At the Coffee, Tea and Water event in November, podcast host Bob Tullio interviewed around 25 operators and suppliers, asking them about their impressions of CTW. Every one of them was impressed by one thing in particular: keynote speaker Ethan King’s presentation about the power of AI. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation – part one of a two-part episode – Tullio is talking to Ethan King. Ethan King explains why convenience services operators should view artificial intelligence not as a threat but as a practical business ally that can help them deal with staffing challenges, margin pressure and myriad demands on their time. Ethan King is a bestselling author, and award-winning entrepreneur who helps business leaders simplify success through the power of AI and automation. His client work has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, and even the Grammys.  As the author of ”ChatGPT to Double Your Business In 90 Days,” Ethan teaches non-technical business owners how to save time, boost sales and scale operations without stress. His workshops are known for being both inspiring and tactical. This is conversation worth listening to. If you are serious about the future success of your business, this is a conversation you will appreciate.