The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) will debut its new SmartLink communication protocol at Venditalia 2026, taking place from 6-8 May at the Rimini Expo Centre, according to an announcement by Venditalia CEO Ernesto Piloni. The protocol aims to create a more connected and efficient vending ecosystem by standardising communication between machines, payment systems, and management software. Piloni described the sector as undergoing a 'Digital Revolution,' with connectivity enabling remote management, real-time adjustments, big data analysis, and AI integration. The trade show, now in its 2026 edition, expects over 300 brands and 30,000 square metres of exhibition space, with non-Italian exhibitors accounting for a record 41% of the total.
Venditalia 2026 marks the first time the event is held at the modern Rimini Expo Centre, building on its established role as Europe's leading vending industry platform. The show will feature conferences and workshops in English on topics such as machine design, digital payments, and customer experience. A dedicated area will showcase start-ups and emerging technologies, while the theme 'Think Automatic' highlights vending's expansion into unconventional spaces like coworking hubs, smart hotels, and retail, including non-food sectors such as fashion, tech, personal care, and health & pharma.
The EVA SmartLink debut comes amid broader digitalisation trends in the vending industry. In Italy, 33% of over 800,000 vending machines are equipped with cashless payment systems, and one in four consumers prefers payment apps. The protocol is designed to future-proof the sector by enabling seamless interoperability, which could reduce operational costs and improve consumer experience. However, the transition may pose challenges for smaller operators who need to invest in compatible hardware and software, potentially widening the gap between large and small players. The event also follows recent EVA activities, including policy committee meetings in January 2026 and visits to national associations like ANEDA in December 2025, underscoring the association's push for standardisation and innovation.
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