junejuly2024 - 36

FIRST-TIME NAMA SHOW EXPERIENCE
Mike participated in his firstever
trade show this year,
attending the NAMA Show in
Dallas, May 7-9.
How was your first NAMA
Show experience?
Mike: My first NAMA show
experience was incredible and
having my dad by my side made
it even more special. My initial
reaction was shock and awe due
to the sheer size and scale of
the event. There was so much to
see and experience that it felt
overwhelming, and I realized
quickly that I wouldn't be able to
get through it all.
Exploring the advancements
in the expo hall was fascinating,
and I will continue to do that in the
future. That's where you get to see
everything in action. This is also
where you can try new products
and there are a lot of them. The
better-for-you sector is exploding,
and the level of innovation and
consumer-focused progress within
the industry is astounding and
inspiring.
What are some do's and don'ts
for you at future trade shows?
Mike: Meeting and engaging with
individuals like Steve Orlando
with Fixturelite, Moriah and the
Cantaloupe team, and Sam
Hagan with Quality Vending
& Coffee Co. was incredibly
valuable. These connections are
so important for my growth and
Mike Jamison, NewAge Vending, at the NAMA Show 2024
success in the industry. On the
other hand, I would not just walk
around without a plan, which is
what I did. While walking around
proved somewhat valuable, the
size of the show requires more
planning. Next time, I'll avoid
trying to cover everything without
a more structured approach.
What was most valuable to you
as a small operator at the show?
Mike: The most valuable aspect
of attending the show as a small
operator was the opportunity
to meet and engage with key
industry figures, some of whom
have achieved more than you
can imagine and some who
are right where you are.
The education sessions and
the expo hall were beneficial,
but the real value came from
the connections I made with
people who can help me achieve
my goals. Setting up meetings
and dinners with people I
admire or look up to will be a
priority for future shows.
TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED,
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Mike considers himself a technology enthusiast and is
committed to investing in technology to help launch
NewAge Vending. In fact, the lack of technology on
many vending machines is one reason he entered the
industry. " You see these vending machines out there in
very nice locations and they don't have the ability to take
card payment, " he said. " That makes no sense to me.
We are in 2024! There's so much money being lost with
cash-only machines. "
Mike's machines feature eye-catching touchscreens,
which allow him to upload videos and sell advertising
36 Automatic Merchandiser * June/July 2024
to increase his revenue stream. Customers can place
requests for products, as well as use most forms of
payment including cash, card, Google Pay, Apple Pay
and more. " I'm redefining the vending experience in
my area because I'm creating one, " Mike said. " People
don't have a vending experience right now. " NewAge
Vending machines have 10-inch, 21.5-inch and 49-inch
touchscreen technology.
He is partnering with companies that are also
focused on technology, specifically Cantaloupe, which
has been empowering Mike and helping him grow.
" I love that [Cantaloupe] is so technology focused
because that is where I'm headed, " he said. Cantaloupe,
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