The NAMA Show 2027, happening from May 5-7 in Los Angeles, is a premier event for the convenience services industry, featuring over 5000 professionals and numerous educational sessions.
The NAMA Show 2027 will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from May 5-7, 2027.
This event is a significant platform for professionals in the convenience services industry, including vending, coffee service, and micro markets. Attendees will have access to valuable insights and networking opportunities with industry leaders, making it a must-attend event for those looking to advance their business strategies.
The NAMA Show takes place in Los Angeles, USA.
TL;DR
1Dates and Venue: 5-7 May 2027 in Los Angeles, California; the exact hall and address for the 2027 edition should be confirmed on namanow.org before booking flights or hotels.
2Sector Focus: The NAMA Show is the annual US trade exhibition for convenience services, covering vending, micro markets, office coffee service (OCS), pantry service and unattended retail technology.
3Exhibit Floor: Expect vending machines and snack/beverage equipment, micro market kiosks, shelving and refrigeration, coffee and water equipment, cashless payment and telemetry hardware, packaged and fresh product lines, plus route and warehouse technology.
4Who Attends: Vending and micro market operators, OCS and pantry providers, foodservice and convenience retail buyers, route and warehouse managers, and equipment or software suppliers from across the US and abroad.
5Format and Access: A trade-only exhibition with education programming; registration categories, badge fees and the session agenda are published by NAMA on namanow.org.
Why visit
Attending The NAMA Show provides a unique opportunity to network with over 5000 industry professionals, gain insights into the latest trends in convenience services, and participate in educational sessions designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement. Dates and Venue: The NAMA Show takes place from May 5-7, 2027, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Los Angeles, USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include operations directors, sales.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at The NAMA Show allows companies to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the convenience services industry, enhancing brand visibility and generating valuable leads. Buyer Authority: Attendees include operations directors, sales professionals, and technology experts from the vending and coffee service sectors.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Operations directors from vending companies
Sales and marketing professionals in convenience services
Technology experts focused on self-service solutions
Business owners in the coffee service sector
Retailers looking for innovative vending solutions
Industry advocates and policymakers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Vending machine and snack or beverage equipment manufacturers
Micro market kiosk, shelving, refrigeration and cooler suppliers
Coffee, tea and water equipment and office coffee service (OCS) roasters
Cashless payment, telemetry and vending management software vendors
Packaged snack, confectionery and better-for-you product brands
Fresh food, bakery and foodservice suppliers for workplace programmes
Product distributors, brokers and convenience services wholesalers
Route logistics, warehouse and delivery technology providers
Pantry service and workplace foodservice operators or franchisors
Food safety, compliance, merchandising and installation service providers
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Los Angeles typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site dining
Parking: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Los Angeles typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
The NAMA Show 2026 was held in Los Angeles and was framed by organisers as a launchpad for new ideas, technologies and possibilities across convenience services and unattended retail. Trade coverage highlights vending, payments and automation as the dominant themes on the show floor, alongside micro-market and cashless retail innovation. Exhibitor directories for the 2026 edition listed roughly 459 participating companies. Post-show recaps from exhibitors point to AI-enabled automation, frictionless payment and unattended retail formats as the trends defining the next era of the industry.
Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The NAMA Show 2026 was held in Los Angeles and was framed by organisers as a launchpad for new ideas, technologies and possibilities across convenience services and unattended retail. Trade coverage highlights vending, payments and automation as the dominant themes on the show floor, alongside micro-market and cashless retail innovation. Exhibitor directories for the 2026 edition listed roughly 459 participating companies. Post-show recaps from exhibitors point to AI-enabled automation, frictionless payment.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
The 2026 edition hosted 459+ exhibiting companies. The NAMA Show 2026 was held in Los Angeles and was framed by organisers as a launchpad for new ideas, technologies and possibilities across convenience services and unattended retail. Trade coverage highlights vending, payments and automation as the dominant themes on the show floor, alongside micro-market and cashless retail innovation. Exhibitor directories for the 2026 edition listed roughly 459 participating companies. Post-show recaps from exhibitors point.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Los Angeles, USA
Why it matters
Attending The NAMA Show on 2027-05-05 to 2027-05-07 in Los Angeles lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
02
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
03
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
04
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
05
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
LAX
Los Angeles International Airport
Main international gateway with the widest domestic and long-haul schedules. Taxi, rideshare, the LAX FlyAway coach to Union Station and Metro Rail via the free LAX shuttle are the usual transfers into downtown
Approx. 18 mi / 29 km to the downtown Los Angeles convention district
to venue
30-50 min outside peak hours; 60-75 min during rush hour
by car
BUR
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Smaller domestic airport north of downtown; quick baggage claim and easy rideshare pickup, but fewer nonstop routes than LAX
Approx. 12 mi / 19 km to downtown Los Angeles
to venue
25-40 min outside peak hours
by car
LGB
Long Beach Airport
Compact domestic airport south of downtown; useful for Southern California travelers and often less congested than LAX
Approx. 25 mi / 40 km to downtown Los Angeles
to venue
30-45 min outside peak hours
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live
Upscale
L.A. Live / Figueroa corridor
Mid-size rooms within a short walk of the district; a practical choice for booth staff who want to avoid daily car transfers.
Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. Live
Upscale extended stay
L.A. Live / Figueroa corridor
Suites with kitchens, useful for multiple-night exhibitor stays and early install mornings.
Hotel Figueroa
Upscale boutique
Downtown Los Angeles, Figueroa corridor
Boutique hotel on Figueroa Street; rooms vary in size, so confirm square footage if two colleagues share.
Freehand Los Angeles
Upscale hostel and hotel
Downtown Los Angeles, Historic Core
Private rooms and shared rooms; one of the lower-cost downtown options within a 15-20 minute walk of the district.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Angeles Downtown West
Midscale
Downtown Los Angeles West
Limited-service hotel with breakfast included and parking; a budget-friendly base if you plan to ride-hail to the venue.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro Rail (C Line + A Line)
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.75 single ride; USD 5 for a Metro day pass - confirm current fares
Best forLAX to downtown Los Angeles (7th Street/Metro Center): free LAX shuttle to Aviation/LAX Station, C Line to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks, A Line to 7th Street/Metro Center
Cheapest airport-to-downtown option but slower with luggage; allow 60-80 minutes including the shuttle and transfer.
FlyAway coach bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-11 one-way per adult - confirm current FlyAway fare
Best forLAX terminals to Union Station, downtown Los Angeles
Dedicated airport coach with luggage space; from Union Station take Metro Rail or a short rideshare to your hotel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 50-70 one-way plus tip and airport pickup fee
Best forLAX to downtown Los Angeles hotels and venue district
Metered taxis pick up from the designated LAX taxi ranks; traffic on the 105 and 110 freeways can add 30 minutes at peak.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-60 one-way depending on surge and time of day
Best forLAX to downtown Los Angeles
Uber and Lyft pick up from the LAX-it lot, reached by shuttle or a short walk from the terminals; budget extra time on arrival day.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-50 one-way plus tip
Best forHollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Short transfer via the 134 and 110 freeways; BUR is often the faster option for domestic travelers staying downtown.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 28-45 one-way depending on surge
Best forBUR to downtown Los Angeles
Rideshare pickup is a short walk from the BUR terminal; allow extra time on weekday mornings.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-65 one-way plus tip
Best forLong Beach Airport (LGB) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Longer freeway transfer via the 405 and 110; shared shuttles are limited, so price a rideshare as a comparison.
Metro Rail (A/E Lines)
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.75 per ride; USD 5 day pass - confirm current fares
Best forDowntown Los Angeles hotels to the convention district (7th Street/Metro Center or Pico Station)
Useful for hotels outside walking distance; the E Line serves the L.A. Live and Pico stations closest to the convention district.
Weather
May in Los Angeles is late spring: daytime highs typically 24-26 C (75-79 F) and overnight lows around 15-16 C (59-61 F), with a low chance of rain and occasional morning marine layer near the coast that usually clears by midday. Show days are mostly indoors, but the walk between downtown hotels and the venue is exposed, so carry water and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks are GSM/LTE/5G and short-term eSIM plans from major US carriers can be activated before landing at LAX. Wi-Fi is common in downtown Los Angeles hotels, but bandwidth in packed exhibit halls is variable - exhibitors running live machine or kiosk demos should order a dedicated wired connection from the venue contractor rather than relying on shared Wi-Fi, and confirm coverage with show management.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm on the NAMA show floor; exhibitors often wear branded polos while operators and buyers typically wear business casual or smart casual for meetings.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 15-20% tips, and bartenders and rideshare drivers are tipped on a similar basis. Check whether a service charge is already added to the bill.
Sales tax
Los Angeles County sales tax is around 9.5%, and quoted prices often exclude tax, so budget for it on meals, retail and hotel incidentals.
Traffic and timing
Los Angeles traffic is heavy at peak hours; a 20-minute drive can double, so leave a buffer before meetings and airport departures.
