NAMA’s Coffee, Tea And Water Curriculum Features Kasavana On Technology, Puppo On Leads

CHICAGO — Planning is under way for the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s Coffee, Tea and Water conference, which is set for Nov. 13 through 15 at the New Orleans (LA) Regency Hyatt hotel. Two timely and topical business sessions have been confirmed, according to NAMA director of coffee and water service Roger Stewart.

The presenters are Amanda Puppo, chief executive of MarketReach Inc. (Lawrence, NJ), and Dr. Michael Kasavana, NAMA endowed professor at the School of Hospitality Business of Michigan State University (E. Lansing).

Puppo, an authority on lead generation, will speak on “The Art of the Introductory Call,” detailing the most successful methods of arranging appointments with top prospects. The interactive discussion will explore ways to develop prospect lists, ask the right questions, present benefits convincingly and overcome objections. Her company has worked extensively with operators in the workplace refreshment industry, and she has authored several articles on prospecting for new business and following up effectively. | See Puppo’s article on Tactful Persistence

Dr. Kasavana, a trailblazer in the study of retail automation, will lead a fast-paced series of presentations to shine the spotlight on new technologies that can be applied to planning, controlling and managing a refreshment services business. A panel of representatives from some of the industry’s leading technology suppliers will describe innovative applications for sales enhancement, fulfillment integration, digital media, product information and customer interfaces. Participants also will learn about the latest payment trends, and presenters will share experiential findings in approaches to simplifying technology implementation.

“We understand how important it is in today’s economy to stay competitive,” Stewart emphasized. “Our dynamic education sessions are designed to help coffee, tea and water service providers address virtually every aspect of their operations to increase profits.”