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June 26, 2007                                                                                                  Jackie Clark
                                                                                                                        301-987-7113

IT MAKES SENSE TO BE IN CHICAGO THIS OCTOBER!
NAMA’s National Expo Promises Hot Technology, New Products, Education Sessions, Unmatched Networking

Chicago, IL- June 26- The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is continuing its very successful redesigned National Expo to deliver an enhanced show experience for attendees and exhibitors alike, announced NAMA Sr. Director Education & Meeting Services LyNae Schlery, CMP. The Expo will be held Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 10-12, 2007, at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place in Chicago.

With over 290 exhibitors already signed up, NAMA is anticipating an excellent turnout. The National Expo is the world’s largest trade show for the vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries, and features a commanding display of hot technology, new products, education sessions and unmatched networking opportunities.

“With the trade show now opening at 3 p.m. Wednesday and concluding Friday afternoon, you now have the weekend to experience Chicago or return home to your family,” said Schleyer.

On opening day Wednesday, people can enjoy the trade show which begins at 3:00 p.m. and runs through 7:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour in-between.  Bidding also begins at 3 p.m. for the Silent Auction.  Then Thursday evening enjoy the Industry Awards Banquet beginning with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by awards, dinner, and “An Evening With Frank Sinatra”  with talented Ron Hawking, all sponsored by the Coca-Cola company.  Finally on Friday the trade show will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and you will have a final opportunity to bid on Silent Auction items. 

This year’s keynote speaker is a special highlight of the show. Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State University men’s basketball team will share his unbeatable philosophy
The Industry Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, honors the 2007 Vending, Coffee Service and Foodservice Industry Award winners.  Five special awards will acknowledge deserving individuals whose achievements represent the best industry has to offer.

Other highlights of the show include:

¨ Updated and Expanded Quality Coffee Certification Program Wednesday sponsored by P&G
¨ Exhibit hours: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday; 3-7 p.m., opening reception on exhibit floor; 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday.
¨ Specialty Education including Retail Ethnography for Vending, and Secrets of Better for You Vending.
¨ Four-day Supervisor Development Program sponsored by PEPSICO Foodservice, Tuesday-Friday.
¨ Silent Auction sponsored by Masterfoods
¨ Saturday and Sunday free to enjoy the Chicago sites or spend time at home with the family.

“Attending the NAMA National Expo is a must to connect with suppliers, peers and innovative leaders in the industry, and I look forward to seeing you in Chicago in October,” concluded Schleyer.

For more information visit www.namaexpo.org

NAMA is the national trade association of the food and refreshment vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries including on-site, commissary, catering, & mobile. Its membership is comprised of service companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to operating service companies.  The basic mission of the association, to collectively advance and promote the automatic merchandising and coffee service industries, still guides NAMA today as it did in 1936, the year of the organization’s founding.