Smoking and venue rules
Smoking is restricted in indoor public spaces and within a set distance of building entrances; venue bag checks and badge scanning are standard at trade events.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAX
Book into LAX for the widest international and domestic schedules; BUR suits domestic travelers staying near downtown, while LGB and SNA work for Southern California and Orange County itineraries. Tuesday or Wednesday arrivals are often cheaper than Monday for a midweek show start, and nonstop LAX services fill quickly around convention weeks. Allow a buffer for freeway traffic on arrival day, and check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle before paying for a transfer.
Visa
Most international business visitors require a US B-1 temporary business visitor visa or must travel under the Visa Waiver Program if eligible for their nationality. Confirm your specific case with the US Department of State before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
B-1 classification covers attendance at conventions, conferences, and trade shows. Visa Waiver Program travelers use ESTA instead of a visa; apply well ahead of the May 2027 show dates.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 30-50 min outside peak hours; 60-75 min during rush hour; Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): 25-40 min outside peak hours; Long Beach Airport (LGB): 30-45 min outside peak hours. Allow road or rail time to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: L.A. Live / Figueroa corridor: Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live; L.A. Live / Figueroa corridor: Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. Live; Downtown Los Angeles, Figueroa corridor: Hotel Figueroa.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Los Angeles. LAX pickups are from the LAX-it lot, reached by shuttle or a short walk from the terminals, so allow 10-15 extra minutes. Rides between downtown hotels and the convention district are short and cheap outside surge periods, but prices jump when the show floor closes; walking or Metro can be faster at 5 pm.
Public transit: LA Metro Rail is the main rail option: the C Line (Green) connects with the A Line (Blue) at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks for downtown's 7th Street/Metro Center, and the E Line (Expo) serves Pico Station near the L.A. Live district. Fares are approximately USD 1.75 per ride with a USD 5 day pass, paid by TAP card or contactless bank card. Metro is inexpensive but slower than rideshare for airport transfers, especially with luggage.
Parking: Downtown Los Angeles venues rely on adjacent commercial garages rather than large surface lots; expect approximately USD 20-35 per day, with higher event rates on busy show days. Pre-book where the operator offers it, arrive before 8:30 am on opening day, and confirm the official 2027 venue parking operator and rates on namanow.org. Street parking in downtown is time-limited and not practical for a full show day.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027 (late spring in Los Angeles, California)
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 24-26 C (75-79 F); overnight lows around 15-16 C (59-61 F). Coastal areas near LAX can be a few degrees cooler in the morning.
Seasonality: May comes at the end of Los Angeles' rainy season and is usually one of the drier months, with only a few rain days. Expect morning cloud near the coast that burns off to sunny afternoons, and check the forecast the week before travel.
Packing: Pack light layers, a jacket for air-conditioned exhibit halls, comfortable walking shoes for long floor days, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Business casual is right for the show floor; bring one smart-casual outfit if you have evening supplier receptions.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The NAMA Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day -14: Confirm your registration category on namanow.org and check that your badge confirmation matches your name as printed on your ID.
T-2
Day -13: Book the downtown Los Angeles hotel that best fits your walking tolerance to the venue, and check the cancellation terms for event-week rates.
T-3
Day -12: Compare flights into LAX, BUR, LGB and SNA; price the transfer time as well as the fare before choosing.
T-4
Day -11: Build a target exhibitor list from the NAMA exhibitor directory, grouped by equipment, product, technology and services.
T-5
Day -10: Review the education agenda and mark sessions that overlap with your buying or operations priorities.
T-6
Day -9: Request meetings with suppliers through the official app or email while calendars are still open.
T-7
Day -8: If travelling internationally, verify your ESTA status or B-1 visa timeline and print your registration confirmation for the border.
T-8
Day -7: Arrange ground transport from your arrival airport and save the ride-hail pickup instructions for that terminal.
T-9
Day -5: Check Los Angeles weather and pack light layers, comfortable shoes and a jacket for air-conditioned halls.
T-10
Day -3: Download the show app, floor plan and any session materials; set a realistic daily walking and meeting schedule.
T-11
Day -2: Confirm hotel check-in time, parking or transit plan, and whether your hotel charges a destination fee.
T-12
Day -1: Arrive in Los Angeles, collect your badge early if pickup is open, and walk the route from hotel to venue once.
T-13
Show day 1: Arrive 20-30 minutes before the hall opens for badge pickup, bag check and floor orientation.
