SNX, hosted by SNAC International, will take place April 14–16 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. For those familiar with SNAXPO, also hosted by SNAC International, SNX includes more one-on-one meetings between snack producers and suppliers, and emphasizes organic networking plus education and collaboration.

SNX is held every other year in rotation with SNAXPO—the last iteration, in 2022 (also the inaugural SNX), took place in Phoenix.

About the show
“The SNX Education and Collaboration Forum offers a unique format allowing snack producers, manufacturers, and marketers to connect with the snack supply chain to do business and collaborate over the latest industry challenges and opportunities,” explains David Walsh, vice president, membership and communications, SNAC International.

SNX is different from a traditional trade show, and features the following, says Walsh:

• Supplier Suites, which are venues for private, one-to-one business meetings between snack producers and suppliers. Suppliers and snack producers book appointments with each other directly via an appointment scheduling application, and there are eight hours throughout the schedule dedicated to Supplier Suite meetings.
• An interactive Experience Zone, allowing for informal networking and learning opportunities at each step of the snack production process. Visit with suppliers and industry partners at Collaboration Kiosks in five zones: Ingredient, Processing, Flavor, Packaging, and Market.
• An Education Arena where thought leaders will discuss the industry’s most pressing topics. The popular SNAC Tank pitch competition will also be held in the education arena, allowing start-up snack brands to pitch to a live audience for the chance to win a $10,000 prize.

Attendees will see Texas themes play out through the social events and interactive features, including the Opening Party at Gillie’s Dallas, as well as the Flavor Showdown which will feature Texas-inspired flavors, says Walsh.

“We’re also placing a spotlight on innovation, through new product development opportunities, the SNAC Tank pitch competition, SNAC Bites education, and packaging sustainability advancements.”

What’s new
SNX is featuring many new aspects this year, including The Flavor Showdown, co-sponsored by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery and held in the Experience Zone, which will feature seven of the industry’s leading flavor innovators showcasing Texas-inspired, on-trend flavors. Attendees will vote for their favorite flavor, and SNAC and SF&WB will announce the Flavor of the Year winner at the Closing Party on April 16.

“Also in the Experience Zone, the Packaging Sustainability Showcase, co-sponsored by the Flexible Packaging Association, will feature leading packaging suppliers showcasing their latest innovations in sustainable packaging,” Walsh adds. “Additionally, participating companies will be delivering 10-minute TED-style talks discussing their products. Finally, attendees will participate in an interactive packaging sorting exercise to test their knowledge on how to recycle or dispose of select products.”

Sessions to check out
Educational programming kicks off on Sunday evening with a keynote by Martin Otto, board member and former COO at H-E-B. Otto will provide his point of view on the U.S. economy, challenges in the years ahead, and insight based on his decades of experience in food retailing, says Walsh.

“Monday morning will begin with a panel discussion featuring industry executives including Erik Sword, brand director, Conagra Brands; Megan Reamer, founder, Jackson’s; and Justin Spannuth, VP/COO, Unique Snacks, discussing the state of the snack category through the lens of their companies’ unique products,” Walsh notes.

“Following the panel, attendees will have the choice of attending two educational breakout sessions: AI 2030: The Future of Manufacturing with Tom Kurfess, chief manufacturing officer and professor of mechanical engineering, Georgia Tech University; and, What’s New with the American Consumer, with Darren Seifer, industry analyst, CPG, food consumption & foodservice, Circana and Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP & chief advisor consumer goods & foodservice insights, Circana,” he elaborates.

“Also on Monday morning, there will be two educational breakout sessions focused on legal and regulatory updates, including the definition of ‘healthy,’ sodium reduction, ultra-processed foods, Proposition 65, and more.”

The SNX Experience Zone on Monday and Tuesday will also feature four SNAC Bites education sessions on important industry challenges and trends, delivered by SNX’s Participating Suppliers.

“Also in the Experience Zone, snack companies and packaging suppliers will hold a panel discussion on the state of play of packaging sustainability and what the future might hold in terms of industry advancement, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure for recycling,” explains Walsh.

“Finally, for financial executives and CFOs in attendance, SNX will feature a financial roundtable breakfast, allowing attendees to discuss best practices around sourcing capital, budgeting cycles, and cash flow analysis.”

Programming and events
New this year, before SNX officially starts, it will feature an optional networking event at TopGolf on Sunday afternoon. Golfers and non-golfers alike are invited to reconnect, meet new friends, and compete for prizes while enjoying food and drinks at TopGolf, says Walsh.

SNX officially starts with a Welcome Reception on Sunday evening from 5-6 pm at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, prior to Martin Otto’s keynote at 6 pm.

“Following the session, the SNX Opening Party will be held at Gillie’s Dallas, an iconic Texas concert venue and event space. There will be a live band, a mechanical bull, and plenty of food, drinks and other games, allowing attendees to network informally and have fun,” Walsh promises.

Monday and Tuesday are filled with eight hours of Supplier Suite meeting time, six hours of Experience Zone time, and educational programming and networking throughout.

The programming concludes on Tuesday with the popular SNAC Tank Pitch Competition, featuring Shark Tank regular Daymond John, founder of FUBU, along with a panel of expert judges.

“Daymond John will also be delivering a keynote address prior to the pitch competition. Five start-up finalists will pitch to a live audience and the panel of judges for the chance to take home a $10,000 cash prize and valuable visibility opportunities. Additionally, the top ten finalists and semifinalists will sample their products in the SNAC Tank Showcase, held in the Experience Zone on Tuesday, April 16 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm,” Walsh says.

SNX concludes with the Closing Party, held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, from 6:30–8:30 pm on Tuesday, April 16.

Advice for first-time attendees
“SNX is an event focused on networking and opportunities created through personal connection. Our advice for first timers is to attend all the many events associated with SNX and talk to as many people as you can,” Walsh comments.

“From the breakfasts to the education sessions, you never know who you might meet—a new contact could be a business partner for years to come. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the SNAC International staff who can connect you with an industry veteran to help show you the ropes at the event and introduce you to current members,” he advises.

The full SNX conference schedule can be found here. SF&WB