Inside the 2026 NAMA Show: Innovation, education and ROI for operators

The convenience services industry is gearing up for one of its most important annual gatherings as the NAMA Show 2026 takes over Los Angeles from April 22–24. It’s hosted in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center with a strategic footprint extending into LA Live.

In this episode, presented in cooperation with NAMA, host Bob Tullio is joined by Kristen Griffith and Eric Rochon Larson of NAMA, along with operator Ryan Harrington of Royal ReFresh, to break down why this show is a can’t-miss experience for operators, suppliers and industry leaders alike.

A major theme throughout the conversation is growth and momentum. With more than 135 new exhibiting companies and expanded product zones, the 2026 show reflects an industry evolving rapidly through innovation, technology and new business models.

Highlights include a dedicated newcomers’ orientation session, Small Operator Friday and a range of focused educational sessions. Special features such as Imagination Way, curated show-floor tours and the operator lounge are designed to foster both learning and meaningful connections. Pre-conference tours include Gaviña Coffee Co. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Studios.

Subscribe to Vending & OCS Nation in your favorite podcasting app so you don't miss an episode!

No time to listen? Prefer to read? Here is an edited podcast transcript:

Bob Tullio: Welcome to Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry, produced by Endeavor Business Media, a division of Endeavor B2B. On this episode, presented in cooperation with NAMA, I sat down with Kristen Griffith, senior vice president of member experience at NAMA; Eric Rochon Larson, director of education at NAMA; and Ryan Harrington, CEO and founder at Royal Refresh.

We’re talking about the NAMA Show, April 22-24, in the Los Angeles Convention Center. That’s my hometown — I’m very, very happy to see you folks bringing it to Los Angeles. But let me ask you guys a question — and this is the important question: Why is the NAMA Show a must-attend for the convenience services industry in 2026?

Kristen Griffith: So, the NAMA Show is where the NAMA community comes together, and it’s once a year. So, it’s really important that everyone is there because this is where we talk about things that are shaping the industry, and that are going to be pushing us forward into the next year.

We have over 400 companies exhibiting on the show floor, so there’s going to be tons of new products, new innovations to look at, things to taste, test, see, try, and that’s where you want to be to really connect with other operators, connect with your suppliers, with people that you’re already doing business with, and also people that you want to do business with.

Bob Tullio: Now, I understand the venue itself is pretty spectacular. Do you want to expand on that for me?

Kristen Griffith: So, you know, when people think LA, I think people picture a huge city, right? And LA is a huge city. However, where the convention center is placed in downtown LA is a very small entertainment center that has restaurants and the Grammy Museum to go to and lots of different options for people to, you know, as they’re exiting the convention center to go grab a bite to eat or connect with someone over a beer. And it’s called LA Live, and it’s just a very small part of LA.

So, NAMA is taking over LA Live. So, it’s going to feel like we are there. You’re going to be able to connect with people and see each other as you’re walking everywhere. It’s really going to feel like NAMA is taking over LA.

Bob Tullio: They’ve done so much with downtown LA. It’s really remarkable in terms of having an area like this. You know, I live in Los Angeles about half the year, and it’s a very, very vibrant area. Sounds like you folks have taken a very, very good strategy by kind of taking it over, which is great.

I understand it’s going to be well attended — 100+ first-time exhibitors. What do you think is driving all of that?

Kristen Griffith: You know, I think we’re coming off of an extremely strong show that we had in Las Vegas last year, and we’re just continuing to see a lot of upward momentum in the industry. A lot of new exhibitors — I think we’re encroaching on almost 135 new exhibitors this year. There’s a lot of new products entering [the convenience channel]. Right now, we’re at more exhibitors than we’ve ever seen in the past, which is really big for NAMA. And so, I think we’re going to see as big of a show as we had in Las Vegas and hopefully even bigger in attendance.

Bob Tullio: That’s great. And obviously, there’s a focus on self-service innovation. And we’re talking about vending, micro markets, pantry, coffee service, water systems, ice machines, so many different directions. Very, very exciting show.

I have to ask Ryan, you know, you’re an operator that is a big believer — I know you’re involved in the planning of the show. Ryan Harrington, why do you attend the NAMA Show each year?

Ryan Harrington: Well, Bob, it’s the one place each year where the entire convenience services industry shows up in one room. So, for us, it’s not just a trade show, it’s really a working session for your business. You get to see new equipment, technology, products — it’s all in one place. And it really just brings together all the different operators, suppliers, and technology partners. And it’s just great for networking and learning and bringing something back home to your business.

Bob Tullio: And you certainly have attended a lot of shows. What do you think is the biggest takeaway for an operator when they go to a show like this? Does it come from the education tracks? Does it come from the convention floor? Does it come from the networking opportunities? Where do you think it really comes from? What is it that makes this such an important and magical show for operators?

