New Topics Old Favorites Highlight 2016 NBVA Convention In March

PHOENIX -- The National Bulk Vendors Association has announced details of the educational program for its 66th annual convention and trade show in 2016. The NBVA events once again will be held in conjunction with Amusement Expo International, which is set for the Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center from Mar. 16 through 17.

The educational program will be held on Mar. 15 (Tuesday), the day before the exhibit opens, in Pavilion 6 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, adjacent to the convention facility.

NBVA explained that the seminars for the 2016 confab are designed to offer something for both veteran operators and industry newcomers. Matt Miller of Marz Vending (Stephenville, TX) continues in his role as seminar chairman.

Association president Judi Heston, Theisen Vending (Minneapolis), urged bulk vendors attending the 2016 Amusement Expo to make the NBVA seminars a top priority. "We've really taken it to the next level in terms of topics, presenters, and substance," she said. "I believe this is our best lineup yet."

The eventful education day will get under way at 8 a.m. with a breakfast and the first business session, "Bulk Vending 101," at which veteran operators Kevin Shambaugh, Far West Distributors (Everett, WA), and Dan Platte, D&L Vending Inc. (Farmers Branch, TX), will share their 35 years of professional experience. This will be followed at 9:15 a.m. by a presentation from Pam Owens, Capital Vending & Distribution (Florence, AL), on using technology to save time and money by quickly and accurately tracking collections and onsite expenses.

At 10:15 a.m., Ronnie Gee, RG Vending (Dover, TN), will discuss "Locating: Prospecting for More Cash," describing ways to add locations that will build a sustainable route to maximize income.

After lunch, the program will resume at 12:15 p.m. with a panel discussion of "The New Hiring System," moderated by NBVA past-president Steven Schechner, Capital Vending & Distribution. This will be followed at 1:15 p.m. by a session on digital marketing techniques that bulk vendors can use, and on navigating the treacherous seas of Internet services. Titled "The Internet is for Geeks Savvy Marketers," it will be presented by Justin Contré, ContréDesign and NerdTalk Toys (Phoenix).

Two eagerly awaited NBVA activities will conclude the business program. At 2:15 p.m., conference-goers will gather for the Most Innovative Operator competition, at which participants will describe their most successful ideas. The one voted best wins $300 on the spot. At 3 p.m., the 2016 program will come to a rousing finish at the traditional operators-only Bull Session, a moderated idea-exchange forum at which audience members will review current industry issues and discuss potential solutions.

The NBVA Member Breakfast and General Meeting will be held on Wednesday morning, Mar. 17, in Pavilion 11 at the Westgate.

Details of the National Bulk Vendors Association's 2016 convention may be found at nbva.org. Amusement Expo International is managed by William T. Glasgow Inc. (Mokena, IL). The show is owned by the Amusement and Music Operators Association and American Amusement Machine Association. The show website is amusementexpo.org.