WEBINAR

State of the Vending & Micro Market Industry Report

The convenience services industry is entering a new era as smart markets, evolving consumer expectations and economic pressures reshape vending and unattended retail. Join Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com for an inside look at the trends, technologies and operator strategies defining success in 2026 and beyond.
July 14, 2026
7:00 PM UTC
1 hour

July 14, 2026

3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM GMT

Duration: 1 hour

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Summary

The convenience services industry is evolving rapidly. Technology, tariffs, economic pressures, workplace policy changes and shifting consumer expectations are reshaping vending, micro markets and unattended retail faster than ever before. According to the latest Automatic Merchandiser State of the Vending & Micro Market Industry Report, operators are adapting to a business environment that is more dynamic and more competitive than at any time in recent memory.

One of the biggest developments impacting the industry is the emergence of smart markets. Will smart markets significantly disrupt traditional vending? Is there still a place for vending moving forward? Will micro markets continue their explosive growth? This webinar will explore how operators are responding to these changes and where the greatest opportunities exist moving forward.

Based on extensive operator survey data covering a 12-month period ending March 31, 2026, this webinar from Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com will examine key benchmarks, emerging trends and the strategies successful operators are using to grow their businesses and remain competitive.

Attendees will gain valuable insight into:

* The evolving role of vending in convenience services

* The impact and growth potential of smart markets

* Technology investments operators are embracing

* Pricing pressures and customer expectations

* The growing importance of fresh food and frozen offerings

* Consumer demand for healthier, niche and indulgent products

* Sustainability and locally sourced product trends

* Market shrink, subsidies and minimum revenue guarantees

* OCS integration within micro markets

* Competing with outside foodservice providers

* Expansion opportunities beyond the traditional workplace

Whether you operate vending, micro markets, OCS, pantry service or other unattended retail solutions, this webinar will provide actionable insights and forward-looking industry intelligence that can help position your business for success in 2026 and beyond.

Be sure to join us.

Speakers

Sam Hagan

Sam Hagan

Business Development and Operations

Quality Vending & Coffee Co.

Sam Hagan joined the convenience services industry in 2017 and currently leads business development and operations for Quality Vending & Coffee Co., a family-owned breakroom solutions provider serving the Kansas City market. He serves on the Steering Committee for NAMA's Emerging Leader Network, helping to support and develop the next generation of industry professionals. Sam has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 award recipient twice for his leadership, innovation, and contributions to the convenience services industry. 

Kevin Brinton

Kevin Brinton

Vice President of Operations

Evergreen Refreshments

Kevin Brinton is the Vice President of Operations for Evergreen Refreshments, based out of the company’s Corporate Office in Renton, Washington. In his role, Kevin oversees four distinct distribution centers—Seattle, Olympia, Portland, and Spokane—and leads the supporting functions across the broader BBV organization, including procurement, product management, and data analytics infrastructure.

 Beyond Evergreen Refreshments, Kevin actively contributes to the operation of the broader family of companies and investments as the organization transitions to its next generation of leadership. 

Kevin is a graduate of Anderson University in South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Finance and Data Analytics while competing as a pitcher on the university’s baseball team. He currently resides in Kirkland, Washington.

 Outside of work, Kevin is an outdoor enthusiast. He recently completed his first Half Ironman (70.3) in Orlando, Florida, and plans to compete in another 70.3 in Victoria, Canada in June, followed by a full Ironman in October. He also enjoys travel, skiing (both snow and water), and spending as much time outside as possible.

Bridger Keally

Bridger Keally

Sales Director

Panoptyc

As Sales Director at Panoptyc, Bridger Keally is on a mission to eliminate the operational stress caused by retail theft and outdated surveillance. By focusing deeply on the specific pain points of store operators, Bridger has helped expand Panoptyc’s footprint to more than 20,000 locations across North America. He specializes in deploying seamless camera and data solutions that empower retailers to combat shrink and labor gaps through smarter technology.

Tony Danna

Tony Danna

VP of SMB & New Logo Sales

365 Retail Markets

Tony began his career in 2015 as VP of Operations at Three Square Market, where he played a pivotal role in scaling core operations. In 2017, he relocated to the UK as the company’s first international employee, successfully establishing and leading Three Square Market’s global business from the ground up. By 2022, he had advanced to President of Three Square Market, overseeing all operations across the United States, Canada, and International markets.

In December 2023, Three Square Market was acquired by Cantaloupe Inc. Tony transitioned into VP of SMB Sales, where he has been responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of 35,000 customers. He specializes in expanding client relationships from single vending machines into comprehensive micro market and Smart Store solutions. Following Cantaloupe’s acquisition by 365 Retail Markets in May 2026, he assumed the role of VP of SMB & New Logo Sales while also overseeing the Residential and Hospitality divisions.

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