National Confectioners Association opened the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo May 14 to record-breaking numbers at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
The show is “going to be giant,” according to Greg Guidotti, CMO of Ferrara Candy Co. and chair of the Sweets & Snacks Expo committee. The expo is expected to break records, featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors across 250,000 square feet with more than 16,000 attendees.
“As the largest candy and snack event in the Americas, Sweets & Snacks is uniquely positioned to convene the communities in two dynamic and exciting categories – and retailers, manufacturers, brokers and suppliers alike can enjoy an action-packed week of education sessions, networking opportunities and key insights,” the NCA shared in an email to The Shelby Report.
“This includes showcasing the hottest product and packaging trends that consumers can expect to see in the coming year. The sheer scope is remarkable as well. This year, we’ll have 1,000 exhibitors spread across more than 250,000 square feet of show floor, and we expect 16,000 attendees to pass through the doors over the course of our three-day event.”
The show opened May 14 on the convention show floor with a few remarks from several local and industry leaders, such as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas, NCA President and CEO John Downs Jr., NCA Chair and President and CEO of Bazooka Candy Brand Tony Jacobs, Visit Indy EVP and CMO Chris Gahl, among others.
“We’re so excited to be in Indianapolis; it’s a wonderful city. It’s the right city for Sweets & Snacks Expo,” Downs said. “You are going to see so much out there [on the show floor]. Innovation is so important and its at the heart of both categories.”
Jacobs echoed his sentiments, sharing that “I’m excited to be here to see innovation from almost 1,000 different exhibitors. Innovation is the lifeblood of the confectionery category. Today is a big day where we showcase and ensure that this category continues to grow…there are small, large, medium sized companies from around the U.S. and from around the world. We all come together as one big family to figure out how we grow this category.”
Education sessions
Attendees can choose from a variety of education sessions, covering supply chains, robotic automation, the state of snacking and treating, consumer engagement through gaming, AI in the grocery channel, among several others.
The sessions are spread across several stages:
- Eye-Opener Education – These will provide attendees with a look into consumer habits and retail trends that will shape the industry.
- Supplier showcase stage – Industry thought leaders will provide insights, strategies and trends for the supplier and manufacturing communities.
- Trends and innovation stage – Attendees can find additional details on sustainability, seasonal sales, new flavors and other topics.
- Data and insights stage – Experts will use up-to-the-minute data to paint a picture for attendees on how they can use marketing, technology, purchasing behaviors and other factors to drive business.
- Technology stage – Sessions will illuminate front-end best practices, category growth drivers and product innovation.
“Education at the Sweets & Snacks Expo is second to none,” NCA shared.
“Top experts from the industry come to the show to provide invaluable insights to our attendees – and where else will you find all of this education in one place?”
Attendees can review all of the education sessions here.
Read more snacks news from The Shelby Report.
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