Brussels, 4 December 2015—The first edition of the European Vending Experience, EVEX 2015, had set objectives of attracting more attendees, enabling knowledge exchange between experts, and highlighting the quality of our industry to both the public and the authorities. All these objectives were fully met at a hugely successful event held under glorious sunshine in Malaga.
EVEX, organised in collaboration with the Spanish Vending Association (ANEDA), commenced the pre-programme on 25th November with an international Press Conference explaining vending and OCS. Afterwards, participants had the opportunity to make the inaugural visit to the Wow Vending Experience, perfectly situated in the shopping area of Maria Zambrano Train Station adjacent to the Conference Hotel. This Wow experience presented all elements of the sector, with the latest machines and technologies on show, and became a magnet for shoppers and commuters alike for its entire duration.
EVEX 2015 incorporated the EVA Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on 26th November, and this year included the biannual elections for the Executive Committee.
Following the presentation of election candidates and subsequent voting, the EVA Executive Committee (EC) 2016-17 is now comprised as follows:
Representing National Associations
Gillian White – AVA (UK)
Christian Mengus – NAVSA (France)
Aris Kaschefi – BDV (Germany)
Michele Evolvi – CONFIDA (Italy)
Representing National Association Managing Directors
Raúl Rubio Fleitas – ANEDA (Spain)
Representing machine manufacturers (EVMMA)
Paolo Ghidotti – N&W
Representing Payment Systems and Vending Solutions
Jeff Allsop – CPI
Representing Ingredient Suppliers
Sergio Telesco - Lavazza
Representing Operators
Jan-Marck Vrijlandt – Selecta (International Operators)
Michael Maurer – ASM (Northern Europe)
Michal Piotrowiak – Mastercup (Eastern Europe)
Xavier Arquerons – Alliance Vending (Southern Europe)
Representing Water Solutions
Hilmar Walde – Brita Group
Representing Office Coffee Service (OCS)
Maurits de Jong, de Jong Duke
Representing Cup Suppliers
Massimo Daolio – Flo
The EVA congratulates its re-elected President, Jan-Marck Vrijlandt and all members of this new EC, and wishes them well as they set the strategic direction of the Association over the next two years.
After the conclusion of the AGM, attendees visited the WOW Experience before travelling to the famous Alhambra in Granada for a guided tour and networking in a truly unique location. Upon return to Malaga, dinner was served in the city’s Automobile Museum, where the organisers were thanked and traditional and local Spanish cuisine was served as attendees relaxed in jovial surroundings.
At the Conference on Innovations on 27th November, a couple of powerful and energetic speakers brought their views on adapting businesses for today and the next years. Enzo Baglieri, a Professor at Bocconi University (Milan), stressed the importance of providing a real experience and inspiring emotions to consumers when they use a vending machine. Alfonso Alcantara, a consultant on the reinvention of professionals, delivered an entertaining and thought-provoking presentation explaining the power of positive change.
Following the presentations, smaller discussion groups exchanging knowledge and best practice allowed participants to explain issues affecting them in their day-to-day work. As rules and legislation in one European country can often be reproduced in another market, this important session aimed to help companies prepare for potential developments. Comparing best practices between similar companies also helped equip attendees with new practical ideas that could be implemented in their own businesses.
Throughout the entire day, the VII Jornada Piensa en Vending took place. This ‘mini exhibition’ located in the corridors of the Conference Hotel showcased the latest products and developments, and many exhibitors expressed their delight at how productive it had been.
We were pleased to welcome a special guest, in the form of the Mayor of Malaga, to provide the closing remarks of EVEX 2015. He thanked all participants for highlighting our inventive and advanced industry in his own city, and would be more than happy to host EVEX again in Malaga in the future.
Of course, such a successful event could not have been held without the support of our numerous sponsors. We were delighted that the event attracted a wide range of EVA and ANEDA Members as sponsors, including as large sponsors: Nayax, SUZOHAPP, Microtronic, Ingenico, N&W, Verifone, Solan de Cabras and Intel.
A selection of Photos from EVEX 2015 is now available on the EVA Website or through the EVA Facebook Page.
We look forward to building on the success of this year’s event, and hope to announce the dates and location for EVEX 2016 soon.
About the European Vending Association
The European Vending Association (EVA) is a not-for-profit organisation established and situated in Brussels since 1994. It represents the interests of the European coffee service and vending industry vis-à-vis the European Institutions and other relevant authorities or bodies. Its membership is composed of national associations and individual companies across Europe. The EVA represents all segments of the coffee service, water dispenser and vending industry: machine and component manufacturers, suppliers of commodities (coffee, ingredients, snacks, cold drinks, cups etc.), and operators.
