ACE 2026 brings buying, education and industry connections to Myrtle Beach
The Atlantic Coast Exposition returns on October 8-10, bringing vending, foodservice and office coffee service operators and suppliers together for three days of education, exhibits and networking.
ACE 2026 will be held at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Beach, S.C. The event is sponsored by the North Carolina Vending Association, South Carolina Vending Association and Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association.
This year’s event is billed as the ACE Buying Show, designed to connect operators with suppliers, new products and show-floor purchasing opportunities. Exhibitors offering show deals will be identified with ACE Show Deal flags at their booths and receive recognition in the show book, making participating suppliers easier for operators to locate.
Education focuses on legislation, costs and AI
Friday morning begins with three educational sessions before the exhibit floor opens.
The legislative update session focuses on federal and state issues. “Political Landscapes and Local Issues” runs from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Speakers include Richard Carlton representing North Carolina; Annie Wilson representing South Carolina; Jeff Smith IV representing Virginia; and Michael Hogg of NAMA.
At 10 a.m., “Navigating Cost Pressures” will bring together a panel of industry representatives to discuss strategies for managing and adapting to cost pressures. Panelists include Becky Day of Ellis Coffee, Geoff Cook of Trolley House Refreshments and Tammy Fox of Canteen. Lexi Kiser-Morris will moderate the discussion.