Ryan Harrington: I mean, for me, it’s all of the above. There’s really something for every segment of your business. I mean, the networking is amazing, and the stories that you get from other operators, and the ideas that you get to bring back to your own operation by talking to others that are doing the same thing you’re doing day after day.

The education is so valuable. You know, I always tell new operators that are going to the show for the first time, do not skip the education sessions. Get up early, go do it. And of course, the show floor. I mean, it’s just amazing to see. It’s so much different to see technology and products and everything in real life vs. just on paper or on a computer screen. Seeing all that innovation in person is just so much different than reading about it. And I go every year because I come home with ideas every time.

Bob Tullio: In the many, many years that I’ve gone to these shows, I’ve found that you learn a lot in the education sessions. You learn a lot on the convention floor. But sometimes, some of the great lessons are simply in the lounge, sitting around and relaxing with other operators. Have you found that kind of experience as well, Ryan?

Ryan Harrington: Yeah, absolutely. Last year, I just really loved this operator lounge that was kind of a new addition. Found myself taking a break there. And every time, I would get into a conversation with another operator that’s in there and just talking about, the day-to-day operations and what they’re doing. So many different things that I can actually use for ideas and tell stories to my team and how we can improve when I get back home.

Bob Tullio: So one of the things you hear from operators, especially maybe operators who are just starting to get established, is, “Geez, I don’t know if I can justify the expense.” You know, it’s an expense. And let’s face it, you know, it costs money to travel, to go to a convention. But why is this really a no-brainer from your standpoint, Ryan?

Ryan Harrington: It’s ROI, right? I mean, everything’s your return on investment. And yeah, I know, it does cost money, but the return that I get from bringing these ideas back is priceless. So, it’s not only the education and the ideas and the learning that I received from the show that I can take back to improve our operation. But it’s also when we’re looking for a new technology or a new product, something to improve our planograms at home, this is a place where I get everybody under one roof. I can really compare the different technology partners side by side and bring an educated guess back home that we can really roll forward with. And the history for us: it’s where we interviewed all the different micro market companies and kiosks and cooler equipment. The list goes on. We can really make a smart decision that we can bring home and utilize. And there’s just nothing else that gives you that type of comparison.

Bob Tullio: There’s no question about it. You can find one piece of technology or a couple of products that can literally pay for the show. I know it happened with my company on many occasions. And then of course, sourcing a new vendor, finding a new vendor who’s going to cut your costs dramatically, improve the quality of your products, that’s worth its weight in gold. So, I fully concur with you.

Kristen Griffith: And actually, Bob, I just want to add to the question from before, because this year, NAMA is offering airline discounts to those people flying into LA for the show. So, airline discounts through Delta, United and Southwest, and you can find that information on TheNAMAShow.org. And we also are offering shuttles this year from some of the hotels that might be a little further in distance that you can’t necessarily walk to the convention center. So those are two ways we’re just really trying to help operators save that cost and expense of attending.

Bob Tullio: We have this spectacular venue — great Expo Hall. Talk to me about the key features located inside that Expo Hall. I know we certainly are going to have Imagination Way, correct?

Kristen Griffith: Yes, we are definitely continuing Imagination Way.

Imagination Way — this is our fifth year of Imagination Way. So, it started back in 2022. You know, we really reinvented it last year to change the look and feel, being more of an experience factor as you walk into the show floor. That will be continuing this year.

I think you will again be seeing a lot of different robotics in Imagination Way. You’re going to see the Imagination Way Theater, where we’re going to have a lot of future-forward education sessions focused there. And it will be the main feature as soon as you walk in. As soon as you walk into the Expo Hall, you get to walk through Imagination Way, see some of those really key innovations that are kind of moving the industry really forward. And then you go out into the Expo Hall, and that’s where you’ll again be met with over 400 exhibitors there.

Bob Tullio: So, getting back to Imagination Way, how many participating companies are you anticipating?

Kristen Griffith: I expect we’ll have anywhere between 25 to 35 companies participating in Imagination Way this year.

Bob Tullio: Okay, good. Now, are you still setting it up the same way, where literally as the operator, you get to go through and see this advanced technology and these advanced ideas operating in different environments like college, university, hotel? What else do you have besides that? What type of environments are you offering in terms of this showcase?

Kristen Griffith: So this year, the focus for the environments is college and university, hotel, large residential, airport and travel plaza, workplace, and new this year, we’re featuring also an event and amusement area. French fry robot, automated beverage systems, and self-service tended bars.

Bob Tullio: Well, I’m looking forward to that French fry robot. You don’t have an onion ring robot yet, but maybe...

Kristen Griffith: Maybe.

