organization: Comparably (a ZoomInfo company). The Winner: EnsembleIQ (winning this specific category for the second time). The Methodology: Based on anonymous, voluntarily submitted employee feedback over the past 12 months. The Culture: EnsembleIQ offers personalized development plans, clear career pathways, training incentives, and a collaborative learning environment.

News at a Glance The Announcement: Nominations are officially open for the 21st Annual Hotel Visionary Awards. The Host: Hospitality Technology (HT). The Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by July 31, 2026. Key Categories: Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star, Partnership, and 8 specific Solution Awards (including F&B, Guest Experience, and Revenue Management). The Event: Winners will be celebrated live at the Hotel Technology Forum (HTF), November 17-19, 2026, at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas.

News at a Glance The Announcement: Strategic executive promotions to accelerate EnsembleIQ’s B2B media growth and event innovation. Gary Esposito: Promoted to Senior Vice President & Group Publisher of Chain Store Age and Hospitality Technology (overseeing flagship events SPECS and MURTEC). Abigail Lorden: Promoted to Senior Vice President of Content, leading cross-market editorial strategy while continuing strategic direction for the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN).

News at a Glance Campaign: Launch of the #FillHealthCareGaps initiative by DSN (an EnsembleIQ brand). The Mission: Empower community pharmacies to solve the impending 2030 primary care physician shortage. Major Supporters: CVS Health, Walmart, Kroger Health, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Giant Eagle, and Ahold Delhaize USA. Campaign Pillars: A dedicated website (FillHealthCareGaps.com), an industry-backed video, and a LinkedIn storytelling campaign.

News at a Glance The Announcement: The Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) programs are now an official part of the 2026 NACS Show agenda. The Host: Convenience Store News (an EnsembleIQ brand). The Location: NACS Show in Las Vegas (Oct 6-9, 2026). Key TWIC Events (Thursday, Oct 8): * Inaugural TWIC Connections Luncheon (12:00 – 2:00 PM). TWIC Awards Gala (Evening at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino).

News at a Glance Top Individual Honor: Vicki Wood (Editor, Pharmacy Practice + Business) wins the B2B Leadership Award from the National Media Awards Foundation. Brand Nominations: EnsembleIQ brands shortlisted for 11 Canadian National Magazine Awards: B2B. Recognized Publications: Canadian Grocer, Profession Santé, Pharmacy Practice + Business, and The Medical Post. Award Announcement Date: Winners will be revealed on June 5, 2026.

Progressive Grocer’s Grocery Impact convenes the top influencers in food retail for three days of education, collaboration, networking, and celebration within the grocery sector. The event was recognized for its dynamic programming, meaningful industry engagement, and ability to convene top leaders across the grocery ecosystem to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail.

News at a Glance Announcement: Winners of the 22nd Annual Progressive Grocer Editors’ Picks. Total Winners: 68 standout CPG products. Judging Criteria: Innovation, functionality, value, and packaging design. Core Trends: Wellness-forward snacks, eco-conscious essentials, global flavor innovation, and functional benefits. Target Audience: Grocery retail buyers, merchandisers, and CPG brand leaders. Feature Date: Full coverage in the May 2026 issue of Progressive Grocer and available online now.

News at a Glance Announcement: Official opening of entries for the 2027 Product of the Year Canada Awards. Eligibility: Products launched in Canada after January 1, 2025. Categories: Food & Beverage, Personal Care, Household, Pet Care, and more. The Process: 4,000 everyday Canadian shoppers vote in an independent study conducted by Kantar. Winner Benefit: Two-year license to the iconic Red Seal logo and inclusion in a nationwide B2B/B2C marketing campaign.