ATLANTIC COAST EXPOSITION
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast
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May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024 See Steve's ACE Promotional Video below! STEVE SMITH Steve Smith dreamed of being an astronaut at age seven. He made his dream come true through sheer determination and intelligent risk taking. He is one of America’s most experienced astronauts with four spaceflights and seven spacewalks to repair the Hubble Space Telescope and to build the Space Station. During the three-decade pursuit of his dream he became a Stanford electrical engineer and MBA, General Motors Fellow, pilot, elite collegiate athlete, and IBM Product Manager. At NASA, Steve held multiple senior leadership positions, including as the Deputy Chief Astronaut leader to 135 astronauts and served as a Diplomat. He now uses this one-of-a-kind experience as a base for his current roles as board director, venture capital advisor, and keynote speaker. Steve motivates audiences using an “Explorer’s Mindset™” and disciplined protocols to improve individual, team, and leadership performance and a company’s bottom line in today’s dynamic highly competitive business environment. Don’t miss our ACE in Space 2024 – Oct. 10 – 12 |
February 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
ACE 2024 Show Chooses Theme: ACE in SPACE February 6, 2024
The operator and exhibitor surveys for ACE 2023 enjoyed the show’s fun look, hotel venue, quality education and networking opportunities. ACE attendees said more often than ever, “This was the best show ever with the preferred venue, awesome décor and terrific education, exhibits and social activities” and ACE 2024 Show Chair, Carl Moser of Canteen, says “ACE 2024 will deliver as expected and our goal is to offer the best ever yet again! Make sure you SAVE THE DATE and plan for another valuable ACE show.” For more information email info@atlanticcoastexpo.com or call 919-387-1221. |
March 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
ACE-Stock 2023: Peace, Love & Vending
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast
Cary, NC
The 2023 ACE Planning Committee announced the cool theme for 2023 based on Woodstock memories- “ACE-Stock 2023: Peace, Love & Vending.” Now, the BIG news is that the Committee has selected its keynote speaker, Page Fehling: Speaker, Trainer, Emcee.
PAGE FEHLING
Page Fehling worked as a TV host and morning news anchor for almost 20 years up until Fall of 2021 when she decided to leave TV and use her powers for good. Page now coaches individuals and groups, and speaks on a variety of professional development topics with a focus on communication and connection. Page and her husband, Jake, co-host the award-winning podcast, “Date Night with Jake and Page,” and co-wrote the best-selling book, “Holy Crap, We’re Pregnant.” She has three kids, three dogs, and still has most of her sanity.
Her keynote topic "Working RunDown" promises to bring fun and practical advice together. Burnout or feelings of fatigue is all too common for many people. No one knows that better than someone who woke up for work at 1:57 a.m. to go to work for almost two decades! But it doesn't have to be that way. You can feel better, do better, AND help others with small changes that lead to big impact.
In this high-energy, interactive, and hilariously relatable keynote, 20-year TV news veteran Page Fehling will weave in and out of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and just enough inside TV-land scoop to keep you learning, laughing, and (GASP!) enjoying a professional development topic that will have you performing better at work and living better lives!
Those who have heard Page’s presentation say, "Page's energy and delivery were just what our group needed! It was contagious. Everyone had a blast AND learned a ton." ACE Chair, Geoff Cook shares his excitement about the choice, “Having Page Fehling for our keynote speaker is going to be far-out, man! We are looking forward to starting the day with her high energy keynote and walking away with nothing but good vibes!“ Page tells ACE, "I love anyone associated with food AND a professional organization that can actually have fun. You all sound like my people." ACE can’t wait to have you with us, Page – Bring it On!
Don’t miss our ACE-Stock 2023 – Oct. 12 – 14
Mark your calendars and watch your email for operator registration opening later this spring.
