ACE 2015 Oktoberfest – Operator Attendance Up For Fifth Year In A Row

    Nov. 16, 2015

    Source Atlantic Coast Exposition

    ACE
    Ace 564a1022dd9e2

    MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation was the chosen venue for the 61st edition of the Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) where operators and suppliers from all across the US gathered to see and show new products, equipment and take part in educational sessions.  The theme:  “ACE 2015 Oktoberfest” was evident all around the show.  The exhibit hall SOLD OUT nearly four months prior to the show and planners added Phases 2, 3, 4 and 5 to accommodate the growing demand.  Participants from 20 states and Canada took part in this three-day convention that is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast.  For the FIFTH year in a row, ACE attendance grew!  ACE attendance has grown each year since 2011 and 2015 is no exception.  More Operators attended ACE 2015 Oktoberfest and Booth sales grew 10% over last year! 

    On Thursday, meetings were held by two of the state vending associations that partner in ACE:  NCVA (NC Vending Association) and VAMA (Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association).   This year an optional session on MicroMarkets was offered on Thursday which filled the room a day before the trade show opened.  There were three educational sessions on Friday that were part of the show fee.  Sessions were:  OCS Forum led by Jonathan Childress:  “Coffee, Tea & Beverage Services:  Building Your Ticket”, a Facilities Control Session:  “The Culture of Controls:  Training, Technology, Tools & Tactics Today, Tomorrow & Beyond Loss Prevention – A Bottom Line Revolution” by Mark Manney, and a Technology Forum:  “SKY – It’s a Whole New World” led by Randy Smith of Lightspeed. 

    An additional session on Friday offered an intense customer service training class with third-time ACE speaker, Denise Ryan of FireStar Speaking. Other events that offer networking opportunities include a “Pepsi 2015 Oktoberfest Party” (co-sponsored by Vendors Supply)) with special entertainment by Boogie Bodies.  Saturday was the “ACE Corn Hole Pool Party” sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated and co-sponsored by Mondelez and Strategic Partners.    The Oktoberfest Beer Garden sponsored by PayRange and Van Products added interest to the event.

    The Saturday All-Star breakfast (sponsored by Vistar; Co-sponsored by CRANE and Brokers Unlimited) gave us a Keynote by Chad Henderson, head brewmaster for NoDa Brewing Company who spoke to the packed house about how he took his dream to reality in his “TEDtoberfest” presentation.  Beforehand, awards were given to the following:  NCVA Vendor of the Year:  Allen Hester, Canteen Vending; NCVA Supplier of the Year:  Rob Shumake, G&J Sales and Marketing; VAMA Vendor of the Year:  Karen Harlow, Canteen Vending; and VAMA Supplier of the Year:  Lou Pace, Quality Brokerage.  A plaque presented to Scott Denhard of Canteen Vending was given to honor his year-long commitment and valued leadership as the 2015 ACE Planning Committee Chair.  The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Zed Bradley of Piedmont Vending Services.  First Place Booth awards were given to companies in two different categories that embraced the festive Oktoberfest show theme.  Prizes went to:  Single Booth – Miami Bay Beverages/Trimino:  Mega-Booth – Pepsi Bottling Ventures and PepsiCo Food Service.  In addition, the committee presented plaques to the highest corporate sponsor Diamond level whose generous contributions make ACE 2015 Oktoberfest a success.  Thank you to ACE Diamond sponsors:  Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, PepsiCo Food Service, and Vistar. Photos can be seen on the website.

    ACE is an industry-only event and registration is open to anyone in the vending, office coffee or food service business, including those involved in contract food service in schools, colleges and hospitals.  Additional information is available from the ACE office:  Visit www.atlanticcoastexpo.com, email [email protected], or call

    919-387-1221. The ACE Planning Committee began planning ACE 2016 event on the Sunday following the show’s closing. Next year’s dates are October 13-15 at Kingston Plantation.