The 2018 Concession & Hospitality Expo

The 2018 Concession & Hospitality Expo was held on August 7-10, 2018 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit often for information on an evolving Agenda, Sponsorships and Trade Show.

Links to Photos from 2018 Expo.

2018 Expo Membership & Board Meetings Album
2018 NAC Expo Social Events Album
2018 NAC Expo General Sessions Album
2018 NAC Expo Certification Classes Album
2018 NAC Expo – Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction Album
2018 NAC Expo Venue Tours Album
2018 NAC Expo Trade Show Album
2018 NAC Expo Bike Build Album

To review the 2017 Concession & Hospitality Expo CLICK HERE.

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 2018 program comes together.

Formerly known as the NAC Annual Convention & Trade Show, the event is an educational conference in its 36th 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 2018 Expo in New Oreleans.

Check back often for additions and updates for the 2018 NAC Expo.

Wednesday, August 8

9:00 – 10:15 AM

NAC 2018 EXPO Keynote Address- Our Disrupted Concession & Hospitality Industry

featuring:
Chris Bigelow – The Bigelow Company
Steve Cahoon – Centerplate
Denise de Zutter – AMC Theatres
Bruce Irving -Smart Pizza Marketing
Daniel Loria – Box Office
Shelly Olesen – C. Cretors & Company
Krista Schulte – The Coca-Cola Company
Ken Whiting – Whiting’s Food Concessions

Thursday, August 9

9:00 – 10:00 AM

The Arena – Author Rafi Kohan

Author Rafi Kohan has written a humorous and entertaining book about where our sports teams play and why we can’t get enough of them. Enjoy his new book and start thinking about questions you might want to ask him when he addresses the 2018 NAC Concession & Hospitality EXPO in New Orleans on Thursday, August 9 at 9:00 AM. Kohan is the author of The Arena: Inside the Tailgating, Ticket-Scalping, Mascot-Racing, Dubiously Funded, and Possibly Haunted Monuments of American Sport. He has written for GQ, Men’s Journal, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, L.A. Times, Rolling Stone, Town & Country, and more. Formerly, he served as deputy editor at New York Observer. Currently, he works at The Atlantic as the head of editorial for Re:think, the magazine’s branded content studio.

10:30 – 12:30 PM

Shop Talk – (10 Minute Presentations followed by brief discussion on topic)

1) Food Marketing – Bruce Irving
2) Government Relations Update – Gina Di Santo, NAC; Belinda Judson, NATO.
3) Cinema/Sports & Entertainment Analytics- Survey Me
4) Millennial Marketing – Jacquilyn Davis, Justin Kovitz and Fuze Viewer.
5) Trends in Labor Law – Scott Fanning, Fisher & Phillips
6) Selecting a Movie Theater: What is Important to a Movie-goer – Dr. Radesh Palakurthi, University of Memphis

Friday, August 10

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Presentation – Stories That Will Keep You Up At Night.

Panel discussion to feature Brian McMillin, ECM, The Lexington Center Corporation; Dave Guepfer, La Crosse Center and Jon Muscalo, Legends Hospitality Management.

Tuesday, August 7

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Opening Night Reception & Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction

Wednesday, August 8

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Brunch @ The Movies – Cinebarre Canal Place 9

In conjunction with Regal Entertainment the Wednesday morning brunch and screening will take place at the Cinebarre Canal Place 9 just 2 blocks from the the host property for the NAC EXPO. This new EXPO feature will highlight new food and beverage offerings at the cinema as well as an exciting movie screening.

CRAZY RICH ASIANS – NAC is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Warner Bros. production of the bestselling book Crazy Rich Asians a week prior to its US debut. Filmed entirely in Shanghai and Malaysia.Thanks to the support of Regal Entertainment and concession promotion items from RCM Media and Cinema Scene/ Vision Media we look forward to an exciting networking event at the NAC EXPO. FULL EXPO Registration is necessary to attend this event.

6:00 PM

National World War II Museum Tour and Dinner

Ranked by TripAdvisor as the #1 Attraction in New Orleans, named by USA Today as the #1 Best Place to Learn U.S. Military History, and designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II, The National WWII Museum features a rich collection of artifacts that bring history to life. Discover the most impactful event of the 20th century and the legacy of the greatest generation in thought-provoking exhibits—including our newest exhibit, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George Brown Salute to the Home Front—and explore the American experience in the war that changed the world. From D-Day galleries to the 4D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries, from the soaring US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center to the groundbreaking Campaigns of Courage, this world-renowned history museum is designed to inspire visitors of all ages in the lessons of World War II and the stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation.

Thursday, August 9

6:00 PM

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House

The Brennan Family is synonymous with quality and spectacular food and beverages in New Orleans. NAC EXPO attendees will be able to experience a piece of MARDI GRAS at the Bourbon House on the world famous Bourbon Street. Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House is all about local seafood. If it’s not in season, you won’t find it on the menu. Enjoy authentic New Orleans dishes at New Orleans’ premier oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Bourbon House boasts a lively atmosphere with huge picture windows overlooking Bourbon Street. The dining rooms of this famous French Quarter restaurant are indicative of New Orleans’ European heritage, with handcrafted wrought iron and custom millwork.

