2025 NAMA Fly-In: Advocacy in Action for the Convenience Services Industry

The 2025 NAMA Fly-In & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. proved once again why it’s one of the most important events in the convenience services industry. Operators and suppliers from across the country came together for two impactful days of advocacy, education, and face-to-face engagement with members of Congress and their staff. As the industry continues to evolve, this event served as a powerful reminder that our collective voice can — and does — make a difference.

Key Legislative Priorities This Year

This year, NAMA members rallied around three central issues:

• Preserving Key Tax Provisions – Advocates pushed for the extension of critical provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including bonus depreciation, estate tax exemptions, and marginal tax rates. These elements are essential for small and mid-sized businesses looking to reinvest in their operations and support job growth as well as help with passing the family business on to future generations.
• Expanding SNAP Access to Convenience Operators – Participants emphasized the role our industry can play in combating food insecurity, particularly in underserved areas. A major focus was simplifying the process for operators and technology providers to become SNAP-approved, reducing administrative burdens and making participation more accessible.
• Stabilizing Tariff Policy – With global supply chains still under pressure, NAMA members highlighted the importance of balanced trade policies that preserve access to key imports like coffee beans and speciality coffee equipment and help manage consumer pricing amid tariff volatility.

California Delegation Makes an Impact

Among the many engaged groups, the California delegation stood out for its strong presence and unified message. Representing a cross-section of the state’s operators, the team included Neil Swindale, Tara Fore, Tom Steuber, and Shahan Ohanessian. Together, they brought valuable insights from one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the country and met with lawmakers to ensure California’s unique challenges and contributions to the industry were well represented. Their energy and professionalism reflected the best of what grassroots advocacy can accomplish — and in two of their meetings, the actual Senators attended in person.

Voices from the Industry

The Fly-In was also a deeply personal experience for many attendees who brought family members to share in the event.

“It’s amazing what NAMA is doing for our industry. When we walk into a room and talk directly to legislators, they start to understand our challenges — and that creates real potential for change.”

— Daniel Stanley, Castles Technology

“I find the NAMA Fly-in to be an invigorating and rewarding experience. It offers a valuable opportunity to bring the issues that matter most to our industry directly to government leaders and to actively participate in our representative democracy—something I appreciate and never take for granted. Another aspect of the conference I enjoy is the networking. Connecting with other suppliers and operators during unstructured time creates valuable learning opportunities and helps build meaningful relationships.”

— Chris Mumford, Mumford Group

Building the Future Together

Beyond the meetings on the Hill, the Fly-In created powerful moments of connection — between generations, among competitors turned collaborators, and across state lines. Whether it was operators bringing their children to witness democracy in action or first-time attendees learning the ropes from seasoned advocates, the spirit of shared purpose was unmistakable.

Don’t Miss This Must-Attend NAMA Event

If you’re in the convenience services industry, the NAMA Fly-In should be on your calendar every year. It’s more than just a networking event — it’s where your voice can help shape the future of our business. As the 2025 Fly-In showed, when we show up together, we make an impact. And next year, bring the kids! It’s a powerful way to show them what standing up for something looks like.