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, 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.

• 365 Retail Markets (Booth 1221)
  • Flexible, modular smart store solutions
  • AI-driven insights + next-gen Pico kiosks
  • Expanded reach into healthcare, campuses, and hospitality
• Panoptyc (Booth 1561)
  • Live ShopperSense theft deterrence demo
  • New “Market Health Tool” for predictive risk insights
  • Data-driven tools to boost profitability
• Cantaloupe (Booth 1233)
  • Fully immersive smart store experiences
  • New Hot Hold solution for fresh food
  • AI-powered route optimization + business intelligence tools
• The AVS Companies (Booth 1731)
  • Full lineup of AI-powered smart coolers
  • Multiple AI approaches tailored to different operator needs

DTLA tips from Johnna Hughes

• Grand Central Market
• TE Isshoku
• Broken Shaker
• 71Above
• Fugestu Do
• Sonoratown
• The Wolves

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:

• From vending to vision: Traditional vending limitations are giving way to seamless, camera-powered retail experiences.
• Modular flexibility: Operators can build custom store formats using ambient, refrigerated, and freezer units.
• Frictionless shopping: No scanning, no checkout, just tap, grab, and go.
• VisionLink innovation: Multiple units connect into one seamless shopping journey, increasing basket size and convenience.
• New growth locations: Hotels, airports, campuses, and semi-public spaces are driving expansion.
• AI-powered future: Expect faster transactions, personalized experiences, and remote store management through digital twins.

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.