The National Automatic Merchandising Association announced strong 2023 NAMA Show turnout, sets date for 2024
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) announced nearly 5,000 operators, suppliers and industry professionals, representing 35 countries, attended The NAMA Show 2023 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, May 10-12.
From the return of Imagination Way, to the expo hall, education and networking events, attendees experienced a lineup of opportunities in conveniences services.
“I encourage our attendees to think about client and consumer relationships, to think about the limitless potentials of convenience, and to think about the experience that ties it all together,” Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of NAMA, said at the event. “Because that’s what brings us here to the NAMA Show 2023 – Clients, Consumers, Convenience, and Experience.”
The NAMA Show kicked off on Wednesday, May 10, with the general session, which included a thought-provoking panel discussion that delved into the association’s next-level advocacy agenda.
The second issue was elimination or reduction of state sales tax in vending machines and micro markets, achieving parity in relation to similar industries. This endeavor aims to foster an environment conducive to business growth and creating more opportunities for operators.
Following the panel, keynote speaker, Mick Ebeling, founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs, challenged attendees to think about embracing new ideas, overcoming the impossible and achieving outcomes that are seemingly out of reach. He stressed to the crowd, “Everything that’s possible today was impossible at first.”
Ebeling’s keynote and the opening session set the tone for the event, emphasizing the profound impact of the advocacy initiatives and inspiring attendees to harness the power of innovation.
“At this year’s show, it was inspiring to see our attendees get behind the same cause, advancing the industry forward,” Kristen Griffith, vice president of programs and services of NAMA, said in the NAMA announcement. “From the general session and education tracks to the products and demonstrations on display, it all leads to one outcome: setting up convenience services for greater success now and in the future.”
Imagination Way returned for its second year, offering a new look into the future of self-service and unattended retail. Visitors had the chance to explore hands-on exhibits replicating visionary concepts and solutions for end consumers and public environments. Showcasing everything from automated restaurants to robotic self-service retail technology, the exhibition presented an impressive showcase for attendees looking for inspiration to take back to their own companies.
The NAMA Show 2023 also offered over 30 education sessions across five tracks including the concepts and adjacencies presented in Imagination Way. NAMA’s annual Industry Awards also were presented during the event.
The NAMA Show 2024 will take place May 7-9, in Dallas, Texas, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
