NAMA Unveils New Events At This Weeks Vending OneShow A-List Speakers Highlight Business Program

PHOTO:Jay Leno, Julie Seitz and Howell Wechsler will be under this week's OneShow spotlight.

LAS VEGAS -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association reports that two more attractive events are slated to make their debut at the 2015 OneShow convention and exposition. The annual confab is set for the Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center from April 22 through 24.

For the first time, the final day of the show will be enlivened by a series of activities in the exhibit area. Called the Friday Wrap, it's a format that enables exhibitors to conduct prize raffles, offer in-booth giveaways and provide entertainment. "It's a great way for operators to connect with exhibitors they might have missed an opportunity for exhibitors to drive new traffic to their booths, all in a fun, exciting atmosphere," NAMA observed.

Further adding value to OneShow attendance will be the Thursday Networking Reception.

"Before heading out for the evening, operators and exhibitors will be able to add yet another hour of quality networking to the over 40 hours of networking potential," the association explained. The new exhibitor-sponsored event will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 23.

The Friday Wrap and the Thursday Reception are the latest additions to what NAMA is designing as "an incredible show floor "expeerience."

The exhibits will officially open with a first-ever Mascot Parade on April 22, following an entertaining opening general session with headline keynoter Jay Leno.

The King of Late Night will start at 1:15 p.m. at the session, which will also include NAMA's annual industry awards presentation and remarks by president and chief executive Carla Balakgie and board chairman Pete Tullio of World Wide Vending (Van Nuys, CA).

"Mr. Leno's winning sense of humor is a guaranteed treat, something I know attendees will really connect with and enjoy," said NAMA vice-president of events LyNae Schleyer. "We strive to ensure the OneShow delivers a memorable experience each and every year."

Julie Seitz, director of the Workplace 2020 initiative for the Coca-Cola Co., will keynote the association's annual membership meeting at this year's OneShow NAMA's annual meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. on April 23.

Seitz is an 18-year Coca-Cola veteran who has led complex, large-scale businesses and initiatives. Among the latest of these is Workplace 2020, an ambitious mission to reimagine and revitalize Coke's Atlanta headquarters campus and define the future of the company's global work environment. The vision, NAMA reported, "is a uniquely 'Coca-Cola' workplace that is connected and productive, one that inspires collaboration, creativity, innovation, optimism and action."

The keynoter will offer suggestions for using an operating company's workplace for competitive advantage, particularly by attracting and retaining a growing "millennial" workforce. Vending operators also can leverage the engaging visual ideas, experiences and trends Seitz will present to educate their clients on the ways in which vending and other refreshment services fit into today's evolving workplace, the association added.

Howell Wechsler, chief executive of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, will also be a featured speaker at NAMA's general session. The alliance, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, works with schools, businesses, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to build healthier environments for children.

Prior to taking on the role of Alliance chief in 2013, Wechsler spent 18 years at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joining as a health scientist in 1995. He was the lead author of CDC's "Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating," and also led the development of the "School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide."

"Our goals are aligned: we are trying to be part of the nutrition solution," said NAMA chief Carla Balakgie. "As a health scientist and national expert on childhood obesity, Dr. Wechsler's key message, 'The Power of Partnership,' is particularly relevant as we as an industry continue to meet the changing needs of the millions of Americans our members serve every day."

NAMA is expecting a turnout of more than 4,500 vending and refreshment services operators and suppliers and 250 exhibitors at this year's OneShow.