As a veteran of the convenience services industry, I’ve noticed a common theme among former colleagues and peers – the unmatched ability to adapt to changing circumstances, technology and consumer preferences.
In my current role as director of education and training with the National Automatic Merchandising Association, my outlook is no different. Each day brings a new challenge and let’s face it — “business as usual” is no longer in our vocabulary.
As we developed the education program for The NAMA Show and Coffee Tea & Water – Together in 2021, we were charged with pairing the historical excellence of Coffee Tea & Water education with the one-of-a-kind trade show floor of The NAMA Show – a convergence that is happening for the first time.
But that’s not the only first – never have we been on the heels of a pandemic. We too had to adapt, shifting our approach to insights that will help the industry thrive during arguably one of the most rapidly changing marketplaces of our time.
Just last week, we announced the curated lineup of speakers and topics that will enable attendees from all segments of the convenience services industry to uncover new trends, explore innovation and get insights that support the pursuit of serving consumers and communities. The lineup, made up by five tracks, is built to inspire and provide actionable takeaways that will move the industry into the future.
As more people return to the workplace, leaving the comfort of their sweatpants and last night’s leftovers behind, sessions like Increasing Profitability Through Premiumization of Coffee Services will reveal how office coffee services can create a customer experience built around personalized hybrid work models.
Another session I’m looking forward to is The Foodie Revolution, which will explore consumer enthusiasm for Instagram-worthy foods and how convenience services can position itself to capture that audience. I never thought I’d see the day where it’s socially acceptable to snap a picture of a snack before you dive in, but here we are, and that’s a mind I’d like to read.
Just as these sessions will address timely trends, our entire expert-driven lineup was built to deliver an education experience that caters to the challenges, opportunities and future of convenience services.
From now until June 17, those interested in getting access to the full education program and trade show floor for The NAMA Show and Coffee Tea & Water can take advantage of early-bird pricing for registration.
