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National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

UP, UP, UP!
NAMA SPRING EXPO SPECTACULAR SUCCESS
Exhibitors, First Time Exhibitors, Attendee Figures All Up

CHICAGO, IL -  Thanks to the higher number of show exhibitors, the higher number of first time exhibitors and the higher number of attendees to the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Spring Expo there's no question that the show was a spectacular success, NAMA Sr. VP and COO Dan Mathews announced today. The Spring Expo is one of the industry's largest shows and was held in Las Vegas April 7 & 8 with educational programming April 6-9.

In discussing the show Mathews said, “This show was simply spectacular. From the sold-out Quality Coffee Certification Program and Third Annual Western Golf Classic through to Saturday's educational sessions this was a powerful show. You could feel the excitement on the trade show floor and see for yourself the popularity of the program by the standing-room-only crowds. We work hard all year long to create a show that delivers value and benefits for our members and this show certainly did just that.”

Spring Expo activities overall officially began on Wednesday, April 6, with the sold out Quality Coffee Certification program and the third annual sold out NAMA Western Golf Classic which raised $36,000 for the NAMA Foundation, AAMC, CAVC, CVC, IVC and NAVA. The show itself officially began with Walt Disney University former Head Trainer Doug Lipp who opened the General Session by delivering a spellbinding presentation about corporate leadership and how it translates into great customer service.

In addition, for the first time ever, the Better Vendors Association (BVA) co-located its show with the Spring Expo to benefit members of both organizations. BVA is a non-profit purchasing cooperative owned by independent operators across the country designed to help members gain the best rebates from national consumer recognized suppliers.

In discussing this year's show co-location with the BVA Mathews said, “On behalf of everyone associated with the show we want to thank the BVA for their attendance and support which helped make this one of the best Spring Expos ever.”

BVA Executive Director Brian Faley agreed that the joint show was a resounding success, saying, “Overall it was extremely successful for us. Our suppliers and operators have all told us they think combining our two shows was a winning match. We had 115 BVA operating companies attend the Spring Expo, and in our 36 years of having a national meeting this was the most well attended. Everyone thought it was a real winner.”

According to NAMA's VP of Membership and Coffee Services, Dean Gilland, the show's Coffee Services Pavilion was extremely popular as well. “This year's Pavilion was packed wall-to-wall with exhibitors displaying the newest technology and products in the industry. It's really exciting to see the enthusiasm and excitement within the coffee services community on the Pavilion show floor.”

Representatives from NAMA's Balanced for Life program were on hand as well, both non-profit soccer partner America Scores and campaign nutritionist Lori Valencic. The America Scores representatives gave members a chance to hone their soccer skills as they explained the organization's after school soccer and literacy program that will help educate kids about nutruiton and get them active in soccer programs across the country. Lori Valencic, NAMA's Balanced for Life dietitian, also met with members, answering questions about the Balanced for Life campaign and dispensing specific nutritional advice as well. Donors to the Endowing the Future campaign, which is currently funding the Balanced for Life program, were recognized on a special Donor Wall at the entry of the showroom floor which was designed to provide first-class recognition to the companies and individuals who are supporting this important industry initiative.

This year's the VENDTec Center was very popular as well, with overflowing crowds of people flocking to the center to learn more about technology and the best choices for their particular company. At the center attendees could learn more about the constantly changing field of technology, and how cashless vending systems and data capture and reporting options might benefit their businesses.

The show officially wrapped up on Saturday with attendees participating in special educational programs including a special in-depth VENDTec session and the always popular Vending 101, Coffee Service Best Practices and the chance to sit for the NAMA Certified Executive (NCE) exam. The NCE designation is awarded to seasoned industry executives and signifies accomplishment, initiative and professionalism, showcasing the best and brightest executives in the industry.

Concluded Mathews, “Expo attendees continue to tell us how valuable the shows are to them and this year's Spring Expo is no exception. But we're already hard at work planning the National Expo in Atlanta October 27-29 with Educational Sessions October 26-29 to make sure it delivers the powerful benefits and value our members have come to expect, and we'll look forward to seeing everyone there.”

For more information visit www.vending.org.

NAMA is the national trade association of the food and refreshment vending, coffee services and foodservice management industries including on-site, commissary, catering, & mobile. Its membership is comprised of service companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to operating service companies. The basic mission of the association, to collectively advance and promote the automatic merchandising and OCS industries, still guides NAMA today as it did in 1936, the year of the organization's founding.