The first National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) OneShow drew an enthusiastic crowd to the new McCormick Place West in Chicago in April as vending operators from across the country mingled with product, technology and equipment suppliers for three days. Attendance surpassed expectations, running about 20 percent ahead of last year’s national expo, and the exhibitor count at the trade show posted a similar increase.
Attendees crowded into conference rooms for education sessions on coffee, technology standards, cashless vending, social media, new regulations and other topics.
Operators were entertained by a variety of acts that mounted the stage in the middle of the trade show floor. Attendees were uplifted by three keynote speakers: Herman Cain, Ted Koppel and Terry Bradshaw.
Mike Ditka presented the NAMA industry awards on the trade show floor.
