Sporting legend Kriss Akabusi to open two days of vending innovation
In less than two months, industry leaders from across the globe will convene in Manchester as the city welcomes AVEX 2015, the vending industry’s most important biennial event. Since its conception in 1969, AVEX 2015 has become recognised as vending’s go-to gathering and this year visitors will join exhibitors and organisers to celebrate the industry’s 2000th birthday.
Exhibitors from some of the world’s biggest businesses are preparing to descend on the city to showcase the best vending has to offer, during the two day event which runs from 30 June – 1 July 2015 at Manchester Central. Renowned for his up-beat and larger-than-life speeches, sporting legend and motivational speaker, Kriss Akabusi, will officially open AVEX 2015, on Tuesday 31 June.
Kriss says: “In the run up to AVEX, I’ve seen first-hand, just how passionate the vending industry is, and it’s clear this unrelenting enthusiasm is what has enabled it to develop in order to meet consumer expectations. The world of vending continues to innovate in order to move with the times and evolve and in my experience, this is key to long-lasting success, whatever your discipline.”
Some of the world’s rarest and most iconic vending machines from across the decades will be displayed at AVEX including Kellogg’s famous solar powered vending machine and a vintage style photo-booth machine. Over 120 exhibitors, including major brands such as Siemens, Soda Stream, Kelloggs, Douwe Egberts and Walkers, will be showcasing their latest products and greatest innovations in vending at AVEX 2015.
Leading Manchester-based vending operator, Broderick’s, responsible for kitting out the city’s universities and airports with the latest touch-screen vending machines, will also take a prominent stand at the event. Director at Broderick’s, John Broderick, comments: “I am delighted AVEX is back in my home city of Manchester this year – it has a great reputation in the industry and is always very well attended. Our sector is really flourishing – advances in technology have allowed us to offer the most innovative and engaging customer experiences ever. AVEX always showcases the latest technology and products in vending and as the industry’s most important exhibition, is a critical part of our events calendar.”
AVEX 2015 will also feature two new areas – Barista Street, where visitors can see and taste the latest innovations in Bean to Cup coffee machines and the Health and Wellbeing Zone which will feature the healthier options now available in vending. Also included in the line-up will be a replica of the world’s first ever vending machine, created 2000 years ago by ancient Greek mathematician and engineer, Hero of Alexandria, to dispense holy water. As an extra special feature, Hero himself will be at the show – dressed in a toga, Hero will be posing for photos alongside his ancient vending machine and answering visitor’s questions on the 2000 year history of vending.
Technology will form a major focus of the show – the latest vending machines featuring telemetry, facial recognition technology and cashless payment options will be on display. Rosie Mills, AVEX 2015 exhibition manager says: “With so much on offer at this year’s event, it’s no surprise that exhibition space is almost full, with more visitors than ever expected. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic celebration to mark the 2000th anniversary of the industry.
“For anyone that is looking to explore the latest technological innovations in vending, or the historical impact it has had on consumer buying culture, then AVEX 2015 is the must-see event to attend this year.”
The event culminates with the vending industry’s official awards ceremony, The Vendies, taking place on the eve of the final day of AVEX 2015. Commencing at 7pm on Tuesday 1 July at the Hilton Manchester, The Vendies recognise and award outstanding products and people in the vending industry.
For those looking to explore the latest technological innovations in vending, or the historical impact it has had on consumer buying culture, then AVEX 2015 is a must-see event.
Tickets are free and available from the show’s official website. With higher visitor numbers expected than ever before, those interested are advised to book now.
For more information on AVEX 2015, or to book your tickets, visit the website www.avexshow.co.uk
Take a behind the scenes look at AVEX 2015 today by reading the blog http://www.avexshow.co.uk/news/