March 14, 2023PRESS RELEASE
ACE-Stock 2023: Peace, Love & Vending March 14, 2023
For more information, visit www.atlanticcoastexpo.com, email info@atlanticcoastexpo.com, or call 919-387-1221. |
FEBRUARY 3, 2023ACE 2022 Slide Show October 31, 2022PRESS RELEASE
ACE 2022 – A SpookTacular Show October 31, 2022 On Thursday, the 2022 Golf Tournament took place at Azalea Sands golf course with perfect conditions. Friday brought three educational sessions: A Legislative Update by NAMA’s Mike Goscinski, Cyber Security by John Hickey with Tech 2 Success and the a panel presentation on the Future of Unattended Retail by three industry experts – Reed Barton (Sodexo), Michael Johnson (Cantaloupe) and Chris J. Taylor (Canteen). Other events that offered networking opportunities included a very well attended Munster Moonlight Mansions Party featuring dualing pianos and a costume contest. Saturday morning Keynote, Kay Frances, told entertaining stories with stress buster tips at the Spooktacular Awards breakfast. After the show concluded, the popular “ACE Thriller Corn Hole Party” was held at the Spa & Fitness Lawn and our friend Andy Velo entertained once again. The “Witches Brews and BOO’ze Bar provided beverages for attendees throughout the week. Preceding the keynote performance, awards were given to the following: NCVA Route Driver of the Year: Dwight Elmore (Vistar). A plaque was also presented to Lance Roper as the 2022 ACE Chair and then to Patrick Shaw (Dynamite Roasters) as he steps down to honor his many years of service to the ACE Planning Committee Chair. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Waine Ratliff, recently retired from Burdette Beckmann, Inc. First Place Booth awards were given to companies in three different categories that embraced the “SPOOKTACULAR SHOW” theme. Prizes went to: Single Booth – Red Bull; Multi-Booth – Holiday House; and Mega-Booth – Vistar. In addition, the committee presented plaques to the highest corporate Diamond level sponsors whose generous contributions make ACE 2022 a success. Thank you to ACE Diamond sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, PepsiCo Food Service, Vendors Supply and Vistar. Photos can be seen soon on the website. In an effort to make a difference in the community, ACE donated a truck full of remaining products from the show to the local food bank to distribute to families in need. ACE is an industry-only event and registration is open to anyone in vending, office coffee or food service business, including those involved in contract food service in schools, colleges, and hospitals. Additional information is available from the ACE office: Visit www.atlanticcoastexpo.com, email info@atlanticcoastexpo.com, or call 919-387-1221. The ACE Planning Committee began planning the ACE 2023 event on the Sunday following the show’s closing. Next year’s dates are October 12-14 at Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation where is has been held since 2009. |
June 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
ACE Announces Keynote Speaker Kay Frances
Full Exhibit Hall Ready for ACE 2022
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast
June 21, 2022
Cary, NC
The
2022 version of ACE brings you a “Spooktacular Show” as exhibitors fill
the space and operators are excited to gather again this October. To ensure that you don’t miss valuable education and fun at ACE 2022, registration for both Operators and Exhibitors is OPEN.
The ACE Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, October 13th. Register for
the tournament, join in the fun, and have a chance at a $50,000
Hole-in-One! Friday’s events begin with a fantastic educational lineup
and quality exhibit time which will be followed by a Munster Moonlight
Mansion party featuring Dueling Pianos. How much fun can we pack into
one day?! So…get ready! Saturday morning begins with our Spooktacular
Awards Breakfast, more exhibit time and ends with a Thriller Corn Hole
Tournament with live music. Don’t miss our “Spooktacular Show” – please
sign up today to learn and have fun at ACE 2022 in Myrtle Beach.
The ACE 2022 Planning Committee is excited about this year's keynote speaker…
KAY FRANCES
America’s Funniest STRESSbuster!
Motivational
Humorist, Kay Frances, has shared her message to “lighten up, stress
less and take care of ourselves” in 49 states and Canada for over 30
years. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a
degree in Health and Education.
When
it comes to humor, Kay is the "real deal" having performed as a
professional standup comedian for many years and appearing on a number
of national television and radio programs. Additionally, Kay is the
author of “The Funny Thing about Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a
Happier Life.”
March 15, 2022PRESS RELEASE
ACE 2022 Chooses Theme: ACE 2022 – A SpookTacular Show March 15, 2022 Lance Roper, ACE 2022 Chair states, “The theme for the 2022 Atlantic Coast Exposition will be A SPOOKTACULAR SHOW! The beautiful Autumn time of year brings to mind Fall Festivals, Trick or Treating and Halloween so we thought we should combine it all for one SPOOKTACULAR SHOW!” Early bird booth registration has concluded and open registration for exhibitors opens TODAY. There are a few spots left so…Exhibitors - watch your email. Operator registration will begin in a couple months as the education team works to solidify yet another stellar program. ACE 2022 will once again be held at the NEWLY RENOVATED Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC - dates are October 13-15, 2022. The survey results from 2021 show that both Operators and Exhibitors alike continue to enjoy the exposition for its yearly improvements, hotel venue all-in-one property, superb education, and creative networking opportunities. ACE 2022 will continue to strive to provide that high-quality exposition that ACE attendees continue to come back for year after year! Great ready for a SpookTacular ACE this October! SAVE THE DATE |
