The event, which follows last year’s well-attend annual conference in Aberdeen, will shine a spotlight on the most pressing topics impacting the wholesale sector – from shifting consumer behaviour and disruptive market entrants to the policy, sustainability, skills, and technology changes transforming how businesses and the wholesale channel operate.
With a look to the future, the conference –called Connex, meaning ‘connect, to become joined or united’ – will equip attendees with the knowledge and insights to take advantage of emerging opportunities for Scotland and consider how the channel could reposition to thrive in the face of challenges such as the double threat of global conflict and global warming, coupled with changing consumer needs.
Delegates can expect to gain fresh intelligence from the Building Wholesale Resilience morning sessions, exploring Scottish and UK-wide market data, emerging shopper mindsets, and the real-world impact of trends such as GLP‑1 (weight loss) drugs, perceptions of ultra‑processed foods, and evolving Gen Z habits.
The likely impact of climate change on the sector will also come under scrutiny, including how Scotland could capitalise as a result. Discussions around how to be a resilient operator for the future will also be explored with the help of those who have taken advantage of changing market trends and built sustainability into the foundations of their business.
With the conference taking place just two weeks after the Holyrood election, the SWA’s head of public affairs, Jayne Swanson, will provide a post-election overview of Scotland’s new political landscape. The SWA also hopes to welcome a Cabinet Secretary from the new Scottish Government for an in-conversation discussion on early priorities and future direction for the food and drink sector, subject to confirmation closer to the event.
Later sessions will cover marketing, people and talent, providing delegates with tools to strengthen customer engagement, brand impact, recruitment, and retention.
Another key component of the one-day Connex Conference, which is being held at the voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, is a Vendor Village exhibition featuring producers, suppliers, and SWA service provider members. There will also be compliance clinics on the UK deposit return scheme (DRS), packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR), employment rights, and diversity, equity and Inclusion (DE&I) to offer hands-on support, expert advice, and facilitate new partnerships.
SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “Following last year’s first new-format conference, we have drawn on feedback to curate this packed programme for our 2026 Connex Conference as we strive to ensure that the event remains relevant to members, suppliers and stakeholders. It will also provide a valuable platform for networking by creating an environment that is conducive to encouraging discussion and sharing information – something SWA members have told us they want.
“We will announce our full list of speakers and panel participants in the coming weeks but as space is limited, I would encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible to ensure that you can be part of an event that promises to inspire and empower.”
Host Zara Janjua is an award-winning journalist, writer, broadcaster and performer, recognised as one of Britain’s most exciting rising talents at the Women of the Future Awards and honoured at the UN Women UK Awards.
Her work spans newsrooms, studios and stages around the world. She writes a weekly column for The Scottish Sun on Sunday, has reported for The New York Times, and contributes features to The Guardian. A familiar voice on BBC Radio Scotland, she hosts Sunday Mornings and is currently a main cast member of Noising Up, the satirical topical comedy series, where she performs as an actor, impressionist and writer.
