SEVA 2026
Join us for SEVA 2026 scheduled for June 23 - 25 as we return to The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. The location offers all the perks of a beachfront location as well as a host of park amenities such as hiking and biking trails, a 900-acre fishing lake, nature center and outdoor classroom, interpretive center, tennis, kayaking, paddle boards, geocaching, guided nature walks, birding, and several playgrounds. Gulf Shores has sugar-white sands, award-winning restaurants, one-of-a-kind attractions, family friendly activities and a vibrant nightlife. We look forward to seeing you in June!
We wish to thank everyone that has sponsored, attended and supported the SEVA 2025 Conference. We enjoy our time together and look forward to seeing you at SEVA 2026.
About SEVA
SEVA (Southeastern Vending Association) is comprised of seven state vending association members including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. SEVA’s purpose is to facilitate an annual convention allowing the state association members to network with their suppliers and individual members.
Originally formed in 1981 as the Vending Machine Association of the Gulf South (VMAGS), the organization’s purpose was to merge the annual tri-state convention held by Alabama Vending Association (AVA), Mississippi Automatic Merchandising Association (MAMA) and Vending Machine Operators of Louisiana (VMOL). VMAGS was officially incorporated in 1981 in Alabama. In 2003, Georgia Automatic Merchandising Council (GAMC) joined the organization followed by Tennessee Automatic Merchandising Association (TAMA) and the Automatic Merchandising Association of Florida (AMAF). Due to the growing participation in VMAGS, the name changed to Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA) to include all its members. In 2019, SEVA welcomed Arkansas Vending Council (AVC) to the organization.
SEVA Convention 2026
Celebrating its 20th year, the 2026 SEVA Convention will host seven states in one location with an expected attendance of over 250 participants and 50 operator companies represented. As a whole, the SEVA operators represent over $400 million in sales volume, 1,500 routes and 60,000 machines. Join us for this popular two-and-a-half day event that allows networking, education, family fun and the opportunity to move your business forward. SEVA welcomes all vending, coffee service and foodservice industry members to the 2026 SEVA SUMMER CONVENTION.
The 2026 convention will kick-off with a poolside party, state meetings and the opening night cocktail reception. This fun night allows attendees to mingle, catch-up with industry friends, operators and suppliers, and also build new relationships. The second night features the annual silent auction and cocktail hour followed by a family-friendly buffet dinner with special entertainment and door prizes. The popular Supplier Showcase, which affords attendees valued time with our much appreciated sponsors, learning about their company and products, will continue as a lunch event. The last night of SEVA leaves valuable networking time for suppliers and operators culminating with the SEVA After Party for late night cocktails.
Get inspired by professional speakers. The convention will offer multiple professional development opportunities over two mornings. The afternoons will be filled with group activities and family friendly activities like SEVA Beach Olympics and the annual Cornhole Tournament. There is something for everyone so register soon and book your hotel before it is too late.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
REGARDING THE
ALAN PLAISTED
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
After careful consideration, the Alan Plaisted Scholarship was revamped in 2025. Because NAMA is no longer offering the NAMA/MSU Executive Development Program customarily sponsored by Plasited scholarship funds, the SEVA Board and the Plaisted family agreed to restructure the scholarship criteria and eligibility requirements. The Plaisted scholarship is now open to active SEVA families with children attending college or trade school post secondary graduation. . Two scholarships in the amount of $5000 will be awarded at the 2026 SEVA Convention in Gulf Shores, AL. Below is the criteria for applicants and the deadline for submission is May 15, 2026. There will be no applications accepted after this date. Please submit all applications to: info@southeastvending.org.
Scholarship Criteria and Checklist:
- Applicant is a family member or affiliated with an active SEVA member (MUST have attended SEVA within the last 2 years)
- Applicant is graduating or has graduated from high school
- Applicant has a 3.0 or above GPA
- Application & Personal Essay
- Applicant Letter of Recommendation - Academic
- Applicant Letter of Recommendation - Personal
Complete the application form here
From the SEVA Convention Chairman
I am excited to serve as your 2026 SEVA Chair while we celebrate our 20th year. With our theme SEVA Crossroads, paying homage to my home state of Mississippi and our blues legacy, we look forward to returning to The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in June 2026. We have some exciting things planned like more family free time and networking opportunities to include more social time around the newly renovated pool and bar area. You can count on the annual cornhole tournament and the return of SEVA Beach Olympics for the whole family and the popular SEVA After Party. We also have great motivational speakers, panel discussions, and the annual NAMA update. Our SEVA Board, composed of professionals from every aspect of the industry, have worked hard to provide a great experience for you and the family. You can expect informative educational sessions, meaningful networking, and lots of family fun at SEVA 2026. Hope to see you in June!