October 28, 2021ACE 2021 Slide Show October 25, 2021PRESS RELEASE October 25, 2021 MYRTLE BEACH, SC September 14, 2021
ACE Announces Keynote Speaker Patrick Henry “Rock of ACEs” is coming to life in one month with a full Exhibit Hall and an excitement level that has been building for two years. Operators need to get ready - show registration for attendees is underway that promises high level education and entertainment alike. To start, the ACE Golf Tournament is set for Thursday where you have a chance at a $50,000 Hole-in-One! Friday education, exhibit time followed by a Roll ‘n’ Roll All Night Release Party featuring the live music of “The Breakfast Club” – an 80s tribute band. Saturday morning begins with our Encore Rock Star Awards Breakfast, more exhibit time and ends with a Corn-Chella Tournament with the music of our friend and country music star, Andy Velo. This fun and light-hearted “Rock of ACEs” theme is perfect for attendees to learn and network – sign up today for ACE 2021 in Myrtle Beach. The ACE Show Planning Committee is excited about this years’ keynote speaker…
Patrick Says, “Do your customers smile when they see you coming? Do they say amazing things about you when you leave? You don’t need more customers, you need more friends! Songwriter and business humorist Patrick Henry believes, “if you can’t create an emotional connection with your customers, you’re going to lose them.” For ten years Patrick was a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee and a regular performer on the SiriusXM Radio Comedy Channels. During his hilarious and thought-provoking keynote presentation you will laugh, be moved, and discover the answer to a question that will elevate your business… “can making friends become a habit?”. Appearing at Saturday morning’s Encore Rock Star Awards Breakfast! Additional information is available from the ACE office: January 15, 2021PRESS RELEASE
ACE 2021 is Back and the Theme Lives On: Rock of ACEs Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director: Beth@AtlanticCoastExpo.com 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. SAVE THE DATE |
March 10, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
ACE 2020 Chooses Theme: Rock of ACEs
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast
Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director: Beth@AtlanticCoastExpo.com
Cary, NC
The 2020 ACE Planning Committee has been hard at work since last October preparing for the 2020 exposition and is pleased to announce the theme selection for ACE 2020 - “Rock of ACEs”.
Karen Harlow, ACE 2020 Chair states, “The theme for the 2020 Atlantic Cost Exposition will be ROCK OF ACEs! Music brings harmony to the world and brings people together. So, pack your bags and head to the beach - we’re going to Party Like Rock Stars! And the best part is that lots of work and fun will happen together.
Early bird booth sales have completed and open registration for exhibitors opened last month for ACE 2020 and there are a few spots left. Operator registration should begin in a couple months as the education team works to solidify yet another stellar program. ACE 2020 will once again be held at the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC and the show dates are October 8-10, 2020.
2019 survey results from the Operators and Exhibitors alike continue to praise the exposition for its yearly growth, hotel venue, superb education and popular networking opportunities. ACE 2020 will continue to strive to provide that high-quality exposition that ACE attendees continue to come back for year after year!
SAVE THE DATE
October 8-10, 2020 - “Rock of ACEs”
October 25, 2019
ACE 2019 Slide Show
October 21, 2019
Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) – ACE 2019 Repeat Sell Out
Exhibit Space 100% Sold Out in May with Most Crowded Show Floor in Years
Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director - info@atlanticcoastexpo.com
Cary NC
MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation was the site for the Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) where operators and suppliers from all across the US gathered to take part in educational sessions, see and show new products and equipment. The theme: “MISSION: ACE – Honoring Veterans” proved to be the most popular theme in the new era – with many exhibitors showing their patriotism. The exhibit hall completely SOLD OUT in May and attendees from dozens of states and Canada took part in this convention that is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast. ACE organizers have heard “best show ever” from among the 1000 attendees and 80 exhibiting companies.
On Thursday, the renewed Golf Tournament took place at Myrtlewood golf course under sunny skies and perfect conditions. There were three educational sessions offered on Friday: A Legislative Update by Eric Dell from NAMA; Technology Culture Session that these experts hit the following topics: Technology’s Impact on the Future of Food Service (Evan Jarecki, Gimme Vending; Integrating Technologies to Reduce Friction & Enable Growth (Bill Bartholic, USA Technologies); The Future of Self-Service Retail: Markets, Data, and Consumer Empowerment (Sharon Peyer, Crane) and Privacy & What You Should Know, Eric Dell from NAMA.
Other events that offered networking opportunities included a celebratory “USO Variety Show” honoring our Veterans with special entertainment by “Letters from Home” and excellent food, plus a “meet and greet” with Veterans and NFL Superbowl Star, Rocky Bleier. Saturday was the popular “ACE Corn Hole Pool Party” and throughout the week, a Fox Hole Pub provided beverages for attendees.
