National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)
Spring Expo Wrap Up: New Format Delivers Results for Attendees and Exhibitors Alike

CHICAGO, IL - April 13 - Attendees and exhibitors alike at the recent National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Spring Expo raved that it was one of the best-ever shows, NAMA President and CEO Richard M. Geerdes announced today. The show is one of the largest vending and coffee services shows in the world and was held April 1 and 2 with educational programming March 31 - April 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In discussing the show's success Geerdes said, "This was my 40th NAMA Expo and I am hard-pressed to remember a show that went as well or was so widely acclaimed. "Best ever" is an over-used phrase, but may be right on target for this Spring Expo. The new format was well-received and widely supported by exhibitors and operators alike. There seemed to be a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm by everyone who attended. One only had to look at the more-than-packed exhibit floor both days to know that we had a winner."

Before the show's official opening on Thursday, April 1, many of the industry's most recognized names turned out once again to support the Second Annual NAMA Western Golf Classic to benefit the NAMA Foundation, and educational events for AAMC, CAVC, CVC, IVC and NAVA. Said Geerdes, "Our golf outing was another huge success. We expect that the final tally will show we matched or exceeded last year's contributions to the NAMA Foundation and the co-sponsoring states. We could have easily sold more spots, so we have to evaluate the need to expand to a bigger facility."

Dean Gilland, Vice President Membership & Coffee Services, reported that the highly popular Quality Coffee Certification Program was sold out once again. Said Gilland, "The QCCP has become one of the most popular educational offerings at NAMA, and to date more than 250 OCS superstars have graduated from the program. We're delighted with the industry's support and will be offering the class again at the National Expo in October."

During the course, participants study all aspects of coffee as well learn the importance of TDS (brew strength) and temperature meters in learning how to brew better coffee. The program is geared toward the quality-oriented coffee service operators and provides additional marketing tools to help differentiate the OCS operator from his or her competitors.

According to Director of Education & Meeting Services LyNae Schleyer, NAMA's first-ever wellness walk was well attended despite an unusual Las Vegas downpour. Said Schleyer, "We want to thank Foodservice and Vending Sales for sponsoring the event, and are pleased to report that despite the inclement weather many turned out for the event to benefit from some early exercise before attending the morning's educational sessions."

Schleyer added that the educational sessions were very well attended. On Thursday morning, Sylvia Rowe, President and CEO of the International Food Information Council delivered one of the show's more important sessions, "Obesity: The Growing Challenge." During the session Rowe shared the organization's research on the issue's increasing threat to our industry, and offered advice about the steps we can take to prevent the potentially devastating impact on us all. On Friday, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, MD, MPH, Founder, President and CEO of The Cooper Aerobics Center delivered "The Health Challenge Facing America," outlining the steps we can all take to maintain and improve personal health and wellness.

Schleyer added that the attendance at the Saturday educational sessions was exceptionally high. Said Schleyer, "We had more people attending Saturday's Vending 101 and Coffee Fundamentals than ever before in recent memory. For example, we had 70 participants in Vending 101, which could very well be the highest attended Saturday educational session ever. It's clear that many understood the value of the topics covered in the session and how it would translate into success back home."

Concluded Geerdes, "The format change for the Spring Expo worked and worked well, thanks to the hard work of many volunteers and the NAMA staff, but we're already hard at work on the National Expo coming up in Chicago, IL, October 14-16. Based on what we heard in Las Vegas, we're analyzing every detail to make sure the National NAMA Expo continues to deliver results for both our operators and suppliers, and that our members receive the tools they need to ensure their businesses prosper. We'll be telling you more about what you can expect in Chicago, but you can be sure the show will offer a variety of valuable insights and opportunities to enhance your business success."

NAMA is the national trade association of the merchandise vending, office coffee service and contract food service industries. 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.