Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association

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VAMA Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Isabella Russo & Myra Parkinson,
VAMA's 2026 Scholarship Winners!

VAMA Scholarship

Do you have a high school student looking for scholarship funds? VAMA is giving back to our industry with TWO $1500 scholarships!
In an effort to contribute to the communities that have made the industry what it is, VAMA is excited to announce that it has formed a scholarship for the 2027 academic year.

The Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association, represents the vending and food service industry in the state will be awarding TWO $1,500 scholarships! One scholarship will be primarily financially based while the other will be based on academics and character. These scholarships will be awarded to two deserving students (student must be directly involved with the vending industry or related to a person from the vending industry and a CURRENT Member of VAMA) from Virginia each year.

2027 winners will be announced at the ACE show on Oct. 16, 2027. Applications MUST be fully completed and submitted by fax or email by September 1, 2027.

2027 Scholarship Application - COMING SOON!

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Bowen or Michelle Thomsen.

ACE 2026

PRESS RELEASE

TEDx Speaker Jake Fehling to Present
"Hype is Not Just for Halftime!” at ACE Around the World

Professional Hype Man helps leaders and teams unlock energy, belief, and momentum — on purpose!

Cary, NC – The Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) is thrilled to announce the keynote and theme for the ACE 2026 Show! Keynote Jake Fehling is a TEDx speaker and professional hype man who helps leaders and teams unlock energy, belief, and momentum — on purpose. Known for his high-impact storytelling, humor, and audience interaction, Jake delivers talks that are equal-parts motivating and practical, giving people language and tools they can use immediately in their work and lives. By day, Jake serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Movement Mortgage, where he helps lead brand, culture, and communications for a 4,000-person national organization built on legacy and impact. He’s also the in-stadium hype man for the Carolina Panthers — an experience that’s shaped his belief that confidence, performance, and culture are all fueled by what we reinforce consistently. Jake’s message is simple but powerful: hype isn’t noise — it’s leadership. Audiences leave energized, encouraged, and ready to show up differently the very next day. Join us for the Awards Breakfast at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, to hear Jake Fehling deliver this inspiring message.

ACE is known for its fun and creative themes each year and THIS one is no different! ACE Around the World: Explore. Engage. Elevate. Get ready to take a global journey through innovation, connection, and opportunity at this year’s Expo. With the theme “ACE Around the World,” attendees will discover new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and gain insights that help move their businesses forward. Explore – Discover innovative products, technologies, and trends shaping the future of the vending, office coffee, and foodservice industries. Engage – Connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders through meaningful networking and dynamic conversations. Elevate – Gain insights and strategies to strengthen your business, leadership, and impact in the marketplace. So, grab your passport, bring your curiosity, get ready to take off for a world of opportunity at ACE!

March 30, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) Announces Keynote Speaker Page Fehling
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast

 March 30, 2023 
Contact: Beth Bowen, Show Director, info@atlanticcoastexpo.com
 Cary, NC - The 2023 ACE Planning Committee announced the cool theme for 2023 based on Woodstock memories- “ACE-Stock 2023: Peace, Love & Vending.” Now, the BIG news is that the Committee has selected its keynote speaker, Page Fehling: Speaker, Trainer, Emcee.

 PAGE FEHLING

 Page Fehling worked as a TV host and morning news anchor for almost 20 years up until Fall of 2021 when she decided to leave TV and use her powers for good. Page now coaches individuals and groups, and speaks on a variety of professional development topics with a focus on communication and connection. Page and her husband, Jake, co-host the award-winning podcast, “Date Night with Jake and Page,” and co-wrote the best-selling book, “Holy Crap, We’re Pregnant.” She has three kids, three dogs, and still has most of her sanity.

 Her keynote topic "Working RunDown" promises to bring fun and practical advice together. Burnout or feelings of fatigue is all too common for many people. No one knows that better than someone who woke up for work at 1:57 a.m. to go to work for almost two decades! But it doesn't have to be that way. You can feel better, do better, AND help others with small changes that lead to big impact.

In this high-energy, interactive, and hilariously relatable keynote, 20-year TV news veteran Page Fehling will weave in and out of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and just enough inside TV-land scoop to keep you learning, laughing, and (GASP!) enjoying a professional development topic that will have you performing better at work and living better lives!
 Those who have heard Page’s presentation say, "Page's energy and delivery were just what our group needed! It was contagious. Everyone had a blast AND learned a ton." ACE Chair, Geoff Cook shares his excitement about the choice, “Having Page Fehling for our keynote speaker is going to be far-out, man! We are looking forward to starting the day with her high energy keynote and walking away with nothing but good vibes!“ Page tells ACE, "I love anyone associated with food AND a professional organization that can actually have fun. You all sound like my people." ACE can’t wait to have you with us, Page – Bring it On!

Don’t miss our ACE-Stock 2023 – Oct. 12 – 14 Mark your calendars and watch your email for operator registration opening later this spring.   For info -visit www.atlanticcoastexpo.com, email info@atlanticcoastexpo.com, or call 919-387-1221.

VAMA: Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association

Questions? Contact Us.

info@virginiavend.org | (919) 387-1221