Vending, foodservice and office coffee service operators and suppliers are preparing to gather in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Oct. 8-10 for the Atlantic Coast Exposition. Ahead of the show, the North Carolina Vending Association and Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association are accepting applications for their annual scholarship programs. According to the associations’ current websites, applications are due September 1.

The North Carolina Vending Association is offering two $1,500 scholarships to students affiliated with or related to someone in the vending industry who is a current association member. The awards are based on academics, character and financial need.

The Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association is also offering two $1,500 scholarships. Eligible students must be directly involved with the vending industry or related to someone in the industry who is a current association member. The association says it will award the scholarships to students from Virginia, with winners scheduled to be announced at ACE on October 10.

Together, the programs make $6,000 in scholarship funding available to eligible students connected with the convenience services industry.

A sneak peek at the event

Beyond the scholarships, ACE 2026 is positioning its exhibit floor as a buying-focused event where operators can connect with suppliers and evaluate products. The show says exhibitors are registering for space as preparations continue for October.

Education is also part of the operator program. Sessions scheduled for Friday, October 9, include a federal and state legislative update, a discussion about navigating cost pressures and an interactive workshop on the human side of artificial intelligence. Operator registration includes educational sessions.

The exhibit floor will be open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. ACE will also hold its Best Ball Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 8, at Beachwood Golf Club. Networking events are scheduled throughout the three-day program.

ACE will close its Saturday morning awards breakfast with keynote speaker Jake Fehling, chief marketing officer at Movement Mortgage and an in-stadium hype man for the Carolina Panthers. Fehling is scheduled to speak about leadership, culture, confidence and performance.

Operator early-bird registration is $50 per person through August 31. The price increases to $99 beginning September 1.