It’s time once again to prepare for the annual NAMA OneShow. From its record breaking exhibitor numbers to three days of educational sessions, the 2017 event promises more “must-see” opportunities than ever.
Destinations on the show floor
New this year will be a pavilion area called VENDTHIS! It will showcase nontraditional vending items from products to equipment. “We hope it’s a place that drives ideas and thoughts around what could be offered,” said LyNae Schleyer, vice president of events at NAMA. There won’t be booths, but representatives from the companies exhibiting in that area will be present to talk about what they offer and how it can be profitable in vending.
Another new pavilion on the show floor will highlight the NAMA healthy vending program FitPick, set off with signage and the program’s distinctive orange and green. The special focus on FitPick will bring better-for-you and nutritional products together making shopping easier. “This is by no means the only place to find healthy items on the show floor, but it will have that special focus,” said Schleyer.
The office coffee service/refreshments pavilion will again be represented on the show floor. “It’s always a feature that draws attendees to see the latest products and brewers that support the OCS channel,” said Schleyer. Even at booths of well-known brands, ask what’s new,” suggested Schleyer, “because there is always something new at the OneShow.” With 300+ exhibitors already booked for the 2017 space, there will be plenty of opportunity to do just that.
Destinations to enhance learning
NAMA opens 2017 with four educational sessions on Tuesday. All scheduled prior to the OneShow opening, the advanced seminars really hit on the different business lines in the industry. The topics includes a micro market session, coffee 101, convenience services 101 and fanatical prospecting or sales team training. “Most of our members are operating under multiple channels: vending, micro markets, coffee service, convenience services, food service, etc. This really brings them all together,” finished Schleyer.
Wednesday and Thursday also carry educational sessions. Dr. Michael Kasavana is back again in 2017 with an expert panel on What’s Trending in Vending, Micro Markets and Coffee Service plus Optimize Your Business with a Technology Roadmap. Find out how politics will affect your business with a Thursday morning presentation by NAMA Knowledge Source Partner Heather Bailey called New President, New Cabinet, New Employment Laws: How Does This Impact Your Workplace?
Mixed in with the on-point segment specific topics will be a number of general business education sessions as well. “We had so much to offer and so much we wanted to offer, that we have expanded our education lineup to Thursday morning providing three days of training opportunities,” explained Schleyer.
Destinations for networking
Las Vegas always produces the largest turnout for the OneShow in terms of attendees, indicated Schleyer. “I think it not only lends itself ideally for a trade show, but is a great place for networking and events,” she said. The OneShow being at the Venetian is convenient to many venues along the strip for after hour meetings and hosting special events to thank customers. “There is a lot to do,” said Schleyer, so she reminds attendees to carve out a block of time for walking the show floor, engaging with exhibitors to find out what is new and purposeful networking. “Don’t overbook yourself,” she said. “That is the one unfortunate circumstance I see happen with many trade show attendees,” she added.
If the idea of walking the 300+ booth show floor is a bit overwhelming, use the NAMA OneShow app and on-site show guide to zero in on the products and services that are of the most interest. “I encourage attendees to create target destinations [using the app and show guide]. It will make their time at the show more productive,” Schleyer concluded.
NAMA plans to make this event a showcase for the “Bringing convenience to life” message it revealed with a new logo and website in 2016. The marketing approach and show literature will expand on this idea, bringing all the segments of the industry under one umbrella. All in all, the eighth NAMA OneShow promises to blast new records and is a welcome sign of the industry’s growth.
