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ARLINGTON, Va., USA — Academy Award–winning filmmaker Ron Howard will headline The NAMA Show 2026, taking place April 22–24, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The annual trade show is the largest gathering for the convenience services industry, a $40 billion sector that powers everyday retail experiences through micro markets, vending unattended retail, and workplace coffee and pantry services.
Each year, The NAMA Show brings together thousands of business leaders, technology partners and innovators exploring how consumers access food, beverages and in-demand products wherever they live, work, and play.
Howard’s participation reflects the event’s continued focus on leadership, innovation and creativity — the same values that drive collaboration and excellence across industries. One of Hollywood’s most respected and prolific filmmakers, Howard directed acclaimed works such as Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, among many others.
He is also the co-founder and co-chairman of Imagine Entertainment alongside his partner Brian Grazer, a company whose productions have amassed 63 Emmy awards, 10 Oscars and 11 Golden Globe wins.
He began his career in film as an actor, first appearing in The Journey and The Music Man. He later starred as Opie in The Andy Griffith Show and as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days.
He has earned a place in the Television Hall of Fame and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his career reflects the teamwork, creativity and vision driving both art and enterprise.
“There’s a shared DNA between storytelling and service innovation,” said Kristen Griffith, NAMA’s senior vice president of member experience. “The NAMA Show is where those ideas meet: where creativity, technology and human connection come together. Ron Howard’s perspective captures that energy perfectly.”
The 2026 program will feature technology showcases, product launches and education sessions shaping the future of convenience services.
Registration is open at www.thenamashow.org. Members of the media are invited to apply for credentials and explore opportunities for interviews, demonstrations and trend coverage.
NAMA represents the U.S. Convenience Services Industry, which contributes $40.04 billion to the U.S. economy. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 165,000 jobs hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play.
