(CHICAGO) May 4, 2017 – The 2017 NAMA OneShow delivered compelling, exciting and high-value business growth opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike, according to LyNae Schleyer, NAMA’s Vice President of Events.
“NAMA was thrilled to welcome 4,500 attendees and 311 exhibiting companies to Las Vegas this year,” said Schleyer. “This was OneShow’s highest exhibitor count to date, and out of the 311 exhibiting companies, 76 were first-time participants. Industry leaders, decision makers, entrepreneurs and business owners came together to Meet with Convenience, grow their businesses and advance the industry through premier education, networking and a robust show floor,” she continued.
The General Session, sponsored by PepsiCo, featured former First Lady Laura Bush, who delivered a powerful address, sharing stories from her time in the White House and her work with the George W. Bush Institute, her recent books and her work on global healthcare and education initiatives. Following her keynote address, Mrs. Bush took part in a one-on-one fireside chat with NAMA CEO Carla Balakgie.
The General Session also unveiled new branding for the OneShow, officially deeming it “The NAMA Show,” aligning it with the long-standing nickname bestowed on the event by attendees.
The annual industry awards, hosted by NAMA Chair Pat Hagerty, were a special highlight with a ceremony honoring: Industry Person of the Year, Randy Smith; Allied Member of the Year, Mandeep Arora; and Operator of the Year, Lance Whorton.
The robust 2017 education lineup resulted in some of OneShow’s highest-attended sessions, including audiences ranging from 50 to 400+ participants on Wednesday and Thursday. Key topics included micro markets, industry technology, employment law, nutrition trends, break room design, and Generation C.
The highest attended sessions included “What’s Trending in Vending, Coffee Service and Micro Markets” with more than 400 attendees, and “Optimize Your Business with a Technology Roadmap,” with more than 200 attendees. Tuesday’s four pre-conference sessions drew more than 140 attendees total – a record for pre-conference education. A selection of OneShow education presentations are available for download at www.namaoneshow.org/schedule.
Dynamic networking opportunities included Tuesday evening’s ELN “Swing into OneShow” event at Topgolf and Wednesday morning’s “Wake up, Work out and WIN” yoga session and breakfast hosted by WIN. Closing out the week was the “Friday Wrap,” featuring in-booth entertainment and drawings, attracting strong participation during the final show floor hours Friday morning.
“Building on the success and momentum of an exciting and productive week, the OneShow exhibitor community donated nearly 20,000 pounds of food to Three Square, a Nevada food bank. This donation is 2,050 pounds over the 2015 show in Las Vegas and is the equivalent of 16,500 meals. Many thanks to our exhibitors for helping those in need through their donations,” Schleyer said.
“A huge thank you to all who helped make OneShow a success. We look forward to seeing you March 21-23, 2018 in Las Vegas to Meet with Convenience at The NAMA Show,” Schleyer concluded.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1,000 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.