--- title: "2026 Beyond the Conference: Ideas Inspired by ICBA & CAMEX" description: Discover key insights and innovative ideas from ICBA and CAMEX to enhance college retail and student experience in our latest System Skills Recharge session. image: https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hubfs/Foreword_Online/2025%20FO%20art/2026-Beyond-the-Conference-Ideas-Inspired-by-ICBA-and-CAMEX_FO-Header_Proof-v1_260330.jpg --- - [Home](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com) - [View All Posts](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/all) - [Visit mbsbooks.com](https://www.mbsbooks.com/) [![MBS Foreword](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-logo-whiteblue-400x87-nj-26080601.png?width=400&name=fo-logo-whiteblue-400x87-nj-26080601.png "MBS Foreword")](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com) # Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers # 2026 Beyond the Conference: Ideas Inspired by ICBA & CAMEX Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/31/26, 6:30 AM Topics: [marketing to college students ideas](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/marketing-to-college-students-ideas), [college retail system](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-retail-system), [textbook industry trends](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/textbook-industry-trends) MBS system partners are invited to take part in our monthly System Skills Recharge sessions — virtual training opportunities designed to help users sharpen their skills, explore new features, and get more value from the MBS system. Each session focuses on practical, timely topics that empower participants to work more efficiently and confidently. ![2026 Beyond the Conference: Ideas Inspired by ICBA and CAMEX](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/2025%20FO%20art/2026-Beyond-the-Conference-Ideas-Inspired-by-ICBA-and-CAMEX_FO-Header_Proof-v1_260330.jpg?width=1200&height=627&name=2026-Beyond-the-Conference-Ideas-Inspired-by-ICBA-and-CAMEX_FO-Header_Proof-v1_260330.jpg)For March’s session, *2026 Beyond the Conference: Ideas Inspired by ICBA and CAMEX*, we were joined by college store professionals who shared key takeaways from this year’s industry events. The discussion centered on emerging insights, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches shaping the future of college retail. Panelist explored: - Innovative products and concepts introduced at the conferences, from ramen and greeting vending machines to the [next-gen MBS POS](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/exciting-collegiate-retail-tech-from-mbs#gsc.tab=0) - How networking with industry peers and vendors opens doors to new ideas, partnerships, and inspiration - Potential applications of AI technology in college stores - Ways to create a more vibrant student experience, including crafting themed displays, featuring local artists, and partnering with vendors on engaging student contests - Current textbook industry trends - The continued importance of the brick-and-mortar store experience for Generation Alpha students System partners can access the recording in the Resource Center. Don’t forget to sign up for the April 9, 2026, System Skill Recharge event from 12-1 p.m. CT, *Item Management Made Easy*.   [![Find out how MBS can help you reduce overhead, save students money and streamline operations with a tailored retail management system. Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/445231/761c4d6e-23c6-48ac-b3c4-5943d5e54375.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/445231/761c4d6e-23c6-48ac-b3c4-5943d5e54375)   Share: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforeword.mbsbooks.com%2F2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforeword.mbsbooks.com%2F2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) [𝕏 X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=2026%20Beyond%20the%20Conference%3A%20Ideas%20Inspired%20by%20ICBA%20%26amp%3B%20CAMEX&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforeword.mbsbooks.com%2F2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) [Email](mailto:?subject=2026%20Beyond%20the%20Conference%3A%20Ideas%20Inspired%20by%20ICBA%20%26amp%3B%20CAMEX&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20this%20article%3A%0D%0A%0D%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fforeword.mbsbooks.com%2F2026-beyond-the-conference-ideas-inspired-by-icba-camex) #### Related articles on MBS Foreword [![Get the Textbooks You Need Before Rush Starts](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hubfs/Foreword_Online/2026%20FO%20art/fo-header-get-the-textbooks-you-need-nj-26081001.jpg)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/get-the-textbooks-you-need-before-rush-starts) [Get the Textbooks You Need Before Rush Starts](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/get-the-textbooks-you-need-before-rush-starts) [![What Every Campus Store Can Do to Improve Buyback](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hubfs/Foreword_Online/2025%20FO%20art/What-Every-Campus-Store-Can-Do-to-Improve-Buyback_FO-Header_Proof-v6_260401.jpg)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/what-every-campus-store-can-do-to-improve-buyback) [What Every Campus Store Can Do to Improve Buyback](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/what-every-campus-store-can-do-to-improve-buyback) #### Article comments ### Subscribe for updates ### Share your experience [Contact our editorial team](mailto:mktgserv@mbsbooks.com?Subject=Foreword) to set up an interview or to contribute a guest post. ### Most popular posts ### Most popular topics - [college bookstore industry trends (60)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-industry-trends) - [campus bookstore marketing (29)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/campus-bookstore-marketing) - [wholesale textbook ordering (28)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/wholesale-textbook-ordering) - [textbook industry trends (27)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/textbook-industry-trends) - [college bookstore system (24)](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/topic/college-bookstore-system) #### Contact MBS **Customer Service** 800-325-0530 cserv@mbsbooks.com **Order Processing** 800-325-0577 [![Go to mbsbooks.com](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-mbs-logo-footer-240116-1.png?width=103&name=fo-mbs-logo-footer-240116-1.png "Go to mbsbooks.com")](http://www.mbsbooks.com/) #### Stay Connected With Us As MBS’ signature publication, Foreword is dedicated to offering daily industry insight and cutting-edge news that keep college retailers ahead of the curve. Follow us on social media. Contact us with ideas and feedback. Subscribe for regular updates. [![icon_LinkedIn](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-icon-linkedin-240116-1.png?width=42&name=fo-icon-linkedin-240116-1.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbs-textbook-exchange) [![icon_Twitter](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-icon-x-240116-1.png?width=42&name=fo-icon-x-240116-1.png)](https://twitter.com/mbstextbook) [![icon_Vimeo](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-icon-vimeo-240116-1.png?width=42&name=fo-icon-vimeo-240116-1.png)](https://vimeo.com/mbstextbook) [![icon_Instagram](https://foreword.mbsbooks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foreword_Online/logos/fo-icon-instagram-240116-1.png?width=42&name=fo-icon-instagram-240116-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/mbstextbooks/) © 2026 MBS. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.mbsbooks.com/disclaimer/privacy-policy.php) | [CA Privacy Policy](https://www.mbsbooks.com/disclaimer/privacy-policy.php#ca) | [Terms of Service](https://www.mbsbooks.com/disclaimer/tos.php)