Vending

Don't forget: ARKI Awards nomination deadline is Sept. 4

Image courtesy Connect Media

August 25, 2026

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Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards. The Sept. 4 deadline is approaching for companies seeking recognition for innovations across the automated retail, kiosk, vending and self-service industries.

The ARKI Awards recognize achievements in areas including artificial intelligence, payment technology, digital signage, robotics, smart vending, micromarkets, accessibility, sustainability, customer experience and industry leadership. Manufacturers, operators, software developers, systems integrators, suppliers and end users can nominate products and deployments that have demonstrated measurable business impact during the past year.

An independent panel of industry experts will evaluate the entries and select up to 10 winners. One recipient will also be named Innovator of the Year during the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show, scheduled for Dec. 14-16 in Miami Beach, Florida. Winners will be announced during the week of Oct. 19 and receive recognition across Connect Retail Technology publications and social media channels, along with a complimentary pass to the awards presentation.

Companies considering entering should act soon: Nominations close Sept. 4, and organizers have waived the usual $200 nomination fee for this year's submissions.

Submit your nomination here.