Sweets & Snacks Expo Offers Early-bird Offer

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has introduced a promotion to encourage retailer attendance at its 16th annual Sweets & Snacks Expo, scheduled for May 21-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Retailers and wholesalers who register for the event by March 28 will be entered into a drawing for three free hotel nights during the show.

“The Expo offers so much more than the show floor,” noted Tim Quinn, expo chairman and VP, trade development for Hackettstown, N.J.-based Mars Chocolate North America. “It provides complimentary keynote sessions where attendees gain insights, as well as the all-new Shopper Solutions Theater featuring the latest in merchandising and promotion best practices, as well as 20 minute learning lab sessions. We realize the expense involved traveling to the Expo, but this year it’s an investment that's too valuable to pass up!”

Online registration is open through the 2013 expo; but to qualify for the special promotion, participants must register by the date noted above. If the winner has previously booked his or her hotel room, he or she will be credited for three room nights during show days.

Although it’s still more than two months away, the Sweets & Snacks Expo has already reached its largest size ever, with significant growth in such areas as exhibitor participation and international presence, as well as an increase in snack manufacturers. Customer attendance is also tracking considerably ahead of the same time period a year ago.

“We still have room to grow this year, and predictions are still out on how big we will be by the time the show stages,” said NCA president Larry Graham. “It is evident by the past few years’ growth that the Sweets & Snacks Expo has positioned itself as the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful world-class event.”

The drawing will be held at the NCA office in Washington, D.C., on April 5, and the winner will be revealed through LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as notified immediately by e-mail. Complete show information is available online, including exhibitor listings, keynote sessions, new product information and Most Innovative New Product Awards.