The Saturday ACE Stars & Stripes Awards breakfast gave us a Keynote by Rocky Bleier where he inspired us with his story to “Be the Best You Can Be”. Preceding Bleier’s address, awards were given to the following: NCVA Vendor of the Year: Chris Taylor, Canteen; NCVA Supplier of the Year: Mike Mitchell (Veteran), Vistar. A plaque was also presented to Lance Roper (Veteran) to honor his year-long commitment and valued leadership as the 2019 ACE Planning Committee Chair. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Randy Laster, recently retired from Pepsi Bottling Ventures. First Place Booth awards were given to companies in three different categories that embraced the “Honoring Veterans” show theme. Prizes went to: Single Booth – Mrs. Freshley’s; Multi-Booth – Holiday House; and Mega-Booth – Vendors Supply. In addition, the committee presented plaques to the highest corporate Diamond level sponsors whose generous contributions make ACE 2019 a success. Thank you to ACE Diamond sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, PepsiCo Food Service, USA Technologies, Vendors Supply and Vistar. Photos can be seen on the website.
April 30, 2019
ACE Announces Keynote Speaker: Rocky Bleier
Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director - info@atlanticcoastexpo.com
Cary NC
“MISSION: ACE – Honoring Veterans” is the theme that ACE 2019 has chosen and Exhibitor space nearly sold out with more than five months remaining until show time! Operators need to get ready - show registration for attendees is set to open mid-May. This heart-warming theme should inspire exhibitors’ decorations and motivate attendees to make plans for ACE 2019 in Myrtle Beach.
The 65th ACE Show Planning Committee is proud announce our keynote speaker for this year.
ROCKY BLEIER
Vietnam Veteran & NFL Super Bowl Star
Rocky Bleier motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments. His dynamic style is coupled with real-life stories that are told from a first-person perspective. Those stories about his fabled comeback from Vietnam injuries to Super Bowl star are utterly inspiring for their courage and determination. He brings it together with a warm, self-reflective humor that audiences really relate to. “Be the Best You Can Be” is a motivational message detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers. With the same optimism, sense of humor and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier takes audiences from his early years through his professional career and talks about the lessons he learned along the way...lessons from which we can all benefit.
Click the links below for more information and a sneak peek of Rocky's presentation.
Rocky's Online Videos
February 26, 2019
ACE 2019 Chooses Theme - MISSION: ACE Honoring Veterans
Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director - Beth@AtlanticCoastExpo.com
Cary, NC
The 2019 ACE Planning Committee has been hard at work since last October for the 2019 exposition and is pleased to announce the theme selection for ACE 2019 - “MISSION: ACE Honoring Veterans”. Lance Roper, ACE 2019 Chairman states, “This year’s theme not only offers a unique perspective for activities, decorating, and the overall setting - but also reflects a tone of respect and gratefulness to the many veterans throughout American History.”
October 16, 2018
Ribbon Cutting - 2018 Chairman, Chris Taylor
MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation was the chosen venue for the 64th edition of the Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) where operators and suppliers from all across the US gathered to take part in educational sessions, see and show new products and equipment. The theme: "Sand, Sun and Fun at ACE 2018" was spread around across the show - with many exhibitors embracing the Beach Party theme. The exhibit hall completely SOLD OUT for the largest exhibitor showing in ACE history! Participants from dozens of states and Canada took part in this three-day convention that is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast. ACE organizers have heard "best show ever" from attendees and exhibitors and this is especially rewarding since this years' show followed two catastrophic hurricanes prior to opening day.
April 27, 2018
ACE Announces Keynote Speaker
Will Bowen - Founder of the Complaint Free Movement
Exhibit Space 100% SOLD OUT Months Before Show
“Sand, Sun & Fun” is the theme that sets the stage for ACE 2018. History has been made as the ACE Exhibit Space is completely sold out - 100% - for the first time ever AND it is over five months until show time! Operators need to get ready - show registration for attendees is set to open May 1st! Tropical breezes, warm sand and fun to be had – all while we work - should inspire exhibitors’ decors and attendees to flock to Myrtle Beach in October.
The 64th ACE Show is over five months away and here is another reason to make sure ACE 2018 is part of your plan…ACE is excited to announce our keynote speaker for this year: Will Bowen.
Will Bowen comes to us with his Keynote Title: “Complaint Free Business”. He knows that suppliers to the vending, office coffee and foodservice industries and their employees deal with hundreds of complaints on a daily basis — complaining coworkers, complaining customers. Spend time with Will at our Saturday morning breakfast and expect to leave inspired, mindful of your own complaints, and motivated to approach complaining customers and co-workers with new, simple and effective strategies. Overcome complaining and see how it changes your life and your business!
Will Bowen is an in-demand motivational speaker, a #1 International Bestselling author, the World Authority on Complaining, and Founder of the Complaint Free® movement with over 11 million followers worldwide. You may have seen Will on Oprah, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Make sure you plan to attend the Awards Breakfast on Saturday, October 13th to hear Will!