Bob Tullio: Keep working on that, Kristen. I appreciate that. So that sounds very exciting. And let’s talk about the New Product Zone, because I know that’s another important feature inside the Expo Hall. Tell us a little bit about that New Product Zone.

Kristen Griffith: Sure. So new this year, we’re engaging our trade show advisory committee to really help elevate this experience. So, before the show even begins, the advisory committee will review and evaluate all of the products that are being submitted for display in the New Product Zone. And we’re going to have best-of winners across eight categories. So, we’re anticipating over 100 entries again this year for the product zone.

Bob Tullio: So there’s going to be some Best Of Awards. Well, I think that’s certainly perfectly appropriate for Los Angeles to have the Best Of Awards. So winning products will be highlighted in the New Product Zone and exhibitor booths.

Kristen Griffith: The winning products will be showcased inside of the New Product Zone. And yes, of course, they’ll be in everyone’s booth on the show floor. And so the New Product Zone, as you scan the product in there, it will lead you to where the exhibit booth is on the show floor.

Bob Tullio: That’s great. So it’s an easy way, obviously, for attendees to identify innovation. That’s on the floor. That’s pretty exciting stuff. Eric, I understand the show also includes some targeted experiences. Can you talk about those?

Eric Rochon Larson: Absolutely. So, as the biggest national trade show for convenience services, the NAMA Show’s educational agenda is built for this scope.

When planning the agenda for your team before the event, you can go online and see each session’s intended audience, described by relevant operation size, job title, industry experience, and channel of service. That said, to answer your question, Bob, there are two targeted educational opportunities I’d like to highlight.

One of them is Small Operator Friday. As the name implies, education on this day is targeted at small-operator business owners. And this includes some talks in the Expo Hall at NAMA Central, as well as a networking breakfast that’s been increasingly popular year over year. Essentially, it’s a roundtable networking breakfast for small operators of all experience levels to connect with others about pitfalls and opportunities unique to their operation size. Specifically, the discussion topics for this coming show focus on doing more with less. This includes maximizing efficiencies from existing resources, decision-making in today’s tech landscape, prioritizing resources and dealing with the unexpected. Friday, April 24, at 7:30 to 9 a.m. Small operators registered for the show will receive an invitation to the breakfast from NAMA’s events team.

Bob Tullio: And then, I understand there’s a NAMA Show newcomers’ introduction. Ryan, you’re involved in that, aren’t you?

Ryan Harrington: Yeah, I’ll be helping to lead the newcomers' introduction. It’s a great session that helps first-time attendees really understand how to navigate the show, prioritize education sessions, make the most of the Expo Hall, connecting with people and really knowing to have a plan when you do hit the show floor — and have an idea where you’re gonna go.

Bob Tullio: What do you recommend, Ryan, as an experienced operator, who’s been to a lot of shows. What do you recommend for operators in terms of a pre-planning stage relating to both education, supplier contacts, objectives. Do you have some sort of an overall plan that you recommend?

Ryan Harrington: Yeah, you know, I think NAMA has done a great job with coming up with different tracks for different-sized operators. You know, it’s one thing I really love about the NAMA Show is that it supports operators of all sizes.

So, having a plan with what your business needs are is just really important before you hit that show floor, especially if you’re new to the show, it can be a little bit overwhelming, so really having a plan, you have a limited time, use the NAMA Show app — that’s really great to plan your visits. Make appointments, set times with some of the vendors you’re hoping to meet and talk with, and really get that one-on-one time. And even, leave some time in there for networking. You don’t want to book your schedule so full that you can’t have a quick conversation with somebody.

Bob Tullio: Those appointments really are critical, especially with suppliers, are they not?

Ryan Harrington: Absolutely. I mean, if you really want to have a one-on-one conversation and get some work done, you need some appointments that you should set up ahead of time.

Bob Tullio: Now, Eric, education is key. I know you’re deeply involved in the whole education program. What should operators expect this year?

Eric Rochon Larson: Well, before I get into any of this, I’d like to take a quick moment to thank all the speakers at this coming show for volunteering their time and expertise in support of operators through education.

Operators should expect guidance they can act on right after the show’s conclusion. And there are a few educational opportunities — more than a few — that I’d like to highlight now.

One is the Essentials Track, which was introduced in the previous NAMA Show, covering information every new convenience services professional should know to operate successfully in the industry. This was the most highly attended track in last year’s show, and we’re excited to bring it back. And a few topics in that track include:

• Winning business in different location types
• A breakdown of the unique advantages of different service channels
• Ensuring processes are in place to sustainably scale your business

On a similar note, there’s something new also planned for the show on the morning of Thursday, April 23, called Path to a Million. And one of the great things about convenience services is its low barrier to entry. But you get out what you put in, which is a very fitting phrase when talking about vending. It’s more than placing a machine and filling it with product and expecting an unrealistic amount of revenue to just show up overnight. But according to some operators, that’s what new entrepreneurs are being told. NAMA is hosting this session to ensure new entrepreneurs have a realistic narrative and guidance on what a successful career in convenience services may actually require.

