The 2016 Concession & Hospitality Expo

About

The National Association of Concessionaires will bring together the top food and beverage concession leaders in the recreation and leisure-time industry at The Concession & Hospitality Expo. The Expo committee is planning terrific educational sessions, great social functions and exciting events. Check back often as the 2016 program comes together.

Formerly known as the NAC Annual Convention & Trade Show, the event is an educational conference in its 34th year covering a wide range of concessions and foodservice topics. The business sessions are practical and focused on the concessions industry, and provide interaction between all types of operations. In addition, exciting social functions allow for attendees to network in a less formal setting. Your full convention registration fee includes all educational sessions, food functions, social events, venue tours and the trade show.

As part of the Expo, NAC will host its own trade show specifically for the recreation and leisure-time foodservice industry. The trade show will feature companies that provide products and services to all types of recreation, leisure-time and public assembly facilities. For more information on the trade show and how you can participate, click on the Trade Show tab on this page.

Make plans now to attend the 2016 Expo in the Twin Cities.

2016 NAC Tentative Expo Program. Check back often for updates.

Date	Event	Room	Session Materials	Description
Saturday, July 8
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Concession Manager Certification Course	Dorado
Sunday, July 9
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Concession Manager Certification Course	Dorado
Monday, July 10
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Concession Manager Certification Course	Dorado
6:00 PM - 9 PM	Board of Directors Dinner	Bourbon Steak House
Tuesday, July 11
6:30 AM	Expo Golf Event - GrayhawkGolf Club			The Valley of the Sun is famous for its world class golf courses. With this in mind, we have arranged for a limited opportunity for those who would like to play some golf while at Expo. There are ONLY 7 FOURSOMES AVAILABLE (28 Golfers Total)at GrayhawkGolf Club, just minutes away from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Concession Manager Certification Course	Dorado
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	NAC BOD Committee Buffet Lunch	Arabian Patio
1:15 PM -2:00 PM	Communications Committee	Arabian A
1:15 PM -2:00 PM	Government Relations Committee	Arabian B
2:00 PM -2:45 PM	Marketing Membership Committee	Arabian A
2:00 PM -2:45 PM	Education Committee	Arabian B
2:45 PM -3:45 PM	Executive Committee	Moor 1
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	NAC BOD Meeting	Arabian
5:00 PM - 11:59 PM	Set- Up for Exhibitors	Palomino 1-7
7:00 – 9:00 PM	Opening Night Reception & Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction	Palomino 8-10
9:00 PM - midnight	Hospitality -NAC Late Night Lounge	President's Suite
Wednesday, July 12
7:00 - 8:00 AM	NAC Fun Run
8:00 AM	Breakfast	Palomino Plaza North
9:00 AM	Keynote Address: From Homeless Refugee to Living the American Dream – Derreck Kayongo	Palomino 8-10		Derreck Kayongo and his family fled a civil war in Uganda and settled in the U.S. when Kayongo was just ten years old. Now a successful entrepreneur, Kayongo is a renowned expert in environmental sustainability and global health. Kayongo is the founder of the Global Soap Project: a program which takes donated, melted, purified and reprocessed hotel soap and redistributes it to vulnerable populations around the world.
10:00 AM	Networking Break	Palomino Foyer
10:30 AM	Training the Next Generation of Concessionaires	Palomino 8-10		Larry Etter, CCM – Moderator; Michael Cheng, Ph.D. – Florida International University; Radesh Palakurthi, Ph.D., The Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis
12:00 PM	New Product Presentations	Palomino 8-10
1:00 PM	NAC EXPO Trade Show	Palomino 1-7		Vendors will display the newest in food, beverages, and services for the concession & hospitality channels. Make sure to eat your way through the show with a variety of items only found at the NAC EXPO.
4:00 PM	A Wednesday Summer Afternoon Beer Seminar – With Accompanying Food!	Palomino 8-10		Beer and bar food experts discuss matching beer and food to achieve outstanding results for your Theatre or Sporting venue.  A beer flight and accompanying food including a presentation from representatives from New Belgium and Sierra Nevada Breweries, Emmi Roth Cheese and numerous other vendors will be included in the very interactive and consumable 60 minute session for a hot Wednesday Summer Afternoon in Scottsdale!
5:00 PM	Mickey Warner Reception	Arabian
6:30 PM	Wednesday Evening Event - Topgolf Scottsdale			With great food & drinks, upscale amenities and competitive fun everyone can enjoy, Topgolf Scottsdale at Riverwalk is your venue for parties, company events, fundraisers and social get-togethers!
9:00 PM - midnight	Hospitality -NAC Late Night Lounge	President's Suite
Thursday, July 13
8:00 AM	Breakfast	Palomino Plaza North
9:00 AM	Millennials and Generation Z Appetites within an American Food Renaissance – June Jo Lee	Palomino 8-10		June Jo Lee serves as food ethnographer for Google Food, providing food culture and user/stakeholder insights that have been implemented through existing and new services, programs and communications.
10:00 AM	Finding Your Productivity & Focus in an Interrupted World - Randy Dean, MBA	Palomino 8-10		Randall Dean, MBA, has more than 20 years of experience using and teaching advanced principles of time and project management and personal organization.
11:00 AM	NAC Government Relations Update	Palomino 8-10		Gina Di Santo – NAC Government Relations Committee Co-Chair – Facilitator, Carlos Illingworth of The Coca-Cola Company, Eric Dell – NAMA, Belinda Judson – NATO, Esther Baruh – NATO, Dan Shorts – NCA, Joel Rice – Fisher Phillips LLC.
12:30 PM	NAC Memberships Luncheon	Palomino 8-10
1:15 PM	NAC Annual Membership Meeting	Palomino 8-10
2:00 PM	NAC EXPO Trade Show	Palomino 1-7		Vendors will display the newest in food, beverages, and services for the concession & hospitality channels. Make sure to eat your way through the show with a variety of items only found at the NAC EXPO.
4:00 PM	Networking Break	Palomino Foyer
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Exhibitors Tear Down	Palomino 1-7
6:00 PM	Thursday Evening Event-La Hacienda Restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess	La Hacienda Restaurant		Reception and Dinner.
9:00 PM - midnight	Hospitality -NAC Late Night Lounge	President's Suite
Friday, July 14
8:00 AM	Breakfast Presentation	Palomino 8-9		Wynn Salisch of Casablanca Ventures will giving the breakfast presentation, "Payment Processing and Data Security in a Networked World" .
9:30 AM	Venue Tours	Front Drive Porte Cochere		Harkins Camelview Theatre - Scottsdale Sun Devil Stadium -  ASU -  Tempe Chase Field - Phoenix
2:15 PM	Airport Drop Off	.
3:30 PM	Arrive back at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Check back often for updates.

