After 14 years as president and CEO of NAMA, Carla understands the operator mindset and always has the best interests of NAMA members at the top of her priority list.

As Carla Balakgie approaches her last NAMA show as president and CEO of the organization, it is a good time for her to reflect on the last 14 years at the helm of the successful industry organization.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry, it’s Part II of Bob Tullio’s interview with Carla Balakgie. If you missed Part I on April 1st, it’s ok, listen to today’s episode now and go back to hear the great conversation from Part I at your convenience – and it was a great conversation as Carla discussed her 14-year journey as president and CEO of NAMA. She talked about advocacy – what operators need to do to succeed and the industry’s proactive approach to improve their image and increase revenue opportunities.

Tullio also interviewed key industry leaders who shared their perspectives on the impact of Carla Balakgie, including Craig Hesch of AH Management, Pete Tullio of Gourmet Coffee Service and Tom Steuber of Associated Services.

In this episode – an insightful interview - Carla looks back at the people who helped her succeed at NAMA – she gives us the secret sauce recipe – she talks about technology – industry newcomers, her legacy and so much more. Of course, Tullio spoke to some other industry heavyweights, who shared their perspective on Carla’s positive and long-lasting impact.

For operators, suppliers and anyone in business who wants to get a glimpse inside the mind of a proven leader – an inspirational leader – this is a must listen. If you don’t know Carla that well, you will see why she is so successful. Her combination of professionalism and charm is a winning combination.

Based on the industry’s growth – the big comeback underway in just about every segment of the convenience services industry and the huge success of the most recent conventions – Chicago in 2022 – Atlanta in 2023 – record attendance at Dallas in 2024 – there is a lot of excitement brewing about the 2025 NAMA show and the return of the show to Las Vegas.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry - presented in cooperation with the National Automatic Merchandising Association - the industry organization for convenience services, it’s a preview at of the upcoming NAMA Show in Las Vegas – May 7th to 9th at the Las Vegas convention center.

Bob Tullio talked to some of the architects of the event - David Marler from 365 Retail Markets, Ryan Harrington, Founder and CEO of Royal ReFresh– both on the trade show advisory committee, and Kristen Griffith, CMP Griffith, Vice President, Programs & Services at NAMA.

The podcast guests talk about why the NAMA Show is a must attend for any serious operator, plus – how the show has impacted their businesses. There is also a great deal of buzz around the keynote speaker, Oz Pearlman, world-renowned mentalist.

With extensive experience behind her, Carla Balakgie hit the ground running when she was named President and CEO of NAMA 14 years ago. With Carla moving on to her next chapter after this year, the convenience services organization has big shoes to fill.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry, host Bob Tullio sat down with Carla to talk about her journey and her perspective from the industry’s top spot.

Much of the conversation centers on advocacy, dodging legislative landmines and the industry's proactive approach to improve their image and increase revenue opportunities for operators and suppliers.

Tullio also interviewed key industry leaders who shared their perspectives on the impact of Carla Balakgie, including Craig Hesch (AH Management), Pete Tullio (Gourmet Coffee Service) and Tom Steuber (Associated Services).