Regulation creep: 5 policy issues vending operators should watch in 2026

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Taken individually, none of the policy issues is likely to upend the vending industry overnight. Taken together, though, they can reshape the economics of…

9 self-service tech trends to watch

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

The recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show kicked off with a keynote on nine self-service trends to keep an eye on in the coming years: including…

Naloxone vending machines performing life-saving function

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

One of the fastest-growing vending applications today is in the public health space, with announcements of the deployment of naloxone-dispensing machines…

Card processing fees pose a challenge to vending machine operators

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

With card acceptance becoming a near-necessity in vending due to declining cash usage, processing fees can put meaningful pressure on already thin margins.

A look back at vending in 2025, what's ahead in 2026

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Taken together, the vending stories of 2025, and the outlook for 2026, suggest an industry that is steadily redefining its role.

EV charging stations provide a built-in customer base

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Charging stations are growing in popularity and they present a major opportunity for vending operators.

“Better for You” options fueling new vending opportunities

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Vending machines are becoming a strong channel for delivering those “better for you” food options in corporate offices, healthcare facilities, schools and…

Self-service innovators honored at ARKI Awards

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show Awards honors innovators and influencers in automated retail, kiosks and responsible self-service.

Why the convenience store industry won't support Visa/Mastercard swipe fee settlement

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

With 85% of cards today tied to rewards programs, almost all would fall under the new ‘premium consumer’ category, leaving businesses with virtually no choice…

Transforming high-traffic operations: The power of strategic self-service

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of experts at the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show Dec. 10-12 will discuss how strategically deploying smart self-service solutions can elevate…

Prescription pickup lockers offer practical solutions

As pharmacies continue to grapple with staffing shortages, expanding clinical responsibilities, and rising customer expectations, prescription pickup lockers…

Integrating AI into self-service

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Learn how AI will change self-service at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show.

How to scale a self-service rollout

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

A panel at ARKI will discuss how to complete a national self-service rollout through actionable strategies and blueprints.

How to prevent ATM, kiosk downtime

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

A webinar from Switch Always On discusses the common causes of self-service downtime and how to prevent them.

Speaker Spotlight: John Walsh, CRO, Farmer’s Fridge

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Learn how a background in international policy issues is playing into Farmer’s Fridge CRO John Walsh’s strategy skillset and decision making.

Speaker’s Spotlight: Ira Blumenthal, founder/CEO, Co-Opportunities, Automated Restaurant Solutions

Ira Blumenthal will be sharing his insight on implementing strategic self-service solutions at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show.

Speaker Spotlight: Guy Carmeli, Pasta di Guy founder/chef

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Guy Carmeli, founder and chef at Pasta di Guy, is participating in a panel talk on crafting kiosk experiences at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk…

Steven King to keynote, co-host ARKI 2025: A new era for automated retail and kiosk innovation

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Steven King of BlueSky Robotics will co-host and keynote ARKI 2025, exploring how automation and AI are redefining self-service and retail.

Experts share self-checkout challenges, advancements at upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The evolution of the self-checkout technology is the focus of a panel talk at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show taking place in December.

California Pizza Kitchen, Farmer’s Fridge team up to bring iconic salad to vending machines

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

California Pizza Kitchen’s iconic BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is debuting in nearly 2,000 Farmer’s Fridge machines, highlighting vending’s role in bringing…