NAMA event showcases opportunities in vending
The show, held in April, highlighted trends and innovations in the convenience market.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association welcomed more than 5,000 operators, suppliers, and industry professionals to The NAMA Show 2026, held April 22-24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With more than 400 exhibitors (including 140 new exhibitors) and more than 5,000 attendees, the event reportedly reflected both the scale of today’s convenience services market and the growing range of companies investing in where it goes next.
“Convenience today is showing up in more places, in more formats, and with higher expectations from consumers,” says Christine Chochran, president and CEO of NAMA. “What I saw was a category expanding to meet that demand, with new ideas, new entrants, and a broader view of where growth can come from.”
The event opened with a general session that included a conversation with Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard and recognition of NAMA’s 2026 Industry Award winners. Howard’s remarks focused on creativity, leadership, and the value of embracing new ideas, setting the tone for a show centered on innovation and consumer-focused connection.
“The NAMA Show has always been about relationships and momentum, and Los Angeles delivered both,” says Kristen Griffith, SVP of member experience at NAMA. “It was a strong setting for introducing new companies to the market and for showing why this event continues to grow.”
The NAMA Show 2026 featured more than 100 thought leaders through more than 70 educational sessions across five tracks, giving attendees access to conversations on operations, emerging trends, business strategy, and the ideas shaping the future of convenience services. The education program complemented the activity on the expo floor, where exhibitors and attendees were able to move from discussion to demonstration.
Imagination Way added another dimension to that experience by giving attendees the chance to explore immersive exhibits built around emerging technologies and new service models. From automated foodservice concepts to robotic retail applications and novel delivery systems, the feature helped attendees explore ideas they can apply in their own businesses.
The NAMA Show 2026 also underscored the event’s role as a place to learn, connect, and discover new solutions. In addition to education and networking opportunities, the show drew fresh interest from across the market, with 30% of attendees participating for the first time.
Looking ahead, The NAMA Show will return to New Orleans in 2027, giving the industry a next destination to gather, showcase innovation, and build on this year’s success.
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