Vending and coffee service operators and suppliers will return to Embassy Suites Hotel at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. this year following a successful fall Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) event last year. The 2012 ACE will showcase nearly 150 companies and brokers that work to support vending operator businesses Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 to 6, 2012 at the hotel’s Kensington Ballroom. Hundreds of participants are expected for this event in its 58th year.
State associations to meet
On Thursday, meetings will be held by the three state vending associations that partner in ACE: North Carolina Vending Association, South Carolina Vending Association, and Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association.
ACE participants can expect quality education, a 6-hour “training camp,” networking, and a busy show floor. The educational sessions on Friday promise to offer timely industry information – technology (“The New Game Face of Vending”), compliance (“Avoid Penalties – Know the Rules”), hardware, software (“Training Camp for Technician Development”) and expert panels (“Vending Calls an Audible – Micro Markets”) – all sessions geared toward various operational levels. Other events that offer networking opportunities include a big “ACE Halftime Show” with food, drinks and entertainment. Saturday gives you an “ACE Tailgate Corn Hole Beach Party.”
Keynoter brings unique background
Gregory Blake, the “chief encouragement officer” for PepWorks International. PepWorks’ goal is to re-engage, re-fuel and re-tain professionals in the workplace during uncertain times. Blake calls himself an “encouragement specialist” to organizations, corporations and non-profits, bringing 30 years of experience with management teams from diverse organizations in all walks of life. He will be speaking at the ACE MVP Awards Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 6.
His presentation, “Service Champions: Victorious Vendors, Stellar Suppliers,” is designed to educate and entertain, engage, empower and energize attendees. Blake is practical in his approach and the tools, tips and techniques shared will be applicable in the workplace.
Registration is open to anyone in the vending, office coffee or food service business including those involved in contract food service in schools, colleges and hospitals. Additional information is available from the ACE office: Visit www.atlanticcoastexpo.com, email [email protected], or call 919-387-1221.