Wednesday, July 20

9:00 Keynote Address-Creating a World Class Service Organization

World renowned customer service expert Dennis Snow will address the 2016 Concession and Hospitality Expo with, “Creating a World Class Service Organization.” Dennis Snow’s customer service abilities were honed over 20 years with the Walt Disney World Company. There, he developed his passion for service excellence and the experience he brings to the worldwide speaking and consulting he does today. Click here to read more. DOWNLOAD PDF HANDOUT

10:30 – People are our Most Valuable Asset

Andrew Cretors of C. Cretors & Company will facilitate a high-powered panel of concession industry and labor experts. Such topics as engaging Millennials in the workforce, Strategies for minimum wage mandates and overtime regulations, temporary and contract workers and hiring and retaining your best crew members as well as how to find the right worker at any age and the appropriate person to work with alcohol will be discussed. Panel includes: Ken Whiting of Whiting Food Concessions, Dennis Snow of Snow & Associates, Kit Moss of Kit Moss Marketing and Revenue Development, Inc., Joel Rice, Esq. of Fisher & Phillips, LLC and Robert Perkins III, Act V Theatres.

11:45 – Government Relations Panel

Gina Di Santo, CCM and Don Lear, Co-Chairs of the NAC Government Relations Committee will moderate a panel of advocacy experts highlighting issues vital to the Concession, Hospitality, Theatre, and Vending Industries. The panel will include Toney Anaya, Coca-Cola North America Group; Mark Dieffenbach, The Hershey Company; Daniel Cosgrove, National Confectioners Association and Sandy Larson, National Automatic Merchandising Association.

4:00 – Leadership Counts

Larry Etter, CCM, NAC Director of Education and Sr. Vice President at Malco Theatres will introduce the audience to the NAC Regional Seminar Series that is provided locally throughout 2016. Leadership is an integral quality not found in all people but is certainly a trait that is necessary for success in all elements of business and life. Thanks to our very generous nine national scholarship supporting member companies Leadership Counts instructs the next generation in Leadership traits and will motivate those in the audience to register their team members for a future Regional Seminar Session.

