Day 1 of the NAMA Show focuses on fun, practical takeaways and innovation

    May 8, 2025
    The first day of 2025 NAMA Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 7-9, included a packed lineup of presentations, awards presentations to key NAMA contributors, an amazement-inducing keynote by mentalist Oz Pearlman and a crowded and inspiring expo hall.
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    The first day of 2025 NAMA Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 7-9, included a packed lineup of presentations, awards presentations to key NAMA contributors, an amazement-inducing keynote by mentalist Oz Pearlman and a crowded and inspiring expo hall.

    The event kicked off with a slate of presentations early Tuesday morning.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    sessions

    During the general session, outgoing NAMA President Carla Balakgie was honored by the NAMA board. Balakgie will continue working as a consultant, she noted, but her first focus will be volunteer advocacy work for a long-time passion, the Jane Austen Literary Foundation. NAMA has donated in Balakgie’s name in appreciation for her long-time service to the association.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    Carla Balakgie, outgoing NAMA president, is recognized by the board for her 14 years of service.
    Carla Balakgie, outgoing NAMA president, is recognized by the board for her 14 years of service.

    Also during the general session, mentalist Oz Pearlman amazed the audience with his mind-reading performance. During his presentation, Pearlman emphasized that he reads people and not minds, but his perfect recall of otherwise unknowable facts suggests otherwise.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    Oz Pearlman amazes the NAMA attendees.
    Oz Pearlman amazes the NAMA attendees.

    In addition, NAMA recognized key contributors and presented its “of the year” awards throughout the day.

    Mark Stein, the now-retired former president of Mark Vend Co., will be recognized as the NAMA Industry Person of the Year. During his acceptance speech, Stein acknowledged the contributions of his family, particularly his brother, in the success of Mark Vend.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    Mark Stein is joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,
    Mark Stein is joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,

    The Pepi Companies was awarded the Operator of the Year Award from NAMA. Company leaders David Pemberton, Donnie Pemberton and Shaun Morris accepted the award in Las Vegas. Speaking on behalf of Papi, David Pemberton credited their families and shared his perspective on the essential role that service plays.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    David Pemberton, Donnie Pemberton and Shaun Morris of the Papi Company are joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,
    David Pemberton, Donnie Pemberton and Shaun Morris of the Papi Company are joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,
    Neil Swindale was recognized as the Allied Member of the Year Award. Swindale founded and led VendCentral Inc., prior to its acquisition by Cantaloupe Inc., earlier this year. Swindale thanked key VendCentral colleagues and credited his success to his support and the lessons he learned as a child surfing and playing rugby.
    National Automatic Merchandising Association
    Neil Swindale, center, is joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,
    Neil Swindale, center, is joined by Tom Steuber and Carla Balakgie,

    On the show floor, attendees packed to see innovative technologies and the latest from long-time suppliers.

    National Automatic Merchandising Association
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    The NAMA Show runs through Friday, May 9, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
    About the Author

    Linda Becker | Editor-in-Chief

    Linda Becker is editor-in-chief of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. She has more than 20 years of experience in B2B publishing, writing, editing and producing content for magazines, websites, webinars, podcasts, newsletters and eBooks, primarily for manufacturing and process engineering audiences. Since joining Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, Linda has developed a new appreciation for the convenience services industry and the essential role it plays. She is dedicated to serving readers by covering the latest news in the vending, office coffee service and micro market industry. She can be reached at 262-203-9924 or [email protected].

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