Walking through the NAMA OneShow aisles this year, there were a couple of trends that dominated among the vending machine manufacturers: touchscreens and connectivity.

The proliferation of touchscreens was the most visible trend. They were everywhere, on machines of all types and sizes, ranging from small format 5" screens to the massive 55" interactive touchscreens on the VE CONNECT™ machines on display in our booth. 

It was apparent that these touchscreens were being introduced to solve several problems.

First, they provide a more attrractive, engaging and appealing way to attract consumers' attention. Many of the displays were capable of showing movies and animations in addition to still photographs, generating an active screen presence that attracted attention from passersby.

Second, they provide a platform to display product ads and promotions. The product manufacturers desperately want to reach shoppers at the precise instant that they are making their buying decision. The integrated touchscreens provide an ideal platform to present brief ads, promotions and even games that engage the consumer and influence their buying decision.

And, finally, the touchscreen enables the vending operator to deliver a customized user experience that enhances the vending experience.

These new machines will no longer operate in isolation, either. They will all be networked through the internet so that vending operators can collect detailed sales data in real-time and can download fresh, updated content daily.