by Hank Schlesinger, Vending Times – Issue Date: Vol. 45, No. 4, April 2005, Posted On: 4/11/2005
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Sun, fun and plenty of bulk vending will highlight this year’s National Bulk Vendors Association convention and trade show here this month. NBVA officials anticipate more than 600 showgoers will make the journey to the Sunshine State in search of the latest products, equipment and information about the industry.
Marking the association’s 55th year, the Florida confab promises a packed exhibition hall along with a full slate of seminars and other business-building opportunities. The show runs April 21 through 23 at Jacksonville’s Adam’s Mark Hotel.
A centerpiece of this year’s event is an expanded seminar schedule that will include sessions on such topical issues as “Health Insurance Coverage,” presented by Aegis Administrative Services and hosted by Bill Fjernan and Geri Ann Cangelosi; “Family Business Planning, Succession Planning, and Dealing with Relatives in Your Business,” presented by David Dilbert, Smiles Candy Corp. (New Hyde Park, NY), and Mitchell Roth, NBVA attorney; and “Handling the Media in Crisis Situations and Attaining Greater Sales Success for Your Company,” presented by Liz Kohler, Liz Kohler Consulting.
Also included in the seminar line-up will be an in-depth panel discussion hosted by some of the bulk vending industry’s leading suppliers. The session, entitled “What’s in the Future for Bulk Vendors?,” will include participants Brian Kovens, A&A Global Industries; Marlene Campbell, Toy ‘n Joy; Dax Logue, Brand Vending Products; Tom Paszkiewicz, Cardinal Distributing Co.; and Peter Becker, What’s Up LLC.
This year’s event will also mark the world debut of the first “all bulk vending band.” Comprised entirely of bulk vending professionals, the band, which has tentatively named itself Night Rockers, will make its debut with a performance during the annual Saturday night banquet. The band is comprised of Peter Becker of What’s Up on bass guitar; Tristan Bolen, Northwestern Corp., on drums, guitar and vocals; Adam Ippolito, SandyLion Co., keyboards; Richard Bolen, Northwestern Corp, conga drums and percussion; Steve Schechner, Capital Vending, guitar and vocals; Matt Miller, Beaver Corp., guitar and vocals; and Jim Hinton, Oak Mfg. Co. Inc., on keyboards and vocals.
The National Bulk Vendors Association, founded in 1950, is a nationwide not-for-profit trade organization comprised of the operators, distributors and manufacturers of bulk and flat vending equipment and products. Its members are responsible for the vast majority of business in the bulk vending sector.
Gumballs Photo Credit: J.B. Hill, Flickr