And on the other side of this, for more established operators: They have a lot of data at their disposal, and the Data Insights Track will cover how to make the best use of it.

Bob Tullio: Of course, education also takes place in the Expo Hall itself with the NAMA Central Stage and the Imagination Way Theater. So, you’ve got a lot going on throughout the event from an education standpoint. But, who wants to talk about the pre-conference tours? Because I know you’ve got some of that coming up, and it looks pretty good.

Eric Rochon Larson: Yes, a wise use of your time will be attending a pre-conference event on Tuesday, April 21. Specifically, Gaviña Coffee Co. has graciously opened its doors to NAMA Show attendees. Coffee experts and salespeople are invited to refine their craft and how they present their expertise and products to clients in a tour that will cover a facility walkthrough, a cupping session, a sensory and pairing experience, and some informal networking.

Continental Convenience Solutions is opening its doors in a tour exclusively for international operators, and this will overview the state-of-the-art operation in action, highlighting efficiencies and technologies you may see covered at the trade show in the context of a working operation.

Lastly, attendees have the option to enjoy a fun studio tour at Sony Pictures, which spotlights how thoughtful design and atmosphere can elevate functional spaces into memorable experiences.

And for all these, bus transportation will be provided. And if any of these events are of interest, attendees could add themselves or a teammate to a tour. Spots are still open via the show’s registration portal, with the exception of the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, because that one’s completely full now.

Bob Tullio: Fantastic. Well, I’ve been to the Gaviña roastery. That was my roaster, and it is a tour worth taking. Very, very impressive facility.

But you talk about impressive — general session looks pretty good. You have to be excited about your keynote speaker, Ron Howard, and all of the things that are happening at the general session. Can you update us on that?

Kristen Griffith: The general session this year, we will be opening with, of course, some remarks from Patrick Moran, who is NAMA’s board chair. And then it will be followed by introducing Christine Cochran, who is NAMA’s new president and CEO, to the general session stage. She will come out and do a sit-down interview, and we’ll really be able to hear some insights into Christine’s background, who she is, and where she’s going to be taking NAMA in the future. And then we will also be presenting all of our award winners. Our award winners will be announced in the first week of April.

Then, it will be followed by a sit-down interview with Ron Howard. Ron Howard was Opie on the Andy Griffith Show. He was on Happy Days and went on to become an extremely successful director with Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind. He’ll be giving us a lot of insights into his Hollywood career.

Bob Tullio: Kristen, any new features at the NAMA Show this year?

Kristen Griffith: Yes, we have a few new features at the NAMA Show this year. We’ll be continuing the operator lounge, which was new last year. That will also be on the show floor this year, for operators to take advantage of. We’ll also be introducing show floor tours. So, this was launched in response to some recommendations from the trade show advisory committee. And these tours are focused on really two hot trends in the community right now. So we’re going to be focusing one tour on smart coolers, and another tour on cold and nitro coffee. So operators will get a quick educational overview of each trend, and they’ll be guided through the Expo Hall so they can see the companies that are developing these solutions. And also new this year, we’re doing an operator installation spotlight.

So, this really recognizes operators that are pushing the boundaries of convenience services through all of their installations. So, operators were asked to submit their installations. They were then voted on and will be able to hear from the winning installation. They’ll be featured in the Imagination Way Theater.

Bob Tullio: Ryan, there’s a uniqueness to the NAMA community. What is it that makes the NAMA community special compared to some other industries, from what you’ve seen?

Ryan Harrington: You know, it’s a really tight-knit community, and I just feel like the industry is surprisingly collaborative. People are willing to share ideas and experiences from their business, and it gives you a lot that you can take home to your business and apply. There’s just a really strong sense of community. And, I just feel like everyone is focused on moving the industry forward together.

Bob Tullio: Any last bits of advice? Besides, if you’re in LA, you’ve got to have Mexican food, you’ve got to have sushi. I may have to do a podcast based on the culinary specialties of Los Angeles because I am very experienced. So, Ryan, talk to us about last bits of advice for operators and attendees.

Ryan Harrington: Well, definitely download the NAMA Show app. Plan your Expo Hall strategy ahead of time. Schedule meetings with exhibitors, pick a few key educational sessions that are must-attend for you, and definitely leave time for networking. The show goes by quickly, so having a plan really helps you get the most value out of it. Be ready to network and learn.

Bob Tullio: Thank you so much, everyone. Looking forward to the NAMA Show that’s going to take place April 22-24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. If you want to discover new products, learn from industry experts and connect with the people shaping the future of convenience services, this is where the industry comes together. To learn more and register, visit theNAMAShow.org.