State of the Vending & Micro Market Industry Report
June 30, 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
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
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
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.
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