ARLINGTON, Va. — August 8, 2024 — The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has officially opened the nomination process for the 2024 Coffee Legend of the Year Award. This distinguished award honors a NAMA member who has shown outstanding leadership and dedication to the coffee services industry for at least 10 years. This unique, member-driven award celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of NAMA members and highlights the value of peer recognition., wherein convenience services leaders recognize the accomplishments of their peers through a member-driven nomination and decision process. The 2024 Coffee Legend of the Year Award will be presented at NAMA’s Coffee Tea & Water (CTW) December 11-12, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Coffee Legend of the Year Award celebrates an individual who is passionate about coffee and makes significant contributions to industry innovation and education. Nominees should be involved in the coffee industry, including but not limited to, coffee service operators, coffee roasters, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, brokers and educators.

Reflecting on his own experience, 2024 Board Chair and 2021 Coffee Legend of the Year Award recipient Tom Steuber shared, " I was very humbled when I was honored with NAMA’s Coffee Legend of the Year award. The previous winners, especially my dad, were all very influential on my career.”

NAMA members are encouraged to nominate peers and colleagues who have made a unique impact on the coffee industry. When submitting a nomination, the nominee’s distinctive contributions and achievements should be highlighted. Visit the Industry Awards webpage to learn more about award eligibility and criteria.

“This annual recognition of the NAMA Coffee Legend is a celebration of convenience services’ value and contributions to society, the greatness of their company and individual leadership. Past Coffee Legends introduced many of the service and technology innovations that are the standard for excellence today,” said NAMA President and CEO Carla Balakgie. She continued, “It is quite an achievement to join this group of industry leaders as the 2024 honoree.”

To submit a nomination, fill out this form.

Join NAMA in celebrating and learning from the leaders of our industry. Registration for NAMA’s CTW will open August 14.