NAMA’s CTW Show Makes a Big Splash

Last week the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) welcomed nearly 900 operators and industry professionals for the 2022 Coffee Tea & Water Show at MGM Grand in Las Vegas (November 14-15). After a combined event with The NAMA Show in 2021, CTW was back on its own as the premier industry event solely focused on coffee tea and water, pantry and amenity products and services. From new additions such as Imagination Way™ and the H2O Zone, to the expo hall, education and networking events, CTW 2022 delivered an experience that was jam-packed with hands-on interactions and real-life innovations that are driving the future of workplace and public-facing convenience services.

Final attendance for the show nearly reached pre-pandemic levels and operator participation showed strong growth this year, with close to 40% more operator companies and 20% more operator individuals participating since 2019.

“Coffee Tea & Water was a fusion of everything our members have come to love about the event with everything they need now to succeed,” said Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE, president & CEO of NAMA. “This year’s show was brimming with the most advanced technology and solutions, all designed to help the industry stretch its potential and learn from innovators who are pushing the envelope of self-service and customer and consumer experience.”

The two-day event kicked off with the Workplace Innovation Summit – a small group experience designed to take convenience services leaders on a deep-dive into the workplace of the future. Attendees enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours of local companies, including the Zappos Corporate HQ, to explore modern office designs and witness the infusion of culture and amenities in the workplace.

The first Imagination Way™ at CTW debuted, showcasing OCS products in action in corporate office, industrial breakroom and public-facing environments. Self-service coffee and beverage technology took center stage, as attendees enjoyed sampling mobile coffee and craft beer carts, using automated café machinery and interacting with travelling robots that rolled the halls delivering snacks and beverages.

The Expo Hall welcomed more than 90 leading manufacturers and solution providers – all there to demonstrate the latest technology and products to customers looking for post-pandemic solutions and fresh insight. The Expo Hall also housed the H2O Zone, a new exciting, interactive area dedicated to exploring trends and opportunities for understanding and selling more water and water-infused beverages.

During the opening session, Dick Atnip, president & CEO of Atnip Co., Inc., was announced as the Coffee Legend the Year and was joined by his family on stage for the award presentation and a Q&A.

Marc Whitener, Chair of NAMA’s Board of Directors, introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Ryo Zsun, Culture Maestro at Zappos. “This year’s show has a strong focus on the future of the workplace and workplace amenities. That’s why our keynote for this evening is a true expert and innovator in the field of employee engagement and office culture,” said Whitener. Zsun delighted the crowd by sharing his personal journey through the Zappos corporate HQ and his experience creating a workplace that promotes productivity, connectedness, and innovation.

NAMA was proud to partner with Clark County Department of Family Services and Clark County Senior Services, local charities that work to build safe and nurturing environments within their communities. Over 4000 lbs. of food and beverage samples were donated to these organizations.

NAMA’s next event, The NAMA Show 2023, will be held May 10-12 in Atlanta, GA.

About NAMA

NAMA represents the $31 billion U.S. Convenience Services Industry. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s nearly 160,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.