Thursday, July 21

9:00 – The Entrepreneurial and Leadership Mind Set – A conversation with Simon T. Bailey and Larry Lynch.

Renowned speaker and author Simon T. Bailey is the leader of the “brilliance” movement – helping more than 1 million people find their brilliance, shift their thinking and produce sustainable results. According to The Speakers Experts, Simon is one of America’s top ten most booked corporate and association speakers. In 2015 Simon was inducted into the prestigious National Speakers Association Hall of Fame whose honorary members include former U.S. Secretary of State General Colin Powell and President Ronald Reagan. An experience with Simon goes beyond feel-good content to real-life deliverables that impact lives. He connects with any audience on many levels with a relevant message that resonates beyond the stage.

Larry Lynch, president and CEO of Environmental Health Testing (EHT) is a 30+ year business veteran leading both large and small enterprise businesses as well as trade/professional associations. A dynamic leader, Larry is CEO of two growing organizations. He is President and CEO of Environmental Health Testing (EHT), a pioneer in developing and delivering certification examinations for individuals in the food industry specializing in food safety. Larry is also president and owner of the United States Personal Chef Association, North America’s largest professional organization for personal and private chefs.

10:30 – NAC TOWN HALL

This year we will conduct the Venue Breakouts together under the new banner of the NAC TOWN HALL rather than segregating the theatre-interested registrants from the non-theatre-interested registrants. We have been told by many of our members over the years that each group brings remarkable information to the table, so it would be beneficial for all attendees to participate in a larger group to discuss and hopefully create results on pressing issues and concerns for all in the Concessions and Hospitality Community. The session will be 2 hours long and will be facilitated by Leaders from both Venue Interests along with NAC Staff.

Friday, July 22

8:00 AM – US Bank Field Concession Presentation at Breakfast

U.S Bank Stadium is owned and operated by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, a local governmental unit of the State of Minnesota. While the major tenant in the stadium is the Minnesota Vikings, the building was designed to provide a wide array of events for the community and state. It will host high school and college sporting events, including baseball and soccer. The new stadium can also accommodate large trade shows and concerts as well as smaller intimate events in the stadium’s six state-of-the-art club spaces and locations throughout the building. In May of 2012, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation authorizing the construction of a new stadium in Minneapolis, and the new stadium design was unveiled in May, 2013 by the stadium’s architect, HKS. The decommissioning of the Metrodome began on December 30, 2013, following the final Minnesota Vikings game of the season, and the power was turned off in the building on January 18, 2014.

Check back often to see 2016 NAC Expo Social Functions

Wednesday, July 20

6:00 – 9:00 PM Mississippi River Cruise, Dinner and Casino
Buses depart at 6:00 PM sharp from Hotel turn around.

Spot bald eagles, herons, egrets and falcons as you travel back in time from St. Paul’s bustling downtown harbor through the Mississippi National Great River Park. Enjoy a little bit of Vegas on the Mighty Mississippi! See if Lady Luck is with you and join others in a game of Black Jack or Variety Poker (play money, of course) while the Rat Pack croons in the background. We’ll see you on the river!
Thursday, July 21

5:30 – 9:00 PM TCF Bank Stadium Reception, Dinner & Tour
Buses depart at 5:30 PM sharp from Hotel turn around.

TCF Bank Stadium is an outdoor stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Opened in 2009, it is the home field of the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the Big Ten Conference. It was also the temporary home of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League for the 2014 and 2015 seasons during the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium. The 52,525-seat “horseshoe” style stadium cost $303.3 million to build and is designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000. It is the first new Big Ten football stadium constructed since Memorial Stadium at Indiana University opened in 1960. TCF Bank Stadium also boasts the largest home locker room in college or professional football and one of the largest video boards in the nation. This event will also include venue tours of venerable Williams Arena and the adjacent Mariucci Arena, the respective homes of Golden Gopher Basketball and Men’s Ice Hockey.

Friday, July 22

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Venue Tours
Buses depart at 9:00 AM sharp from Hotel turn around.

