FAQs
ATTENDEES
What is NAMA?
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is the national trade association for the entire convenience services industry, including the food and refreshment vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries, including on-site, commissary, catering, micro markets, pantry and unattended retail.
Where and when is CTW 2026?
CTW 2026 will take place November 18-19 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
How much is NAMA membership?
There are different categories of membership. Learn more about NAMA membership or contact NAMA Membership at [email protected].
Do you have to be a member or meet any criteria to attend CTW?
You do not need to be a member of NAMA to attend, although pricing is considerably lower for members. Anyone involved in the coffee service, micro market, pantry, vending and unattended industries are welcome to attend CTW.
How much does it cost to attend CTW?
All pricing levels and detailed information are available on the registration page.
Will I still receive the lower member rate if my company's NAMA membership expires before the event?
To receive the member rate, your company's NAMA membership must be paid through November 30, 2026 at the time of registration. If you register as a member but your company's membership expires before November 30, 2026, you will be contacted to renew your membership or you will be charged the balance for the non-member rate at badge pick-up.
Email [email protected] for assistance with registration or [email protected] to renew your membership.
Is the registration fee the same for my spouse?
Yes, the pricing is the same for spouses as it is for the member / non-member attendee.
Does my aide have to pay for a registration badge?
No, if you have a disability and require an aide, they will receive a complimentary badge. Please register yourself, then email [email protected] to register your aide.
Can students attend CTW?
Yes, all hospitality students over the age of 18 are welcome. Just present your student I.D. at registration and you may attend free of charge.
Can children attend CTW?
No one under age 16 will be admitted to the event. Only nursing infants (swaddled or carried) are allowed at the event. No car seats, buggies, wagons or strollers will be permitted.
Are educational sessions included in my registration fee?
All of the exciting Learning Journeys, keynote speaker and many other educational programs are included, unless otherwise noted.
What is the attire?
The recommended attire is business or business casual.
What is the cancellation policy?
Only written cancellation requests submitted via email to [email protected] and received by Wednesday, October 14, 2026, will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be granted after October 14, 2026, and no refunds will be given for no-shows. Attendee substitutions may be made at any time prior to the start of the event, provided that the substitute is from the same organization.
Attendee substitutions may be made at any time prior to the start of the event, provided that the substitute is from the same organization.
CONNECTION HUB PARTICIPANTS
How do I reserve a Connection Hub space?
Contact your CTW Partner Opportunities sales representative to apply and reserve a space.
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS A – M
Anthony O’Shea
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x109
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS N – Z OR A NUMBER
Katie Burke
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x156
Which Connection Hub spaces are still available?
Click here to view the floor plan. For the most up to date availability contact your sales representative.
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS A – M
Anthony O’Shea
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x109
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS N – Z OR A NUMBER
Katie Burke
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x156
What other organizations will be at CTW?
The full Connection Hub participant list is available here.
Do you need to be a member of NAMA to be in the Connection Hub?
If you exhibited in the Connection Hub at CTW 2024 or CTW 2025, you must be a NAMA member to exhibit in the Connection Hub at CTW 2026.
Please contact our membership department at [email protected], for more information about NAMA membership.
What is included in my Connection Hub space?
Click here to view the Connection Hub space details.
What is NOT included in my Connection Hub space?
The cost of furniture rental, electrical, WiFi, telecom and other utilities, material handling and labor charges, audiovisual, floral, photography, carpet (other than existing carpet in the Connection Hub), etc., are not included in the Connection Hub rate. These services can be ordered through the GES Service Manual which is available approximately 90 days prior to the event.
Is the Connection Hub carpeted?
Yes, the Connection Hub is carpeted in a multi-colored pattern. Your company may bring your own flooring or place an order with GES if a particular color/style is preferred. Click here to see a picture of the Connection Hub carpet.
What will the GES Service Manual include and when will it be available?
The service manual includes all order forms, booth furnishing and carpet options, booth cleaning information, labor rates, etc. It will be available approximately 90 days before the event.
How do I contact GES, the general service contractor for CTW 2026?
You can reach GES Monday – Friday from 6:00am – 4:00pm PST at 800.801.7648 or 702.515.5970. You may also use the online chat function located within the GES Service Manual.
What are the shipping addresses?
Advance Shipment to Warehouse information, rates and deadlines are available in the GES Service Manual. Material handling charges will apply.
Direct to Show Site Shipments will not be accepted.
What is the Connection Hub Schedule*?
Move-In
Tuesday, November 17
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 18
7:00am – 11:00am
Connection Hub setup must be complete by 11:00am. The Connection Hub will be closed to all exhibitors from 11:00am – 12:30pm for cleaning. Everyone must exit the Connection Hub at that time and exhibitors may reenter at 12:30pm.
Connection Hub Schedule
Wednesday, November 18
1:30pm – 6:30pm
Move-Out
Wednesday, November 18
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Thursday, November 19
7:00am – 10:30am
*Schedule is subject to change
How do I update my Connection Hub listing or add a description?
Connection Hub descriptions can be updated via the MYS Exhibitor Portal by clicking on the "Exhibitor Directory Listing" tile on the main landing page.
Are permits required for food & beverage sampling?
Refer to the Connection Hub Resources page for more information regarding alcoholic beverages, corkage & sampling.
How do I get a certificate of insurance?
Information coming soon.
Does the Connection Hub have WiFi?
The Connection Hub will have complimentary basic WiFi, however, it is only intended for personal use. An order may be placed with the hotel for wireless or wired internet. Please refer to the GES Service Manual.
How can I promote my Connection Hub participation and drive attendee engagement?
Many opportunities exist to help connect you with your customers and prospects. Click here to view CTW Partner Opportunities or contact your CTW sales representative for information on how to boost your presence at the event.
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS A – M
Anthony O’Shea
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x109
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS N – Z OR A NUMBER
Katie Burke
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x156
Where can I find additional information?
Visit the Connection Hub Resources page for more information.
What if I need to cancel my Connection Hub space?
Please reach out to your CTW sales representative to discuss cancellation.
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS A – M
Anthony O’Shea
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x109
FOR COMPANIES BEGINNING WITH LETTERS N – Z OR A NUMBER
Katie Burke
[email protected]
770.432.8410 x156
Who should I contact with additional questions?
If you have questions, please contact [email protected].