The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has announced the seminars for the Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) Convention at the Sandestin Resort in Destin, Fla., Aug. 8 to 10, 2012.
Thursday, Aug. 9 will kick off with a session presented by Carla Balakgie, NAMA President and CEO, and Sheree Edwards, NAMA regional legislative director. At 10:15 a.m. NASCAR legend Kyle Petty will speak, followed by a meet and greet session.
Friday, Aug. 10 will begin with “Trends in Vending Technology”, presented by Dr. Michael Kasavana, NAMA Endowed Professor at the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, author, and industry technology specialist. Following Kasavana, “The Ultimate Coffee Talk” will include panelists Howard Chapman of Royal Cup Coffee Co., Birmingham, Ala.; Vic Pemberton of Pepi Foods, Dothan, Ala.; Craig Nelson of US Roasterie; and Mickal McMath of M & M Sales/Moore Haus Coffee, Lafayette, La. This session will be moderated by industry veteran Geoff Paul of Excelso Coffee Co.
The SEVA education program will wrap up with “Micromarkets – The New Vending Revolution.” During this panel discussion, a selection of industry operators will share their experiences in implementing these self-serve kiosks in their daily businesses. Panelists include Donnie Pemberton of Pepi Foods, Marc Whitener of Refreshment Solutions, Norco, La.; Scott Plaisted of Southern Refreshment Services, Tucker, Ga.; Mike Laurer of Aramark Corp., Philadelphia, Pa.; and Bob Holmes of Refreshments, Inc., Corinth, Miss.
For more information on the convention, go to www.vending.org/seva.
Editor’s Insight: The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) notes that registration for this year’s Southeastern Vending Association convention is 20 percent ahead of last year at this time, which is a good sign. No doubt, the education seminars on vending technology and micro markets are drawing vending operators.
NAMA has also done a good job developing its coffee education programs, which is every bit as important as vending technology, given the continued strength of the U.S. coffee industry.
Vending and refreshment service operators who have not yet decided to attend the SEVA convention should recognize they don’t want to get left behind their fellow operators. Products and technology are continually changing, and to succeed in today’s market, operators need to take advantage of education opportunities. 07-24-12 By Elliot Maras