Target Field, Home of the Minnesota Twins – Spectacular and intimate … breathtaking views … dazzling amenities … and a staggering array of special features! Those are just a few things you can find in your experience at Target Field, the world class home of Twins Territory. Target Field is a phenomenal large open air baseball park located in the heart of the downtown core of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Xcel Energy Center, Home of the Minnesota Wild – The Xcel Energy Center is a multi-purpose arena, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is named for its locally based corporate sponsor Xcel Energy. With an official capacity of 17,954, the arena has four spectator levels: one suite level and three general seating levels. Xcel Energy Center is regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world. The one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose facility is home to more than 150 sporting and entertainment events and approximately 1.7 million visitors each year.

Oakdale Marcus Cinemas – The Marcus Oakdale Cinema is a premiere entertainment destination featuring 17 auditoriums, each with comfortable DreamLounger™ recliner seating. There’s an UltraScreen DLX® auditorium, which provides a massive screen, Dolby® Atmos® multidimensional sound and the DreamLounger seats. Plus there’s plenty of food and beverage choices including a Take Five® Lounge for casual dining and three Big Screen Bistro auditoriums, which offer full-service, in-theatre dining. The theatre proudly serves Zaffiro’s THINCREDIBLE® handmade pizza through the concessions stand as well.

Trade Show

The 2016 Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, July 20 (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Thursday, July 21 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and is open to full and tabletop displays.

The Trade Show is now Sold Out.

We are creating a waiting list so please contact us with interest.

Check to the graphic below for available booths. You can contact Dan Borschke at the NAC office, 312.236.3858, dborschke@NAConline.org to reserve your booth!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TRADE SHOW AND SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION FORM

The 2016 Exhibitor Kit is now available. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD.

Click on company name to go to their website.

Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company
100	White Castle	200	Weaver Popcorn	300	Great Western
101	Ventura / Lu Anna	201	Coca-Cola	301	Vistar
102	Gold Medal	202	Chestnut Identity	303	Vistar
103	Hershey	203	Gehl's	302	Complicated Flavors
104	Kernel King	204	Royal Corporation	304	Boston Beer
105	Tootsie Roll	205	Color Ad Packaging Ltd	305	Snacktops
106	Sweet Bottom Cookies	206	The Vivian Company	306	Euro Snacks, Inc.
107	ConAgra	207	Survey Me	307	Casablanca Ventures
108	Seapoint Farms	208	State Fair Mini Donuts	308	First Data
109	Nestle	209	American Licorice	309	Austin Cocktails
110	ProStar Industries	212	Odell's	311	Appetize
112	Promotion In Motion	213	Eisenberg	312	Calbee North America
113	Kernel Seasons	214	AICP	313	Mannon Specialty Foods, Inc.
114	CCSI	215	Pretzel Haus Bakery/FUNacho	314	Future POS
115	Popcorn County USA	216	SSDC Ecolab	315	RP & Associates (Grub Tub)
116	Rico's Products	217	Golden Krust	316	Dr Pepper Snapple Group
117	Finger Food Products	218	Churchill Container	317	Rochester Meats
118	Jack Roe USA	219	Veezi	318	The Cawley Company
119	Berk Concession Supply	220	Preferred Popcorn	319	Absolute Marketing
120	RCM Media	221	Taste of Nature	320	Dunn Brothers Coffee
121	Packaging Concepts	224	Mini Melts of America, Inc.	321	Spooky Beverages
122	Mars Chocolate North America, LLC	225	C. Cretors & Company	323	J&J Snack Foods
124	Mars Ice Cream	226	Prime Ticket	324	Wicked Spoon
125	Van Holten's	227	ConverPack	325	Iowa Rotocast, Inc.
126	Caddy Products, Inc.	228	The Vollrath Company	326	Famous Brands International
127	NCR	229	Lancer Corp.	327	Whirley Drink Works
128	Sierra Nevada Brewing Company	230	Johnsonville	328	Ben's Soft Pretzels
129	Cinema Scene Marketing	231	Ferrara USA	329	EDAMOVIE
130	RTS Solutions	232	Pepsico	330	SYSCO
131	Fun Sweets LLC	233	Dynamic Drinkware	331	New Belgium Brewing
133	Proctor Companies			332	The Fremont Company
				333	US Weight, Inc.

Trade Show Hours
Wednesday, July 20 (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
(includes lunch)

Thursday, July 21 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

The trade show will feature products and services such as:
soft drinks • beer • iced tea • nachos • menu boards • pizza • hot dogs • soft pretzels • peanuts • pressure fryers • cotton candy • sno kones • frozen yogurt • ice cream • churros • egg rolls • condiment dispensers • mobile food carts • food warmers • holding ovens • candy • grills • BBQ• popcorn poppers • concession stands • containers & trays • architectural planning & concession design• souvenir cups/mugs • beverage dispensers • paper products • popcorn toppings & oils • point-of-sale equipment and MORE!

