Headed to the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles? This episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast is your insider guide to making the most of your trip - inside and outside the convention center.

Podcast host Bob Tullio highlights the must-see booths at this year’s show, featuring cutting - edge innovations in AI, smart retail, and frictionless commerce. Then, he interviews downtown LA expert Johnna Hughes, from DTLA Alliance, who maps out the best places to eat, explore, and what you must see, just steps from the convention center.

Whether you're chasing the future of unattended retail, looking for the next big thing in point of use water, seeking the hottest new snack, the coolest looking micro market fixture, an awesome single cup solution, or the perfect taco and rooftop cocktail, this episode has you covered.

DTLA tips from Johnna Hughes

Danni Sra, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, has enjoyed a successful career as an human resources manager, and she wants businesspeople to know that the job of running an HR department goes well beyond rule enforcement – a typical stereotype of what HR managers do. With years of experience in the convenience services industry, she has plenty of valuable advice for operators.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sits down with Danni Sra to unpack the evolving role of human resources in today’s fast-moving workplace, especially within the convenience services industry.

Drawing on her experience in helping grow Gourmet Coffee Service into a major market player, Danni shares practical, real-world insights on hiring, retention, compliance and the increasing complexity of managing a dispersed, frontline workforce.

From the rising expectations of Gen Z employees to the costly risks of compliance missteps, this conversation is a must-listen for operators and business leaders looking to build stronger teams and avoid expensive mistakes.

What began as a single smart cooler has evolved into a fully modular smart store ecosystem, giving operators unprecedented flexibility, scalability, and revenue potential.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, presented in cooperation with 365 Retail Markets, host Bob Tullio interviews Michael Wood, manager of product management at 365 Retail Markets, to explore how his company is transforming unattended retail.

From frictionless shopping experiences to AI-powered personalization, this conversation dives deep into where smart store technology is today and where it’s headed next. Key aspects of the conversation include:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring unattended retail technology – especially if they are attending the NAMA Show in Los Angeles later this month, where the 365 Retail Markets exhibit is a must-see.

Patrick McGinty of VendVue is offering a compelling proposition to convenience services operators: a fully outsourced, end-to-end sales solution. From prospecting to closing, VendVue manages the entire sales process, allowing operators to focus on what they do best — execution, not business development.

Importantly, VendVue is already seeing real, measurable success on both sides of the equation:

VendVue’s always-on sales engine is generating a steady stream of opportunities — so much so that in certain markets, more accounts are being landed than there are operator partners currently participating in the program.

Ultimately, this episode is about more than a sales solution. It’s about rethinking how growth can happen without the high cost and complexity of marketing, advertising, SEO, website optimization, sales training, sales management, and ongoing commissions.

To learn more or schedule a meeting, visit vendvuepartner.com or contact Patrick McGinty directly at 216-393-0733.

The convenience services industry is gearing up for one of its most important annual gatherings, as the NAMA Show 2026 takes over Los Angeles from April 22–24. Hosted in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center with a strategic footprint extending into LA Live, this year’s event promises to be more immersive and impactful than ever.

A major theme throughout the conversation is growth and momentum. With more than 135 new exhibiting companies and expanded product zones, the 2026 show reflects an industry evolving rapidly through innovation, technology, and new business models.

We talk a lot about sales on Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation. This time, we shift gears and tackle something that may be even more important: customer service.

In this episode, host Bob Tullio sat down with Brian Wolfe, vice president of global customer service at Harman International and the leader behind JBL’s global customer experience operation, to talk about what really separates average service from a true competitive advantage. Together, they dig into three fundamentals every operator should be thinking about right now:

Along the way, Bob shares a personal story about a closet remodel gone sideways — because everyday frustrations are often the best business lessons. When sales oversell, when service says “there’s nothing I can do,” when response times drag on — that’s when loyalty is won or lost.

If you’re building a dedicated customer service team, trying to free your salespeople from client maintenance work, or simply looking to reduce churn and protect long-term revenue, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Because in our business, customer service isn’t a department. It’s your reputation.

She is an industry veteran turned consultant. Tammy Stokes has plenty of advice to offer operators and suppliers, old and new, developed over the years in multiple roles.

She offers some useful free advice for operators, including:

For newcomers or long-time operators, Stokes offers some excellent insights — some hearty “food for thought.”

In an interview with Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio, John Hickey, CEO of Tech 2 Success, shares the journey of starting his company, the challenges faced in the tech industry, and the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses.

He discusses the future priorities for Tech 2 Success and the role of technology as a problem-solving tool, sharing success stories and the positive results that come from working with Tech 2 Success. He also suggests a practical approach to adopting technology, even for a company far behind in technology.

What makes Orrin Huebner a leading convenience services consultant? It’s the sheer range of hats he’s worn over his career. From the warehouse to the executive suite, Orrin has seen the industry from every possible angle, giving him a 360-degree perspective that benefits operators of all sizes.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation podcast - Bob Tullio talks to Orrin Huebner, who offers multiple proven business strategies for 2026. From using AI to drive your business - to account retention - to the importance of building your brand - to storytelling, Huebner delivers ideas that will bring measurable results.

This continuation of our 2026 "Consultant Series" brings a guest who truly 'checks all the boxes.' Get ready for some high-level, free advice from one of the most knowledgeable names in the business – Orrin Huebner.