(Jackson, MS) – The Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) is finalizing plans for the SEVA 2017 conference themed “Igniting TEAM SEVA”. The 2017 event marks the 12th anniversary of SEVA. The conference is scheduled for August 15-17, 2017, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach, FL. The event attracts more than 250 attendees with more than 50 operator companies being represented. As a whole, the SEVA operators represent over $400 million in sales volume, 1,500 routes and 60,000 machines.
SEVA 2017 will offer multiple professional development opportunities over two mornings; afternoons filled with group activities including golf and volleyball; and enhanced evening events. The convention kicks-off with the Opening Night Party featuring special tailgating tents for upper level sponsors. This fun night allows attendees to mingle, catch-up with industry friends, operators and suppliers, and also build new relationships. The second night dinner will feature special entertainment. The final night includes the new Sponsor Showcase, which affords attendees valued time with sponsors, learning about their company and products.
“We are looking forward to our second year beachside at the Hilton Sandestin,” said Scott Plaisted, SEVA Chairman. “Our family-friendly event features exceptional industry updates, including vending changes and governmental affairs, all in a full-service beachfront resort. The location provides enhanced networking opportunities with our sponsors allowing everyone to mingle in a single location. The 2017 date is a week later than 2016, however, this date change provides SEVA attendees the opportunity to take full advantage of the resort. I encourage everyone to attend SEVA 2017 and utilize all that this convention offers.”
SEVA is comprised of six state vending association members including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. SEVA’s purpose is to facilitate an annual convention allowing the state association members to network with their suppliers and individual members.
Originally formed in 1981 as the Vending Machine Association of the Gulf South (VMAGS), the organization’s purpose was to merge the annual tri-state convention held by Alabama Vending Association (AVA), Mississippi Automatic Merchandising Association (MAMA) and Vending Machine Operators of Louisiana (VMOL). VMAGS was officially incorporated in 1981 in Alabama. In 2003, Georgia Automatic Merchandising Council (GAMC) joined the organization followed by Tennessee Automatic Merchandising Association (TAMA) and the Automatic Merchandising Association of Florida (AMAF). Due to the growing participation in VMAGS, the name changed to Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) to include all its members.
SEVA will soon announce the speaker line-up and featured Wednesday night entertainer. For more information about SEVA 2017, to register or sponsor the convention, visit southeasternvending.org.
