Brussels, 28 November 2016—The 2016 edition of the European Vending Experience “EVEX” recently brought many key actors of the industry together for 2 days of educational conferences, networking, exciting cultural activities and a commercial exhibition.
EVEX this year was organized by the EVA in collaboration with the French Vending Association (NAVSA) and saw a total of more than 280 participants gather into the InterContinental Carlton Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Cannes. The attendance not only grew in number compared to last year, but also saw an increase in vending operators from a range of countries across Europe eager to understand the latest innovations and trends.
The EVA Annual General Assembly Meeting launched EVEX 2016 on the 24th November before the educational and thought-provoking Conferences addressing 3 very different and useful themes.
The first of these by Joseph Hessling (365 Retail Markets) & Michael Coffey (Canteen Vending) concentrated on the concept of Micromarkets, an unattended retail experience, something which is very much booming for operators in the USA but as yet is comparatively underdeveloped in Europe.
The second and third Conferences followed the next day with Bruno Bonnell (Expert in service robotics and famous entrepreneur in video gaming) delivering his vision on ‘Robotisation’ and how vending is relatively well positioned to adapt to a more automated society in the next decade or so, before a lively presentation and practical tips from Huib van Bockel (former Head of Marketing at Red Bull and founder of Tenzing) on how to improve branding and marketing in order to build loyalty among clients and consumers.
Attendees were treated to a diverse range of local cultural activities in order to aid networking ahead of a Gala dinner in the evening of the 24th. The dinner provided the backdrop for the presentation of the inaugural EVEX Image of vending award, which after a close result went to Revive Vending and their ‘Honest Café’ concept, a self-serve healthier vending café set in a natural and cozy environment; an excellent initiative which has already received numerous positive reactions from the public – a great example of what the award was designed to recognize.
Throughout the 25th November a commercial exhibition took place in the InterContinental Carlton, providing exhibitors an opportunity to promote their products and do some business - it is surely the first time that such a number of vending, coffee machines, and related product innovations have been seen lining the interior of this symbol of the Côte d'Azur.
We are very grateful for the active support received by a wide range of EVA and NAVSA Members who really made the EVEX what is was:
Large sponsors:
- Mars Drinks (The Palme D'or);
- NAYAX (Croisette);
- Worldline (APP);
- SUZOHAPP (Festival);
- N&W (Esterelle);
- FAS (Riviera);
- Ingenico GROUP (Camera);
- Huhtamaki (Tapis Rouge);
- Brita (Lerins Islands);
- Verifone (Scent of Provence);
- CCV
Standard+ sponsors:
- BWT (POU water dispenser & water filtration system);
- Pelican Rouge (Coffee);
- Regilait (Milk);
- Vendin (Chocolate).
Standard sponsors:
Star
- AST International Equipment;
- Azkoyen;
- Bianchi Vending;
- Cafes Solubles Le Havre;
- Castles Technology;
- Coges;
- CPI;
- Cummins Allison;
- Custos Mobile;
- de Jong Duke;
- Grefusa;
- Ilstant;
- Lm Control;
- Microtronic;
- Orba Informatique;
- Unicum;
- Vendman.
Starlette
- Coffee & Drink Systems;
- Symotronic;
- Televend.
Attendees, taking a break from the exhibition, were able to enjoy a final lunch of the event under glorious sunshine on the hotel terrace – a perfect way to end EVEX 2016.
The EVA Director General, Erwin Wetzel, invited all attendees to join us again for EVEX 2017, which will be held in Italy in collaboration with the Italian Vending Association (CONFIDA).
About the European Vending Association
The European Vending Association (EVA) is a not-for-profit organization established and situated in Brussels since 1994. It represents the interests of the European coffee service and vending industry vis-à-vis the European Institutions and other relevant authorities or bodies. Its membership is composed of national associations and individual companies across Europe. The EVA represents all segments of the coffee service, water dispenser and vending industry: machine and component manufacturers, suppliers of commodities (coffee, ingredients, snacks, cold drinks, cups etc.), and operators.