Friday, August 10

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Venue Tours

The Orpheum Theatre – The Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans is a beautifully appointed 100 year old masterpiece that was dark for nearly a decade after Katrina. After a $13 million investment, the Orpheum returned to life in August of 2015. The Orpheum’s spacious orchestra, loges, balcony, and gallery offer newly-installed upholstered seats and comfortable accommodation for 1460 guests. The Orpheum easily transforms from an intimate concert venue to corporate meeting and convention space with perfect sight lines from each of its seats. An adjustable orchestra floor and customizable floor seating plan accommodate banquets, weddings, luncheons and receptions.

The New Orleans City Park is more than 1,300 acres of green space; it is an Amusement Park, Botanical Gardens, a Golf Course, a miniature Golf Course,2 Football Stadiums, Sculpture Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Join us for a very special tour of a very special place in the city.

The Mercedes Benz Superdome is established as a premier destination for every type of event, and the grand structure builds on that legacy continually. From the biggest, most elaborate productions that thrill thousands to memorable intimate gatherings, the Superdome adapts and captivates. Located in the heart of the New Orleans Central Business District, the Superdome is among the most enviable venues in the nation. And with a stunning spot on the New Orleans skyline and its iconic design, the Superdome is one of America’s most recognizable landmarks. If you need to get to the airport, we will bus you there too.

Trade Show

The 2018 Expo Trade Show is officially Sold Out!

The 2018 Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, August 8 (2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Thursday, August 9 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and is open to full and tabletop displays.

The 2018 NAC Expo Exhibitor Kit is now online. Download Here.

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

Click Here for Downloadable Trade Show Registration Form

Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company
100	Gold Medal Products Company	212	Prudential Advisors	501	Eisenberg/Home Market Foods
101	Tossware	213	Gilchrist Bag Manufacturing	502	AICP
102	CardConnect	214	Vivian Company	503	Weaver Popcorn
103	Churchill Container	215	Van Holten’s	504	Govino
104	Tootsie Roll Industries	300	Promotion in Motion Companies	505	PretzelHaus/FUNacho
105	d’marie, inc.	301	Vistar	506	Conver Pack, Inc.
106	Con Agra Foodservice	302	Ricos Products	507	Taste of Nature
107	Jevo	303	Ventura/Odell’s	508	Dynamic Drinkware
108	RCM Media	304	Popcorn County	509	Tequesitos USA, LLC
109	Survey Me	306	Pro Star Industries	510	Dible Dough, LLC
110	Casablanca Ventures	308	Cotton Cravings	511	Fan Food App
111	US Variety	310	Proctor Company	512	TEZ
112	The Vollrath Company	312	UNO Foods	513	John Boos
113	Keurig Dr Pepper	313	Cinema Scene/Vision Media	514	DEEL Media
114	Dippin' Dots	314	Gehl Foods	515	Sierra Nevada Brewing
115	Nuts.com	315	Kernel Season’s	600	Grin On Industries / Bottoms Up Beer
116	Perlick Corporation	400	Mennel Popcorn	601-603	Ben' Pretzels
118	Tyson Foods	401	White Castle	602	Essensa
200	C. Cretors & Company	402	Pepsi	604	Texas Tito’s Inc.
201	Royal Corporation	403	Appetize	605	Sestra Systems
202	Prime Ticket	405	Beecher’s Handmade Cheese	606-608	The J.M. Smucker Co.
203	Preferred Popcorn	407	Sterno Delivery	607	Kernel King
204	Coca-Cola	409	RTS Solutions	609	Fuze Viewer
205	The Hershey Company	411	EOMAC LTD.	610	The Legacy Companies
206	Mars/Wrigley Confectionary	412	Golden Krust	611	Freezing Point, LLC – Frazil
207	New Belgium Brewing	413	AVS Companies	612-614	ICEE
208	Mars Ice Cream	414	Shake N’ Share	613	Klopp Money Handling Equipment
209	Iowa Rotocast Plastics (IRP Inc.)	415	Lancer Corp.	615	Emmi Roth Cheese
210	Packaging Concepts, Inc.	500	Nestle USA	617	The Growler Station
211	American Licorice			619	GameChanger Tray

Trade Show Hours
Wednesday, August 8 (2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
(includes lunch)

Thursday, August 9 (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 2018 Expo will take place at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel .

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street
New Orleans Louisiana 70130 USA
504-525-2500
website

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE ROOM

Make your getaway to Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and enjoy the benefits of our perfect location in the heart of the city. Situated in downtown New Orleans, steps from the famed French Quarter, we’re within walking distance of Bourbon Street, the Riverwalk, the Port of New Orleans and much more. Moreover, our hotel’s proximity to the historic Canal Street streetcar line ensures travelers can easily venture out to experience all parts of the city, including the Garden District and Magazine Street. Start your day in the Big Easy with a beignet breakfast at Roux Bistro before exploring the area’s wealth of things to do. While nearby attractions beckon, travelers of all types will appreciate thoughtful hotel amenities like a rooftop pool and sun deck, 105,700 square feet of event space, a Sheraton Fitness Center and a lobby Starbucks®. However you elect to spend your time in New Orleans, we know you’ll look forward to returning home to your spacious guest room to soak up scenic views of this one-of-a-kind city.

Unsolicited New Orleans 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 New Orleans for 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 Sheraton New Orleans 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.

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 for Downloadable Sponsorship 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.