Congratulations to Kipley Hill and Levi Simms,
NCVA's 2026 Scholarship Winners!

Join Us at ACE 2026

TEDx Speaker Jake Fehling to Present
"Hype is Not Just for Halftime!” at ACE Around the World

Professional Hype Man helps leaders and teams unlock energy, belief, and momentum — on purpose!

Cary, NC – The Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) is thrilled to announce the keynote and theme for the ACE 2026 Show! Keynote Jake Fehling is a TEDx speaker and professional hype man who helps leaders and teams unlock energy, belief, and momentum — on purpose. Known for his high-impact storytelling, humor, and audience interaction, Jake delivers talks that are equal-parts motivating and practical, giving people language and tools they can use immediately in their work and lives. By day, Jake serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Movement Mortgage, where he helps lead brand, culture, and communications for a 4,000-person national organization built on legacy and impact. He’s also the in-stadium hype man for the Carolina Panthers — an experience that’s shaped his belief that confidence, performance, and culture are all fueled by what we reinforce consistently. Jake’s message is simple but powerful: hype isn’t noise — it’s leadership. Audiences leave energized, encouraged, and ready to show up differently the very next day. Join us for the Awards Breakfast at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, to hear Jake Fehling deliver this inspiring message.

ACE is known for its fun and creative themes each year and THIS one is no different! ACE Around the World: Explore. Engage. Elevate. Get ready to take a global journey through innovation, connection, and opportunity at this year’s Expo. With the theme “ACE Around the World,” attendees will discover new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and gain insights that help move their businesses forward. Explore – Discover innovative products, technologies, and trends shaping the future of the vending, office coffee, and foodservice industries. Engage – Connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders through meaningful networking and dynamic conversations. Elevate – Gain insights and strategies to strengthen your business, leadership, and impact in the marketplace. So, grab your passport, bring your curiosity, get ready to take off for a world of opportunity at ACE!

For more information about the ACE show, visit the ACE Website!

PRESS RELEASE

ACE-Stock 2023: Peace, Love & Vending
Where the Vending Industry Meets on the East Coast

Cary, NC
The 2023 ACE Planning Committee announced the cool theme for 2023 based on Woodstock memories- “ACE-Stock 2023:  Peace, Love & Vending.” Now, the BIG news is that the Committee has selected its keynote speaker, Page Fehling: Speaker, Trainer, Emcee. 


PAGE FEHLING


Page Fehling worked as a TV host and morning news anchor for almost 20 years up until Fall of 2021 when she decided to leave TV and use her powers for good. Page now coaches individuals and groups, and speaks on a variety of professional development topics with a focus on communication and connection. Page and her husband, Jake, co-host the award-winning podcast, “Date Night with Jake and Page,” and co-wrote the best-selling book, “Holy Crap, We’re Pregnant.” She has three kids, three dogs, and still has most of her sanity.


Her keynote topic "Working RunDown" promises to bring fun and practical advice together.  Burnout or feelings of fatigue is all too common for many people. No one knows that better than someone who woke up for work at 1:57 a.m. to go to work for almost two decades! But it doesn't have to be that way. You can feel better, do better, AND help others with small changes that lead to big impact.

In this high-energy, interactive, and hilariously relatable keynote, 20-year TV news veteran Page Fehling will weave in and out of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and just enough inside TV-land scoop to keep you learning, laughing, and (GASP!) enjoying a professional development topic that will have you performing better at work and living better lives!


Those who have heard Page’s presentation say, "Page's energy and delivery were just what our group needed! It was contagious. Everyone had a blast AND learned a ton."  ACE Chair, Geoff Cook shares his excitement about the choice, “Having Page Fehling for our keynote speaker is going to be far-out, man! We are looking forward to starting the day with her high energy keynote and walking away with nothing but good vibes!“  Page tells ACE, "I love anyone associated with food AND a professional organization that can actually have fun. You all sound like my people."  ACE can’t wait to have you with us, Page – Bring it On!

