National Bulk Vendors Association Plans Topical Educational Agenda For 2016 Amusement Expo

LAS VEGAS -- The National Bulk Vendors Association reports that planning is under way for its 66th annual convention and trade show. Scheduled for Mar. 15 through 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event again is collocated with Amusement Expo International, which is jointly sponsored by the Amusement and Music Operators Association, the American Amusement Machine Association and the Laser Tag Museum.

Buoyed by steady growth of Amusement Expo in recent years, the event's administrators again will dedicate a full day to education. The sponsoring organizations are developing industry-specific seminar tracks for presentation on Tuesday, Mar. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NBVA has already published a tentative agenda for its educational program. And Matt Miller of Marz Vending (Stephenville, TX), who chaired what is widely hailed as a successful seminar lineup this year, is returning as seminar chairman for the 2016 NBVA event. Speakers and meeting room assignments will be announced as plans firm up.

Topics to be explored include hiring, with specific information on proven techniques for attracting good candidates and determining which ones are right for the position Locating also will be examined, with discussion of what works and what doesn't, the pros and cons of prospecting by telephone and/or in person and how much to pay a locator. Methods for studying day-to-day operations with an eye to identifying what's important for the company's success and developing the appropriate processes.

Also under the microscope will be the question of expanding a bulk operation's equipment base, with specific reference to prize cranes and merchandisers, along with consideration of what else works. Of particular interest to operators planning to expand will be a workshop on accounting and bookkeeping; it will be tailored to the distinctive needs of the cash-based bulk vending business.

Back by popular demand will be the "bull session" vending discussion, an open forum whose skilled moderator keeps the discussion on track. Also making a return appearance will be NBVA's "Most Innovative Operator" competition, in which bulk vendors describe novel strategies that have paid off for them. The audience chooses the winner by secret ballot, and a $300 prize is awarded. This year's No. 1 innovation is Prize Zone from Vendomatic. | SEE STORY

The collocated exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Mar. 25 and 26. Additional information may be requested from NBVA by calling (888) 628-2872 or visiting nbva.org.

Amusement Expo is managed by William T. Glasgow Inc. (Mokena, IL). The 2017 event will be held in Texas, where the Sheraton Dallas Hotel will host.

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