Time to Register for the Expo

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 scheduled for July 15-18, 2014 at the Denver Marriott City Center in Denver, Colorado.

Note: Pre-registration has closed as of Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Registrations may now only be done on-site at the Denver Marriott City Center.

Formerly known as the NAC Annual Convention & Trade Show, the event is an educational conference in its 32nd 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.

NAC will return to hosting 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 2014 Expo in Denver. The Expo committee has planned terrific educational sessions, great social functions and exciting events.

Click here to see photos from the 2013 event!

Wednesday, July 16

9:00 State of the Industry

Leadership from venue and product trade associations will present their latest information on their membership and the future plans and challenge they foresee. Jeff Scudillo will moderate the panel that will include John Fithian of NATO, Jeff Mann of IAVM, Dan Mathews of NAMA and Dan Borschke of NAC.

4:00–5:00 Government Relations Panel Discussion

A discussion on the latest state and federal regulatory and legislative issues that face the concession industry. Don Lear of The Hershey Company and Chair of the NAC Government Relations Committee will moderate a panel of experts that includes: Belinda Judson of NATO, Russell A. Hollrah, Esq. of Hollrah LLC, Scarlett Foster Moss of Coca-Cola North America, Sandra Grance of American Beverage Association and additional panel members to be announced.

Thursday, July 17

9:00 Evolving Food and Beverage Expectations of the Ever-Demanding Consumer

Food experts including Chef Carmen Callo, Executive Chef – Centerplate, Denver Convention Center; Ken Whiting of Whiting’s Food Concessions, Inc.; Bill Le Clair of National Amusements Theatres and Judy Barbe, MS, RDN of LiveBest will discuss the latest food, beverage and nutrition trends that impact the concession and hospitality industry. Bob Shimmin of Concessions Guru will be the facilitator.

Tuesday, July 15

7:00-9:00 Opening Night Reception & Silent Auction
The convention kicks off with the NAC Opening Night Reception/Silent Auction. Guests will enjoy cocktails and appetizers while bidding on all types of auction items. All registered Exhibitors and Convention attendees (everyone with a badge) are welcome. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will benefit NAC educational programs.

Wednesday, July 16

7:00 Fun Run
Wednesday morning will start with the NAC Run/Walk before breakfast. Remember you are running in the mile high city! Pre-registration is necessary. Proceeds will benefit the NAC Educational Fund. Click Here for Flyer. Click Here for Map of Route.

6:00-9:00 Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar
Howl at the Moon is rocking the Rockies! The World’s Greatest Rock N’ Roll Dueling Piano Bar is located on the Denver’s LoDo area right next to Coors Field. Howl at the Moon Denver is the hottest party in the LoDo area, and perfect for happy hour with friends, pre/post Rockies game partying, corporate events, and Bachelorette parties in Denver.

Thursday, July 17

12:30-2:00 Annual Membership Luncheon
NAC’s Annual Business Meeting that includes the Mickey Warner Award, the first Krystal La Reese-Gaule Membership Award and the election of this year’s Board of Directors.

6:30-9:00 Blue Sky Grill at the Pepsi Center
Pepsi Center’s Blue Sky Grill is inspired by the Q Creek Ranch in Wyoming, capturing the unparalleled beauty found only in the Rocky Mountains. Conveniently located in LoDo, Blue Sky Grill is open during major events at Pepsi Center.

Friday, July 18

8:00-10:00 Breakfast & Community Service Project
NAC member volunteers will pack up to 500 individual gallon storage bags full of candy, popcorn, etc. The bags will be filled with the many great products that will be seen at the NAC Trade Show the previous two days, so exhibitors and members are requested to provide extra product to fulfill the need for the local USO.

The National Association of Concessionaires will be holding The Concession & Hospitality Expo (Formerly the NAC Convention & Trade Show)
July 15-18, 2014 Denver Marriott City Center.

The Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, July 16th (12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Thursday, July 17th (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and is open to full and tabletop displays. CLICK HERE FOR ON-LINE EXHIBITOR KIT

Click here for the Trade Show Flyer and Registration Form. Check the Trade Show Floor Plan below for booth availability.

New Product/Service Presentations
NAC is continuing the well-received new product/service presentations in 2014. New exhibitors will have the opportunity to participate in short product/service presentations. Time and date to be determined.

These back-to-back 3 minute presentations are optional, and open to only first-time exhibitors on a first come, first served basis. A list for these presentations will begin as booth reservations are received. There are a limited amount (20) of presentation slots

Trade Show Hours
Wednesday, July 16th (12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
(includes lunch)

Thursday, July 17th (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

New Product Presentations
Wednesday, July 16 (11:00)

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

Denver Marriott City Center
1701 California Street
Denver, Colorado 80202 USA
Click Here to Make Reservations

Experience supreme luxury at our Downtown Denver hotel, Denver Marriott City Center. Our AAA 4-Diamond hotel exceeds expectations in service, amenities, and atmosphere. Towering above the Mile High City, our downtown hotel’s unique location features panoramic views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and the gorgeous Denver skyline, plus convenience to the city’s most vibrant business, shopping and entertainment districts, including Colorado Convention Center, LoDo, and the 16th Street Mall, as well as top attractions like Coors Field, Pepsi Center, and Sports Authority Field at Mile High. With excellent dining on-site, fully-equipped fitness center, and other amenities like available high-speed Internet access in all rooms, we make it easy for business and leisure visitors. Venue space includes 30,000 sq ft of flexible space, with 27 conference rooms, with certified planners and tech crew on staff. Enjoy your stay at the Denver Marriott City Center hotel and tap into the energy of downtown Denver.

Unsolicited Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver Marriott City Center 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.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

American Airlines is offering NAC convention attendees 5% off of any applicable fare, from June 28 – July 14, 2014 to Denver.

You must reserve flights at the American Airlines web site. After you have selected your flight, under the “Enter Passenger Details” tab, go to the AA.com Promotion Code field and enter in 1974EG. You may also call 1-800-433-1790.

The percentage discount can be booked online at www.AA.com for American Airlines and American Eagle flights only. Itineraries involving any oneworld or codeshare partner airline must be booked through our Meeting Services Department at 800-433-1790 if calling from the US and Canada. International attendees should call their local American Airlines reservations number with the above Promotion code.

United Airlines is pleased to offer special discounts for your event. You may book online at www.united.com and enter your Offer Code ZSH3417436 in the Offer Code box when searching for your flights.

If booking through a travel professional or United Meetings at 800-426-1122, please give them the following information: Agreement Code: 417436 Z Code: ZSH3. Outside of the United States, please call your local United Airlines Reservation Office.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

The Denver Marriott City Center is 26 miles from the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel is approximately $55.00 each way. The hotel does not provide shuttle service. Supershuttle does drop off & pick up at the Hotel but only with a reservation. The website is www.supershuttle.com and the phone number is 800-258-3826

Avis is offering NAC convention attendees discounted car rental for the The Concession & Hospitality Expo. The discount is valid for 7 days before and after the convention dates. Click here for the link to the Avis website; the discount will automatically insert for the best rates.

Hertz is offering The Concession & Hospitality Expo attendees discounted car rental for the NAC Convention. Click here to be taken to the Hertz website; the discount code will automatically be inserted. For pricing information for NAC attendees, click here.

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.

Click Here for a Sponsorship Form or contact Dan Borschke at the NAC office, 312.236.3858, dborschke@NAConline.org.

ADVERTISE IN THE EXPO PROGRAM-CLICK HERE

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, and special thank-you folder given to all full convention registrants;
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, August 5;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, August 8.

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, and special thank-you folder given to all full convention registrants;
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, August 5;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, August 8.

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, and special thank-you folder given to all full convention registrants;
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, August 5;

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, and special thank-you folder given to all full convention registrants;
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.