The forum was hosted and sponsored by NAVSA, the French Vending Association, in cooperation with the European Vending Association.

Opening the event, Joachim Mendes, President of NAVSA, said: "This is a unique opportunity to meet, exchange information and reflect on the future of our business for the coming years. Although each country represents itself differently, we have common, future goals such as: minimizing environmental impact, sustainable development, health and nutrition. We cannot afford to ignore these issues any more."

The vending of fruit and vegetables, coffee prices, public and snack vending, plus fiscal and administrative updates from Italy on new obligations for operators were just some of the items put forward for the agenda by the operators themselves.

Round table discussions took place, following detailed presentations, in order to share experience and best practice.

The next Operators' Forum will take place in Munich on November 7th 2008. The agenda will include: theft of stock, a possible EU tax on plastics, future of paper cups, and the possibility for all EVA National Associations to present a 15 minute brief on vending in their countries. Interested independent operators should contact their National Associations as the number of seats is limited.

"These meetings offer a unique opportunity to independent operators", said Catherine Piana, EVA Director General, "to share knowledge and experience and enhance their daily operations, with ideas exchanged on daily business improvements."

Fioravante Allegrino, Chairman of the Operators' Forum, concluded: "The success of these meetings lies in the interest of the exchanged information, the conviviality of the group and the future challenges, which all present are willing to take."

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