Don’t miss the chance to put your company in front of the leading buyers in the industry!

HOTEL

The Expo will take place at the Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel and there are also a block of rooms at the Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot. Both of these properties are under the same roof and are equally convenient to all of the Expo events. The reservation link below includes both properties so make sure you scroll down if you wish to book at the Residence.

The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel
225 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 375-1700

Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot
425 South Second Street
Minneapolis MN 55401
(612) 340-1300

Click here to make reservations.

Distinctive and beautifully appointed, the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is the ideal downtown destination for both business travelers and families. Our historic hotel was originally constructed as a railway station over a century ago, and has been lovingly restored to retain its past grandeur while also offering a wide range of contemporary amenities. Many of downtown Minneapolis’ most popular landmarks and attractions – including the Guthrie Theater, Target Field, and Mill City Museum – are moments away. Settle in to your stylish and comfortable guest room, or book one of our stunning Historic Suites to experience the special atmosphere of our hotel. Savor flavorful Midwestern cuisine at Charley’s Grill, or stop in for a cocktail at the cozy Stone Arch Bar. And with over 66,000 square feet of unique venue space, we’re pleased to be one of the premier meeting and event locations in downtown Minneapolis. We look forward to making you feel at home at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot.

Enjoy an unforgettable stay at the Residence Inn Depot, located in the beautiful Mississippi River Front District. Centrally located in downtown Minneapolis, guests can surround themselves in the rich story of the Twin Cities. Experience art and history as you take a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls, catch a show at the Guthrie Theater or check out the Mill City Museum. The best of Minneapolis sports teams are also at your fingertips. Target Field, Target Center, TCF Bank Stadium and the nearly complete US Bank Stadium are all within walking distance from the front door of the Residence Inn. Our hotel is also located just 11 miles from the famous Mall of America. Minneapolis is well-known for their restaurant and food scene! Please your taste buds with a variety of food from Butcher & the Boar, Zelo, 112 Eatery, Manny’s Steakhouse, and Capital Grille. Let us keep you comfortable while you explore this unique area of downtown during your stay at the Residence Inn Depot.

Unsolicited Minneapolis Room Phone Call Scam
Apparently NAC members and exhibitors are receiving unsolicited phone calls from companies stating that they can provide you cheaper rooms than we can in Minneapolis for the The Concession & Hospitality Expo . Please be aware that these individuals and companies are known to scam clients by getting credit card numbers and pertinent information that can be used in nefarious ways. You are receiving the most affordable rate at The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel while also supporting your association at NAC. DO NOT PROVIDE THESE CALLERS ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION AND PLEASE REPORT THEM TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE THEM A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER ASAP.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Check back for transportation information.

Sponsorships

The Concession & Hospitality Expo provides your company with opportunities to put your products, services and brand in front of buyers for all types of recreation and leisure-time food and beverage operations. Sponsorships are available at every level and extend well past the convention itself, and benefits for each level are detailed below. Many of our sponsors also choose to extend their opportunities by registering for the full NAC convention, allowing them access to buyers at all educational sessions and social functions.

For more information on how to become a sponsor contact Dan Borschke at the NAC office, 312.236.3858, dborschke@NAConline.org.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TRADE SHOW AND SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION FORM

Sponsorship Benefits

Platinum Level ($10,000 and above)
Logo recognition as a platinum sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a platinum sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a platinum sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event;
Thank you announcement and invitation to address attendees at event;
Invitation for two to invitation-only board/sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 20;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, July 23.

Gold Level ($5,000 to $9,999)
Logo recognition as a gold sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a gold sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a gold sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event;
Invitation for two to invitation-only board/sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 20;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, July 23.

Silver Level ($2,500 to $4,999)
Logo recognition as a silver sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event;
Invitation for two to invitation-only board/sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 20;

Bronze Level ($1,000 to $2,499)
Recognition as a bronze sponsor on the NAC web site;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a bronze sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event.

Contributing Sponsors (under $1,000)
Recognition as a educational session prize sponsor in signage;
Recognition in program as an educational session prize program sponsor;
Recognition in post-convention materials.