The 2021 ACE Show
October 14-16, 2021
Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation

ACE 2021 is Back and the Theme Lives On:  Rock of ACEs

The 2021 ACE Planning Committee has picked up where last year’s cancellation left off to prepare for a much anticipated in-person ACE 2021.  The group has decided to keep the original theme of  “Rock of ACEs”.

Patrick Shaw, ACE 2021 Chair states, “Our ACE team really missed having the opportunity to reconnect with everyone in 2020. As such, we are especially THRILLED to be moving forward with the plan to host ACE 2021 in October. Our theme this year will be, Rock of ACEs. We hope you’ll join us as we Turn the Page and get Back in the Saddle again! Please know that everyone’s safety will be our top priority for this event and that we plan to follow whatever guidance is applicable to our event, come October. We can’t wait to ROCK OUT with you in person!”

Early bird booth sales are underway and open registration for exhibitors will open after February 28th.  Operator registration should begin in a couple months as the education team works to bring you yet another “can’t miss” program.  ACE 2021 will once again be held at the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC and the show dates are October 14-16, 2021.   



Survey results from the Operators and Exhibitors alike over the years continue to praise the ACE team for its yearly growth, hotel venue, superb education and popular networking opportunities.  ACE 2021 will continue to provide that high-quality exposition that ACE attendees continue to come back for year after year and this year will be much needed after we have been apart for so long.  

Click HERE to Hear from Vistar Carolina President, Mike Mitchell

Thank You to Our Session #3 Sponsors

>> OUR FAITHFUL DIAMOND SPONSORS <<

'The Change Decision'
ACE's Lunch and Learn Session #2
Tuesday, November 17, 12:00-1:30pm

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Thanks for joining us for an interactive session with The Change Decision on how to get you and your leadership team clear on the change ahead of you and how to communicate it.  The session will showed participants how to use the change Story, a tool designed for changes large and small, that can help you handle any change that you are facing.  At the end of the session, attendees received a copy of The Change Story along with instructions to help guide you through using it.

More about The Change Session:
Introducing a change? Having one forced on you that you don't like? How do you keep everyone aligned on what's important to communicate?  Join us for an interactive session with The Change Decision on how to get you and your leadership team clear on the change ahead and how to communicate it.  The session will show you how to use The Change Story, a simple and highly effective communications tool designed for changes large and small.  At the end of the session, you'll receive a copy of The Change Story along with instructions to help guide you through using it.  Don't have all the answers?  That's OK.  The Change Story will help you find them.

SESSION # 1
Adapting to a Changing Market
Friday, October 9, 12:00-1:30 pm

If you weren't able to attend the event in person, we recorded the session for you.
Click here for the recording of ACE Lunch & Learn - Session 1

Our business landscape is changing – workplace benefits and competition for talent, the marketplace and methods of doing business are all changing.  We must look at relationships as operators and with our clients as well.  Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors ACE's virtual meetings will be FREE to operators AND suppliers.

SESSION ONE"s representatives from CAI, an employer’s association focused on Human Resources Support, brought us up-to-date on the intricacies of recruiting and employment law in the age of Covid-19. 

The first segment of this session focused on employment law related to COVID-19 and covers: the two types of paid leave required under FFCRA, when and how to quarantine employees and return them to work safely, as well as updates on furloughs, safety plans, unemployment and more.   

The second segment covered the recruiting issues that many companies are facing, and how to navigate hiring and recruitment as we enter 2021. This portion was hosted by one of CAI’s professionals in the recruitment field. 

Our expert presenters are eager to answer your questions and bring you up-to-date on current and future impacts of COVID-19 on your business.

Competition for Talent Presentation
COVID Hot Topics Presentation
SESSION #1 Recording Here

COVID-19 Update
We're Here For You!

 
Thank you for your hard work to keep your businesses going as an essential part of daily life during this COVID-19 crisis.  We are faced with unprecedented challenges, but please remain positive as we stay the course and look forward to success on the other side of this pandemic.
 
ACE would like to share some valuable resources for you to bookmark while we stay the course and push through. Let's look forward to a brighter future as plans for ACE 2020 remain active.

NAMA Sends Letter to Governors...
Outlining Social Distancing Protocols for Office Breakrooms

CLICK HERE to find a letter that NAMA sent to all 50 Governors encouraging them to consider social distancing protocols for office breakrooms that allow them to safely operate when re-opening their states for business. The letter includes proposed language that Governors can easily include in re-opening orders and/or guidance. This is part of our continued effort to support the convenience services industry while it provides valuable services in a safe manner during these unprecedented times.

Get the Latest Updates on How the Coronavirus
is Impacting the Vending Industry

Vending Times has daily coverage of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting businesses in the vending industry and what they're doing to overcome the challenges. Click here to read Vending Time's latest stories.

As you may know, NAMA was successful in working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to have them list “Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other retail (including unattended and vending) that sells human food, animal/pet food and pet supply, and beverage products, including retail customer support service and information technology support staff necessary for online orders, pickup and delivery” as essential in its Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response.

NAMA COVID UPDATES
CDC COVID CRISIS
Small Business Administration

For detailed links for our vendors and suppliers in NC, SC, and VA, please visit the association websites.

NCVA
SCVA
VAMA

ACE Chair, Karen Harlow, would like to share a quote that has given her strength through these challenging times:

Every Situation in life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way.
-Jenni Young

Please reach out to our staff (Beth and Michelle) for any assistance you may need.

ACE 2020 Cancels
Face-to-Face Exposition

The ACE Planning Committee works tirelessly to offer a terrific show for operators and suppliers alike and we are proud of the show’s success in recent years. After careful consideration regarding the pandemic and the health and safety of everyone in our industry family, we have made the difficult decision to cancel ACE 2020 which was scheduled for October 8-10 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Please read through the details below regarding payments, refund options, and hotel rooms.

The GOOD NEWS!
ACE is working on details for a 2020 Virtual Edition:  Education with Networking & Sales opportunities – all are important benefits of our Expo! Keep an eye out for detailed information - COMING SOON!

2020 Payments, Booth Sales & Hotel Rooms

• All exhibitors, operators, and sponsors who have paid to attend ACE 2020 can either receive a full refund OR roll over your payment to ACE 2021. Please email Michelle Thomsen by October 1st to request a refund. After that date, your payments will be applied to 2021.  
• Exhibitors: All exhibitors who have reserved a booth for 2020 will have first right of refusal throughout the Exhibitor Early Bird Registration period for the 2021 ACE show. To hold your 2020 booth space, send confirmation to Michelle Thomsen with your intention to exhibit no later than February 28, 2021.
• Hotel rooms and condos booked for ACE will be AUTOMATICALLY canceled (if you provided an email). However, should you wish to stay at the hotel during the original conference dates, you can CALL (800) 876-0010 to rebook:  Embassy Suites Reservations: Press Option 2, use code 'EXP'; Kingston Plantation Reservations: Press Option 1, use code 'COA'.

• Watch your email for FAQ.
  

Our team will be reaching out with more information and is available to answer any questions.

The Committee regrets that we are unable to hold ACE 2020 this year, but we are happy to reserve the ACE 2020 theme for next year!  Rock of ACEs for 2021 – October 14-16. 
 
We look forward to keeping you connected to ACE until we meet again in 2021. Take care of yourselves - stay safe, informed, and reach out to us anytime.

SPONSORS