Sweets & Snacks Expo Is Sold Out

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, scheduled for May 21-23 at McCormick Place in Chicago, is poised to be the largest both in show floor size and exhibitors for the third consecutive year. Boasting 7.9 percent growth in the number of exhibitors from last year, the sold-out exhibit floor will feature 616 confectionery and snack companies. More than 14,000 trade professionals are expected to attend this year’s show.

“Welcoming over 160 new exhibitors this year, the expo has proven itself as the best place to discover the latest product innovations,” noted Larry Graham, president of the Washington, D.C.-based National Confectioners Association (NCA), which runs the event. “In addition, international exhibitors see the expo as a solid business decision. We are hosting more than 30 countries representing 130 global companies this year -- up 12 percent from 2012."

Added Graham, “We continue to evolve the event so that it offers more opportunities to discover, learn, and connect -- from the all-new Industry Buzz Network Reception to success-focused keynote speakers who offer winning insights and profit-driven ideas in today’s marketplace.”

“Despite the 35 percent drop in new confectionery product releases this year, the expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards had a 15 percent increase in submissions,” noted Tim Quinn, expo committee chairman and VP of trade development for Mars Chocolate North America in Hackettstown, N.J. “This year’s tasting panel comprises industry and food experts, including category merchants from Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Safeway, Meijer and 7-11.”

Additionally, at no extra cost, showgoers will be able to hear from leading industry and category leaders, as well as business experts such as Duke University’s Coach K; Kantar Retail’s SVP of Retail Insights Leon Nicholas; Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide CEO Dina Howell; and Pulitzer Prize-winning author George Will.

Now in its 17th year, the show ranks 155th on Trade Show News Network’s top 250 events.