Sweets & Snacks Expo set to relocate for its return in summer 2021
For the first time in its history of over 20 years, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is set to move from Chicago, and will be hosted next summer at the Indiana Convention Centre in Indianapolis, US, reports Neill Barston
The National Confectioners Association confirmed the move to Confectionery Production, with revised dates of June 22-25 2021, following the postponement of this year’s sector showcase due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to the organisation’s president and CEO, John Downs, feedback from visitors and exhibitors had shown there ‘was strong support for an in-person event,’ after plans to host the annual major confectionery show this May were unfortunately shelved as conditions worsened surrounding the covid-19 crisis.
The show’s original location for its first show was the Navy Pier in Chicago, US, known initially as the All Candy Expo, before it moved to McCormick Place convention centre in the city. Confectionery Production reported on last year’s event (see our video here), which saw a broad range of product launches from a total of over 800 companies ranging from smaller firms and major global businesses alike, and included Hershey’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
As the NCA explained, the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will continue to offer attendees the opportunity to discover new confectionery and snack products, insights and access to major players within the industry, as well as retail personnel.
Many features of the show, including Destination Retail and industry awards, will remain an important part of the event, and some features originally scheduled to debut at the 2020 show will be unveiled in Indianapolis, including the Most Innovative New Product Awards Reception and the Supplier Showcase. The show will introduce new safety precautions and reimagine favourite events to prioritise attendee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After much discussion with our stakeholders in the candy and snack industries and careful consideration of our options, we’ve seen strong support for an in-person event,” explained John Downs.
“We want to balance the safety and welfare of our attendees with their desire to conduct in-person business and therefore have decided to move forward with a show that exceeds expectations and makes every effort to keep our attendees safe.”
As the organisation noted, the environment is changing rapidly as the pandemic evolves, and NCA is committed to working closely with state and local officials to ensure that the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo is a safe event for all attendees. Sales and registration for the show will open in January 2021. For more information contact [email protected]
Intrested in attending the expo orb trade fair with sweet n snacks