T-14
Day +1: Log leads, photos and pricing notes while details are fresh; follow up with suppliers within 48 hours.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2
The NAMA Show registration concourse
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
Hotel × 2 nights$300.00
Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$450.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether The NAMA Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
The NAMA Show is the National Automatic Merchandising Association's annual US trade exhibition and education event for the convenience services industry, covering vending, micro markets, office coffee service, pantry service and unattended retail technology. It is aimed at operators, suppliers, distributors and buyers rather than the general public.
When and where is The NAMA Show 2027?
The 2027 edition is scheduled for 5-7 May 2027 in Los Angeles, California. The venue address, hall layout and show hours for 2027 should be confirmed on namanow.org before you book travel.
Is The NAMA Show open to the public?
No. It is a trade event for convenience services professionals, so registration is limited to people working in or supplying the industry. NAMA sets the qualifying categories and may ask for proof of industry role when you register.
What product categories are exhibited?
Exhibits typically span vending machines and snack or beverage equipment, micro market kiosks, shelving, refrigeration and coolers, coffee and water equipment, cashless payment terminals, telemetry and vending management software, packaged and fresh products, and route or warehouse services.
How do I register and what does a badge cost?
Registration is handled through namanow.org. Badge categories and fees are set by NAMA and can change by date and attendee type, so check the registration page directly rather than relying on third-party price lists; early registration usually gives the widest choice of education sessions.
Is there an education programme at The NAMA Show?
Yes. The show is paired with industry education covering operations, technology, food safety, merchandising and workplace food trends. Session titles, times and any separate ticketed workshops for 2027 should be checked on the official agenda page.
Can I bring a guest or my family?
Guest and age policies are set by NAMA and enforced at badge pickup. Because the floor is a trade environment with operating equipment, assume that only registered industry attendees are admitted unless the official registration terms say otherwise.
What should international visitors know about entry to the US?
Most international attendees travel either on an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or on a B-1 business visitor visa. Apply well before departure, carry your show registration and hotel confirmation, and verify current rules and fees with the U.S. Department of State.
How do I get from Los Angeles International Airport to the show?
LAX is about 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Options include taxi or rideshare (roughly 30-60 minutes depending on traffic), the LAX FlyAway coach to Union Station, and Metro Rail via the free LAX shuttle to Aviation/LAX Station, then the C Line and A Line into downtown.
Is parking available near the venue?
Downtown Los Angeles venues are normally served by adjacent commercial garages rather than large surface lots, with daily rates that rise during major events. Confirm the official 2027 venue parking operator and rates on namanow.org and arrive before 8:30 am on opening day.
Glossary
1
Micro market
A self-service unattended retail format, usually open shelving plus coolers and a self-checkout kiosk, installed in workplaces, break rooms or campus sites instead of or alongside traditional vending machines.
2
Office coffee service (OCS)
The business of supplying, installing and servicing coffee brewers and related consumables to workplaces, often bundled with water, snacks and pantry programmes.
3
Pantry service
A managed workplace food programme that stocks snacks, beverages and fresh items on open shelves or in refrigerated units, with scheduled replenishment and usage-based billing.
4
Unattended retail
Self-service retail environments without on-site staff, including vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and pickup lockers.
5
Vending management system (VMS)
Software operators use to plan routes, manage planograms and pricing, track machine-level sales and reconcile cashless transactions across a vending or micro market fleet.
6
Telemetry
Machine-mounted hardware and connectivity that report sales, stock levels and fault codes from vending machines or coolers back to an operator's software.
7
Planogram
A diagram defining product placement, facing counts and shelf or slot positions in a vending machine or micro market, used to manage assortment and sales per position.
8
Cashless vending
Payment acceptance on unattended equipment via card readers, mobile wallets or account-based systems, replacing or supplementing coin and bill acceptors.
9
DEX (Data Exchange)
A standardised data format used by vending machines and management software to exchange sales, inventory and machine status data.
10
Route optimisation
Software-driven planning of service and delivery routes to cut drive time and fuel cost while still meeting each machine or market's replenishment window.
11
Merchandiser
A field role responsible for restocking, cleaning and auditing vending machines or micro markets, and for reporting product, pricing or equipment issues.
12
Better-for-you (BFY) assortment
A product mix skewed toward lower-sugar, high-protein, organic or functional snacks and drinks, a common merchandising theme for workplace and micro market operators.
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
The NAMA Show 2027
Vending industry event
The NAMA Show Los Angeles 2027
NAMA 2027
NAMA Los Angeles 2027
Los Angeles USA
Convenience Services Los Angeles 2027
Coffee Service Los Angeles 2027
Micro Markets Los Angeles
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
