CHICAGO, U.S. – NAMA’s 10th annual Coffee Tea and Water Show in Grapevine, Texas was a success by all measures, according to LyNae Schleyer, NAMA VP of Events.
Attendance was strong as more than 850 industry members from across the country convened at the Gaylord Texan Resort to learn, network and grow their businesses. An energetic show floor boasted 114 exhibiting companies, 32 of which were exhibiting for the first time at CTW.
“It’s incredible to see how much CTW has grown in 10 years — from our modest first event in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with 45 exhibitors to today’s leading industry event,” Schleyer said.
Education Highlights
This year’s education lineup included fresh topics in the areas of consumer trends, innovation and disruption. Futurist Jim Carroll shared insights on cutting edge tech trends including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and virtual reality during his keynote address. “Some people see trends as a threat, innovators see them as an opportunity,” Carroll said.
Attendees were especially drawn to session topics including The Evolving Bean-To-Cup Market;
Is Your Workplace Café Socially Savvy?; Millennials Prioritizing Coffee Over Retirement – How to Get in on the Action!; and Fueling Employee Engagement, One Snack at a Time. The NAMA Foundation debuted the 2016 Industry Census data at CTW and the results can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/2ztCCEU. The show closed with a highly engaging and interactive session – Brewing New Business: Overcoming the Amazon Effect – featuring industry leaders from 7-11, 365 Retail Markets, Accent Food Services, G&J Marketing and Sales and Workwell.
Giving Back
Giving back was a new element of CTW this year. With the support of the Emerging Leaders Network, attendees put together more than 500 hygiene kits for hurricane victims in the region as part of NAMA’s support of Clean the World.
WIN & ELN
NAMA’s Women of the Industry group hosted “Wake-up, Workout and WIN,” a boot camp class followed by a nature walk open to all attendees. A percentage of event proceeds will support the NAMA Foundation, earmarked to benefit FitPick. The Emerging Leaders Network hosted a networking reception to bring together current members from around the country and meet potential new members.
“We thank our Coffee Services Committee, sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, speakers and volunteers for your support, participation and leadership – we couldn’t do it without you! Finally, special congratulations to this year’s Coffee Legend, Ken Shea, and new inductees into NAMA’s Coffee Services Hall of Fame, Dick Atnip and Stu Case,” Schleyer continued.
“Make plans to attend CTW 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, November 12-14, 2018,” she concluded.
Select education presentation downloads can be found here: https://www.coffeeteaandwater.org/schedule/.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1100 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
