TL;DR:
CAMA Show, the largest automated retail show in Canada, was the perfect place to see what’s available across machinery, payments, product, and more. 200+ companies and 4500+ attendees.
The CAMA Show 2026 (https://vending-cama.com/events/upcoming-events/cama-show-2026/overview) brought together a wide range of exhibitors across vending machines, payments, product suppliers, and unattended retail services. Walking the floor, the immediate takeaway was how much of the industry is shifting toward digital-first setups. From vending machine snacks and drinks to laundry and micro-markets, nearly every booth had some version of cashless, connected, or remotely managed systems. For operators thinking about how to get vending machine locations or improve existing vending machine locations, this matters - hosts are increasingly expecting modern, low-friction setups, not just traditional machines.
One of the clearest trends was the expansion of cashless and smart technology across all machine types. It was not just vending machines - coffee equipment, convenience-style setups, and unattended retail systems are all moving in the same direction. We spent time with MicroMart, where Connor (National Account Executive) walked through their machines, screens, payment systems, and weight-based technology. The focus was on reliability, product recognition, and user experience. We also connected with Jori from TFI Canada, who broke down their coffee machines and how they fit into unattended environments, and Shannon from Brokerhouse Distributors Inc., who continues to be a key supplier in Canada across machines and product. The takeaway here is simple: if you are evaluating vending machines with location for sale or planning a new setup, your equipment and payment stack now directly impact whether a location performs.
The biggest operational takeaway is that maximizing a vending location is no longer just about placing a snack machine. The operators who get the most value out of a location are the ones offering a mix - vending, coffee, micro-market, or other unattended solutions - supported by strong supplier relationships. Having partners for machines, product, and service allows you to adapt to what the location actually needs. And on a lighter note, the show floor made this easy to explore—free candy, ice cream, and samples everywhere, which is a good reminder: product still matters. If you are looking at best vending machine locations or trying to increase vending machine profit, combining the right equipment, payment setup, and product mix is what drives results.
Next step: If you’re evaluating a vending route or looking for a vending machine with location for sale, review current opportunities on vendingvillage.com