Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) announces keynote speakers

The Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) is hosting its 18th annual conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on June 18-20, 2024.

This year’s conference theme is “Every Day Is Gameday” with a focus on winning principles in business and beyond.

The convention will begin with an inspiring conversation with Hall of Fame college football coach Mark Richt. He will share his experience and stories of building winning teams at Georgia, Miami, and Florida State.

SEVA will close the next day with a message from one of the greatest athletes of the 1990s, Charlie Ward. He was a two-sport star athlete at Florida State winning the Heisman Trophy, a football national championship, deep runs in the NCAA tournament, and an 11-year NBA career. Ward will deliver a motivating keynote about his keys to success on and off the playing surface.

"Our lineup for this year’s convention is unbelievable,” C. J. Recher, SEVA chairman, said in the announcement. “We’re filling up fast with news spreading of the event. We are blessed to have two all-star keynote speakers plus some of the industry’s top leaders from across the Southeast on panels discussing leadership and winning in business today. Beyond all that, we have expanded the networking opportunities for operators and suppliers to connect. We have a sports-themed tailgate party in the evening plus an Olympics-themed state association competition.”

Registration is open to convenience services industry operators and suppliers that conduct or are interested in conducting business in the states that comprise SEVA. To register or learn more about the conference, visit https://southeastvending.org/convention.

ABOUT SEVA

The Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) is a regional trade association for the convenience services industry comprised of seven state trade association members including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. SEVA provides member operating companies and their supplier partners a means to facilitate networking, education, and advocacy for their collective interests. Convenience services includes micro markets, traditional vending machines, office coffee, tea, water, pantry, full-service dining, catering, and other services.

SEVA was founded in 1981 as the Vending Machine Association of the Gulf South (VMAGS) by the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In 2003, the association rebranded to Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) after doubling in size adding Florida, Georgia, Tennessee. In 2019, Arkansas joined the association.