Sweets and Snacks continues preparations for new Indianapolis venue
The US Sweets and Snacks Expo event is counting down towards the return of its key industry showcase, which for the first time in its history takes place in Indianapolis, marking two years since it was last held, reports Neill Barston.
More than 400 major confectionery companies are expected to be present at the event between 22-25 June, which has been relocated due to Covid-19 restrictions at its traditional home in Chicago.
Indianapolis has played host to important events this year, including the NCAA Men’s March Madness basketball tournament, and the Sweets & Snacks Expo will join these events to give the candy and snack industries the chance to get back to business and deliver the latest innovations from some of America’s favourite candy and snack companies.
“The Sweets & Snacks Expo offers the candy and snack industries the chance to come together and share their latest new products and innovations,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “This year, this event is even more important as confectionery and snack products have helped consumers improve their emotional well-being during a challenging time. We know after a year of treating and snacking at home during the pandemic, they’re hungry for new product innovation from their favourite brands.”
The latest numbers indicate growing industry excitement around the show:
2,250 retail attendees representing 1,400 banners across all classes of trade and counting
95% of attendees say networking at the Sweets & Snacks Expo exceeds their expectations
92% of attendees say Sweets & Snacks Expo education exceeds their expectations
More than 70 suppliers to the candy and snack industries have locked in their attendance at our inaugural Supplier Showcase, which takes place Tuesday, June 22, the day before the show begins
As organisers noted, the city of Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Centre have worked together to ensure that the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be successful and safe for all attendees.
There has been a $7 million in convention centre upgrades, including hospital-grade air filtration, touchless doors, Clorox 360 sanitation, hand sanitiser stations and safe concessions and dining areas. Additionally, the show will require masking, social distancing, and daily temperature checks.
While these important safety measures will continue throughout the event, current trends around the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraging, especially as cases begin to decline in some areas due to increased vaccinations. The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that people who have received the vaccine can travel and has provided guidance to ensure doing so is as safe as possible. For more details on the event, see its website.
