Can You Feel It?

Plans are well underway for our third annual NAMA OneShow – held for the first time in sunny Las Vegas – there's an air of change that's blowing through our association, one that brings with it excitement, energy and renewed enthusiasm for vending, coffee service and foodservice.

In the past, many in our industry would say change moved like a snail. Not anymore! From addressing changes in legislative regulations to new technology and equipment to the results of our new Industry Growth Strategy – and even a new President and CEO, NAMA is growing and evolving with sparks-a-flying everywhere!

It seems incomprehensible that anyone doing business in our industry would want to miss the OneShow. Attendance grows every year, with 11.3% growth last year alone. (That's better than the performance of the Consumer Electronics Show, the tradeshow industry's largest, which saw only a 10% increase in attendance last year!)

But forget for a minute the quantity of people attending the OneShow and think about the quality of people who will be there. You simply cannot find a better group of smart, motivated and committed buyers and sellers under one roof anywhere, anytime.

This year's OneShow will offer plenty to see and do. The education line-up is chock-full of both perennial favorites and some exciting brand new sessions. Our new President and CEO, Carla Balakgie, will formally address the association for the first time. A special NAMA-only performance of the world-renowned Blue Man Group will kick things off on Wednesday with a bang like you've never heard before!

And then there's the exciting sights and sounds of Vegas. Step outside The Venetian/Sands Expo and you've got at your feet some of the finest dining, nightlife, shopping and entertainment the world has to offer. All at prices that can accommodate any member's budget.

We've got other surprises up the OneShow's proverbial sleeve, but those will be announced as we get closer to April. For now, take advantage of the Early Bird Member Registration rates on our website, www.NAMAOneShow.org, and encourage others in the industry to do the same!

We must truly embrace an "Each One Teach One" mentality and realize that we are responsible for our industry's growth, development and ultimate success. And the OneShow is an important step we can take to ensure that we all are moving toward that continuous and irreversible success.