The AVA are delighted to announce a new committee, led by Kennedy Procter called AVA Futures. This committee aims to engage the The Next Generation of the Vending Industry, providing a platform to openly discuss key concepts and ideas within Vending, whilst learning from successful people and established businesses.
It was during the AVA Christmas Luncheon 2018 that Kennedy formed the idea and 8 months later, has found an overwhelming level of support from the industry as a whole.
“I am so grateful for the help I have received in the development of this project. I am incredibly committed to AVA Futures and I believe, as someone of the ‘next generation’, we have a great opportunity to shape our industry’s future by learning from our current leaders”.
The idea of the group is to provide a network amongst those within the industry, who may otherwise not get the opportunity to meet. AVA Futures will predominately run online, giving its members exclusive access to social media pages and the option to take part in a monthly conference call, updating volunteers on the latest trends, lobbying activity and the progress of any projects the group decides to take on.
The group will work on a volunteer basis with member commitments ranging between 4 and 24 hours per year. AVA Futures will work towards projects that lead the way in industry initiatives such as the rise of micro markets, the inevitability of a cashless society and other future challenges raised by members themselves. It is the AVA’s hope that by June 2020, AVA Futures will have a representative sitting on the AVA Board.
AVA Futures is exclusive to AVA Members but we would like to encourage all our members to consider being a part of this group, in one way or another. There is no age limit to qualify but we do suggest that employees considered to be The Next Generation within their organisation, will find the most benefit from the group.
Volunteers will be expected to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per year to projects ran by AVA Futures, but they will also have the opportunity to attend 1-2 meetings throughout the year. The first meeting is to be held on Tuesday 29th October 2019 in Leeds, the day before the highly anticipated Vendex, North.
The potential of AVA Futures is unlimited but Kennedy hopes to achieve some stability within the committee after the first meeting in October.
The AVA would like to urge it’s members to get involved by letting Kennedy know of anyone within their business who may wish to attend the first meeting or be a part of the group itself. If you have someone in mind, please let Kennedy know at kennedy.procter@the-ava.com or call her on 07936902249.
So far, the AVA has received a warm, positive response with many members saying “it’s the way to future proof any business” and “we need to get the next generation involved especially with the rapid growth in innovation and the changing needs of the market”.
Our chief executive David Llewellyn says
“For Vending Operators and Suppliers as the AVA Futures network grows, it will be an ideal way to advance the skills and knowledge base of the ‘next generation’ of personnel within an organisation.”
We are incredibly excited to launch such a needed project and we hope to find more support from our members. If you have any questions or queries in regards to AVA Futures, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kennedy would like to personally thank the following people for their support and input into AVA Futures so far:
Craig Howard, Ferrero
Oliver Kears, Spa Vending
Tom Williams, CoinaDrink
Daniel Varney, Revive Vending
Robin Turver, SB Software
Curtis Hogan, Coffetek
Elyas Coutts, Connect Vending
Mike Robertson, Crane Merchandising Systems
Gillian White, Crane Merchandising Systems
Oliver Millson, Millsons Vending
Jane McDonald, Excel Vending
Rebecca Pugh, Pladis
Louise Cummings, AVS
Harriet Grahame, AVS
Stephanie Ingram, Cover Group