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Destinations to enhance learning NAMA opens 2017 with four educa- tional sessions on Tuesday. All sched- uled prior to the OneShow opening, the advanced seminars really hit on the different business lines in the industry. The topics includes a micro market session, coffee 101, con- venience services 101 and fanatical prospecting or sales team training. "Most of our members are operating under multiple channels: vending, micro markets, coffee service, con- venience services, food service, etc. This really brings them all together," finished Schleyer. Wednesday and Thursday also carry educational sessions. Dr. Michael Kasavana is back again in 2017 with an expert panel on What's Trending in Vending, Micro Markets and Coffee Service plus Optimize Your Business with a Technology Roadmap. Find out how politics will affect your busi- ness with a Thursday morning presentation by NAMA Knowl - edge Source Partner Heather Bailey called New President, New Cabinet, New Employment Laws: How Does This Impact Your Workplace? Mixed in with the on-point seg- ment specific topics will be a number of general business education sessions as well. "We had so much to offer and so much we wanted to offer, that we have expanded our education lineup to Thursday morning providing three days of training opportunities," explained Schleyer. Destinations for networking Las Vegas always produces the largest turnout for the OneShow in terms of attendees, indicated Schleyer. "I think it not only lends itself ideally for a trade show, but is a great place for networking and events," she said. The OneShow being at the Venetian is convenient to many venues along the strip for after hour meetings and hosting special events to thank customers. "There is a lot to do," said Schleyer, so she reminds attendees to carve out a block of time for walking the show floor, engaging with exhibi- tors to find out what is new and purposeful networking. "Don't overbook yourself," she said. "That is the one unfortunate circumstance I see happen with many trade show attendees," she added. If the idea of walking the 300+ booth show floor is a bit overwhelm- ing, use the NAMA OneShow app and on-site show guide to zero in on the products and services that are of the most interest. "I encourage attendees to create target destinations [using the app and show guide]. It will make their time at the show more pro- ductive," Schleyer concluded. NAMA plans to make this event a showcase for the "Bringing conve- nience to life" message it revealed with a new logo and website in 2016. The marketing approach and show literature will expand on this idea, bringing all the segments of the industry under one umbrella. All in all, the eighth NAMA OneShow promises to blast new records and is a welcome sign of the industry's growth. Former First Lady As Keynote On Wednesday, April 19, 2017 during the NAMA OneShow opening session, attendees will experience a first; former First Lady Laura Bush as the keynote speaker. "She is a beloved icon and we are delighted to feature her as a speaker," said Schleyer. Her message will not be political, but one that shares stories of the White House and speaks to her current focus — global human rights and literacy of children. After her remarks, former First Lady Laura Bush will sit down with NAMA President Carla Balakgie for a fireside chat. February/March 2017 VendingMarketWatch.com Automatic Merchandiser 23 O N E S H O W P R E V I E W