Self-Service Convenience Where People Live, Work and Play
Imagination Way
The Industry Innovation Showcase
A show within a show. Imagination Way brings the newest self-service technology together in one place, so you can see it working before it reaches the market. NAMA invites a curated group of innovators to exhibit, and every attendee is welcome to explore. Walk through real-world settings, watch live demonstrations from companies around the world and learn directly from Imagination Way partners in the Imagination Way Theater.
WHEN & WHERE
When
May 5–7, 2027 · Open during show hours
Where
The NAMA Show, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Theater
Sessions daily in the Imagination Way Theater
WHO IT'S FOR
Clients and location managers
See what your campus, hotel, workplace or venue could offer. Walk through full settings that show how self-service fits into real spaces and real routines.
Operators
Find your next revenue stream. See new equipment, services and formats you can bring to the locations you serve, and talk directly with the people who built them.
Investors and industry partners
See the emerging technology shaping convenience services, all in one place. Imagination Way is the fastest way to understand where the industry is heading.
IMAGINATION WAY THEATER
Take your learning further in expert-led sessions from Imagination Way partners. Each session focuses on practical strategies you can use to grow your business, steps away from the technology being discussed.
The 2027 Theater lineup will be announced soon.
FUTURE AWAITS
LATEST ADVANCES
Discover the technologies driving the future of convenience services, including AI, extended reality, robotics, facial recognition, grab-and-go, dining, foodservice, automation, autonomous stores, vending, machine learning, supply chain management and data analytics.
NEW TO MARKET
Imagination Way partners bring new-to-market products and services to The NAMA Show, giving you a first look at what's next.
HANDS-ON & IMMERSIVE
Try the technology for yourself. Every experience is interactive and designed to spark ideas about what's possible for your business.
2027 IMAGINATION WAY PARTNERS
The 2027 Imagination Way lineup will be announced soon.
2026 Participating Companies
Themed Prototype Experiences
Real-life scenarios are replicated inside Imagination Way to help demonstrate how cutting-edge products and equipment are meeting — and exceeding — growing consumer demand for self-service convenience experiences.
Explore smart, tech-forward solutions designed to meet the dynamic needs of campus life with 24/7 access and diverse service capabilities.
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY
Immerse yourself in curated offerings for high-density living, featuring automated dining and delivery experiences for residents and guests on the go.
HOTEL & LARGE RESIDENTIAL
Experience future-ready workplace models that combine wellness, convenience and innovation to enhance employee engagement and productivity.
WORKPLACE MULTI-USE
Flexible, self-service solutions built for high-volume demand, to maximize speed in fast-moving, high-traffic event environments
EVENTS
See how self-service is taking flight with tech-driven solutions for airports and travel plazas that prioritize speed, flexibility and revenue generation.
AIRPORT & TRAVEL
Join Imagination Way
If your company is interested in joining this interactive gallery, click here to email us and learn more.