Don’t miss our ACE-Stock 2023 – Oct. 12 – 14

Mark your calendars and watch your email for operator registration opening later this spring.    



PRESS RELEASE

October 25, 2021
Contact:  Beth Bowen, Show Director, info@atlanticcoastexpo.com

Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) – ACE 2021 Rocked It!


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation was the site for the Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) where operators and suppliers from across the US gathered to take part in educational sessions and to see and show new products and equipment. The theme: “ROCK OF ACEs” gave attendees a fun theme to enjoy, and many exhibitors embraced the fun!  The exhibit hall was packed and attendees from dozens of states and Canada took part in this convention that is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast. ACE organizers have heard “it was so good to be back and was even better than expected.”  





On Thursday, the 2021 Golf Tournament took place at Myrtlewood golf course under sunny skies and perfect conditions.  There were three educational sessions offered on Friday: A Legislative Update by NAMA’s Mike Goscinski, Technology & Innovation by three industry experts - Melissa Brown - Well Bean Coffee Roasters; Ravi Venkatesan - Cantaloupe;
 Jim Versical – 365.





Other events that offered networking opportunities included a celebratory “Rock ‘n’ Roll All Night Party” featuring the Live Music of the Breakfast Club – 80s tribute band.  Saturday morning Keynote Patrick Henry gave a great message with live song, “Rediscover the Human Connection” for all Encore Rock Star Awards breakfast attendees. After the show concluded, the popular “ACE Corn-CHELLE Corn Hole Pool Party” was held at the Spa & Fitness Lawn. Of course, throughout the week, a Back Stage Bar provided beverages for attendees. 





Preceding the keynote performance, awards were given to the following: NCVA Vendor of the Year:  Chris Harrison, Canteen; NCVA Supplier of the Year:  Waine Ratliff (Burdette Beckmann), VAMA Vendor of the Year:  Geoff Cook, Trolley House Refreshments; and VAMA Supplier of the Year:  Lara Smith (Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated.). A plaque was also presented to Patrick Shaw (Dynamite Roasters) to honor his year-long commitment and valued leadership as the 2021 ACE Planning Committee Chair.  Patrick presented Karen Harlow (Canteen) with a plaque to thank her for heading up ACE 2020 in a new way – Virtual Education only. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to JoDee Jolley, recently retired from Canteen.  First Place Booth awards were given to companies in three different categories that embraced the “ROCK of ACEs” show theme. Prizes went to: Single Booth – Red Bull; Multi-Booth – CRANE CPI; and Mega-Booth – Vistar. In addition, the committee presented plaques to the highest corporate Diamond level sponsors whose generous contributions make ACE 2021 a success. Thank you to ACE Diamond sponsors:  Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Cantaloupe, Vendors Supply and Vistar. Photos can be seen on the website.




In an effort to make a difference in the community, ACE donated a truck full of remaining products from the show to the local food bank to distribute to families in need. 



ACE is an industry-only event and registration is open to anyone in vending, office coffee or food service business, including those involved in contract food service in schools, colleges, and hospitals. 

The ACE Planning Committee began planning ACE 2022 event on the Sunday following the show’s closing. Next year’s dates are October 13-15 at Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation where is has been held since 2009. 

Additional information is available from the ACE office:


Visit www.AtlanticCoastExpo.com, email info@AtlanticCoastExpo.com, or call 919-387-1221.



The Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE) is a trade show featuring suppliers to the food service industry, industry machinery, vended and dining products, electronic components, communication equipment, customized vehicles and much more. Educational programs are presented, which provide information about the industry. Social and sporting events are included. ACE is sponsored by the N.C. Vending Association (NCVA), S.C. Vending Association (SCVA) and VA Automatic Merchandising Association (VAMA).  TayCar, Inc of Cary, N.C., provides administrative services for the ACE Show and NCVA & VAMA.  Capitol Consultants in Cayce, SC, provides administrative services for SCVA.