This year’s National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) OneShow at the Venetian Resort and Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas offers vending and coffee service operators a wealth of opportunities to learn about new technology, take advantage of social media, and better understand emerging trends. This year’s event features some of the strong educational components of previous years, along with some new features.
Attendees will find vending equipment, vending products, self checkout micro markets, coffee service, tea, water and foodservice exhibitors all on display under one roof.
Blue Man Group Performance
On the entertainment front, this year’s event is raising the bar with hot acts including the popular entertainment sensation, “Blue Man Group.” The group has morphed into a pop culture phenomenon, and will present a specially-designed show for NAMA that features a unique mix of comedy, music and multimedia theatrics. They are also hosting a post-performance meet and greet session.
Another top-notch appearance at the OneShow is Flip Flippen, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back” His presentation will help listeners “flip” their negative thoughts and behaviors to achieve dramatic improvements in performance, leadership, trust and productivity. Flippen, a psychotherapist and business coach who has worked with businesses, organizations and individuals all over the world, believes if we can identify our own personal constraint types we can overcome them once and for all.
Flippen will present the top 10 “killer constraints” that most of us are confronted with every day – in ourselves, our bosses and our families. He will explain how to “flip” negative attitudes into positive action with the “Flip Side,” a proven life-changing approach.
There are several powerful education sessions planned.
“Consumer Engagement Through Social Media” will be presented on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by consultant Dan Avenick. Working with some of the industry’s leading experts, this session is designed specifically to help business owners understand how to make it work for them. The panel, including a corporate recruiting specialist who uses social media to hire new employees along with a social media expert from Coca-Cola Co., will share other tips operators can use to engage their customers through this increasing medium.
“Innovations in Intelligent Vending” by Intel Corp.’s director retail segment marketing, Chris O’Malley, will share a non-technical background of computing developments leading to Intel’s vision for intelligent vending – a securely managed seamlessly connected network of vending machines, remote monitoring, electronic payments, digital signage, consumer analytics and a host of new applications designed to significantly alter the vending landscape.
Other education programs include:
- Developing a focused growth strategy: a blueprint for driving profitable growth
- Cold beverage trends and strategic insights
- Customers love self checkout: how to capitalize on the new trend
- Understanding technology’s impact on your business
- Identifying and hiring ideal route drivers: what are the common traits
Coffee & Water Service Symposium
For coffee, tea and water service providers, the Coffee & Water Service Operator Symposium will help address issues unique to this market segment. The two-part symposium will begin with roundtable breakouts, tailored to company size and tenure, to ensure that resources match individual needs. The second half features a panel of industry experts who will discuss first-hand insights to help attendees benefit from their experience and share in the secrets of their success.
Prior to the show, preliminary events on Tuesday, April 24 include the Quality Coffee Certification Program from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Supervisor Development Program from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and a special coaching seminar from business author Jeb Blount from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will also be a NAMA Gratitude Tour at the University of Las Vegas student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The show officially begins Wednesday, April 25. First, NAMA’s new president, and CEO, Carla Balakgie, who is fresh off an industry “listening tour,” will share her vision for the future of our industry. She will also be meeting OneShow attendees right on the show floor to continue her “listening tour.”
Also on Wednesday, the “Blue Man Group” will present their 45-minute customized OneShow performance. More than 17 million people worldwide have experienced this entertaining event.
The second days for the Quality Coffee Certification Program, the Supervisor Development Program and the coaching for improved sales performance also continue on Wednesday.
Wednesday education sessions include: leveraging technology in vending operations by Michigan State University Prof. Michael Kasavana; coffee and water service operator symposium chaired by Jeff Deitchler, general manager of Prairie Fire Coffee Roasters in Wichita, Kan.; federal legislation updates, Vending/Coffee Service 101 by Vic Pemberton, owner of The Pepi Companies in Dothan, Ga.; innovations in intelligent vending by Intel Corp.’s Chris O’Malley; cold beverage trends and strategic insights by Ross Colbert, global beverage strategist for Rabobank International; consumer engagement through social media by Dan Avenick; and developing a focused growth strategy by business author Mark Frigo, who returns following his standing-room-only seminar presentation last year.
Finally for Wednesday, the NAMA industry awards will be presented during the opening session. These awards recognized the top five luminaries of our industry who have reached the pinnacle of success, and this is your chance to congratulate them on their success.
Thursday kicks-off with NAMA Chairman Brad Ellis, president of Crane Merchandising Systems, who will chair the annual meeting and deliver a special keynote address to the industry. Ellis will share his insights based on his role as NAMA chairman as well as his views on success factors for individuals and corporations.
Thursday also features two operator perspectives panels and a self checkout micro market panel.
Exhibitor Show Specials
Attending the OneShow also provides three days on the show floor to see everything new in the industry: the newest technology, products, services and support materials designed to help drive sales and maximize efficiencies.
The trade show floor will feature specials designated by “Show Special” decals and signs from exhibitors that can help offset the out-of-pocket expenses.
Operators new to the industry or to the show can take advantage of NAMA’s new “ambassador” program to ensure they get the most from their experience. Specifically, NAMA is arranging for an ambassador to meet new attendees at the show, answer questions, introduce them to peers, offer ideas on how to interact with exhibitors and take full advantage of everything the OneShow has to offer.
New attendees can contact NAMA in advance to request the “ambassador” program services.
Las Vegas offers some of the finest restaurants and world class entertainment venues, perfect for business entertaining. The host hotel, the Venetian, is counted among the top hotels in the world and is located in the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas strip.
For a schedule of events, go to the NAMA Website at www.vending.org.
