Vending

Atlantic Coast Expo hosts annual Myrtle Beach gathering

Atlantic Coast Expo attendees prepare to cut the ribbon.

October 22, 2021

Convenience services operators and suppliers converged on the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the first tine since the start of the pandemic for the annual Atlantic Coast Exposition sponsored by the North Carolina Vending Association, the South Carolina Vending Association and the Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association, according to a press release.

The exhibit hall was packed and attendees from dozens of states and Canada took part in this convention that is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast.

Education sessions included a legislative update by Mike Goscinski, senior director of external affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association, and a technology presentation by three industry experts: Melissa Brown of Well Bean Coffee Roasters; Ravi Venkatesan of Cantaloupe; and Jim Versical of 365 Retail Markets.

Chris Harrison, Canteen, received the NCVA Vendor of the Year Award.

Waine Ratliff of Burdette Beckmann product brokers received the NCVA Supplier of the Year Award.

Geoff Cook, Trolley House Refreshments, received the VAMA Vendor of the Year Award.

Lara Smith, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, received the VAMA Supplier of the Year Award.

Patrick Shaw of Dynamite Roasters received a plaque to honor his year-long commitment as the 2021 ACE planning committee chair.

JoDee Jolley, recently retired from Canteen, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Exposition.