Snack industry personnel will be able to meet and greet in the Lone Star State at SNX 2026, hosted by SNAC International, which will be held in Dallas March 29–31. Constructed to drive industry engagement, SNX is designed to be complementary to the organization’s SNAXPO event, and attendees will be able to mingle with industry ingredient and equipment suppliers, plus enjoy samples of innovative, recently released snack products.

Background
“SNX is the working ground for the snack industry to tackle challenges and seize opportunities," says Kelly Knowles, interim president and CEO of SNAC International. "SNX is built for action, bringing together real conversations, real innovation, and hands-on experiences, from our education program to pre-scheduled, one-on-one private meetings between snack producers and suppliers. Attendees will leave SNX equipped with actionable solutions and ready to drive results."

SNX is designed for intentional connection—bringing together snack producers, suppliers, and innovators through pre-scheduled private meetings, education, and immersive experiences.

The event combines targeted business meetings in Supplier Suites, fast and practical learning sessions, and hands-on discovery in the Experience Zone, all with a focus on driving measurable business outcomes. SNX also strives to support the industry's future through startup incentives and opportunities for emerging brands.

“At its core, SNX is about meaningful engagement over volume—giving attendees the time, space, and structure to build partnerships, explore innovation, and leave with ideas they can apply in their businesses,” Knowles adds.

Keynotes
The event will open with a keynote presentation from Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights at Circana. Lyons Wyatt will deliver a Snack Category Overview, featuring the latest data and insights on consumer behavior, market performance, and emerging trends shaping today’s snack industry.

SNX 2026 will conclude with a fireside chat with Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery. The keynote will offer an inside look at her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned as a founder and brand builder, and insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience in a competitive marketplace.

Nelson is also the founder of Pizzana, a growing chain of Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded pizzerias, and children’s sensory learning centers Play 2 Progress. In addition, she is the author of Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn Your Passion into Profit and The Sprinkles Baking Book.

Key ideas
This year’s event includes the following themes, according to Knowles:

• Business connections: SNX offers networking opportunities such as pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings in its Supplier Suites, where producers and suppliers can talk strategy and close deals.
• Education and thought leadership: The conference’s Education Arena delivers sessions and talks from industry leaders on trends, innovation, and strategic insights.
• Innovation across the supply chain: From ingredients to packaging and processing, SNX strives to put a spotlight on what’s next in snack production and technology, helping attendees stay ahead of evolving market demands.
• “Bites” of insight: Through 20-minute-long SNAC Bites pop-up sessions in the Experience Zone, attendees can hear about trends, success stories, and industry hot topics.
• Engaging with startups and emerging brands: The event continues to support innovation by spotlighting new brands and giving them opportunities to connect, pitch, and build visibility.
• Collaborative discovery: The Experience Zone encourages hands-on learning, including informal exploration and dialogue across every stage of snack production.

New and novel
Sponsored by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, SNX’s Flavor Showdown competition gives flavor and seasoning companies the opportunity to show off their capabilities. Entrants create samples around the theme (this year “From the Ranch to the Range of Flavor”), then attendees taste the entries and vote for their favorites.

According to Knowles, the theme celebrates the journey of taste from “the roots of Texas ranch traditions to the bold, innovative range of flavors shaping today’s snack landscape.” Knowles explains: “It’s authentic, expansive, and designed to inspire ingredient and seasoning companies to push boundaries while staying grounded in unmistakable Texas character. Visually, the theme blends rugged textures, spice trails, and a modern cowboy aesthetic, with messaging that invites participants to saddle up and take your taste buds for a ride, it positions the Flavor Showdown as more than a competition—it’s a celebration of culinary innovation and flavor craftsmanship rooted in heritage and driven by discovery.”

The Flavor Showdown competition will take place on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, during SNX 2026 Experience Zone hours (10:45 am to 2:45 pm on March 30, and 11 am to 1 pm on March 31). The SNX 2026 Flavor of the Year Award will be announced at the Closing Party on March 31.

Making its debut at this year’s SNX is SNAC Street, an immersive addition to the Experience Zone designed to reflect how innovation is discovered today. Drawing inspiration from a modern street market, it aims to bring together trending flavors, breakthrough ideas, and reimagined classics in an environment that strives to feel natural, inviting, and exploratory, rather than transactional, Knowles notes.

Attendees move through the experience along a central “street,” marked by signage and lined with kiosks that showcase featured products. Warm lighting, greenery, and subtle sensory elements aim to create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages people to pause, take in what’s new, and engage in conversation. Chalkboard-style menu boards highlight the story behind each snack product—why it matters, what’s changing, and how it reflects broader shifts in the snack landscape.

Educational sessions
The SNAC International team is developing the education program for SNX with sessions designed to deliver both strategic perspective and practical insight, Knowles shares.

“The program will feature a comprehensive overview of the snack category, helping attendees understand the latest market dynamics, shifts in consumer behavior, and growth opportunities shaping the industry,” she adds.

Additional sessions will provide timely updates on food policy and regulatory issues affecting snack manufacturers and spotlight advancements in snack packaging, with a focus on sustainability initiatives, material innovation, and evolving regulatory expectations. Together, these sessions are designed to equip attendees with relevant, actionable insights they can bring back to their teams as the snack landscape continues to evolve.

Social activities
SNX will kick off with its Opening Party at the House of Blues Dallas. Set in the heart of the city, this high-energy venue will provide a backdrop to connect with industry peers and celebrate the start of SNX.

“With live music, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere, the Opening Party sets the tone for three days of collaboration, inspiration, and momentum—SNX style,” Knowles enthuses.

SNX will conclude with a Closing Party at Union Station, the “historic heart of metropolitan Dallas, which will create a perfect backdrop to celebrate new partnerships, reflect on big ideas, and close out SNX with energy, connection, and a true sense of place,” she finishes.

Advice for first-time attendees
Knowles has many recommendations for those who are attending SNX this year for their inaugural journey, including:

• Go in with intention. SNX is designed for quality over quantity, so review the agenda and meeting opportunities ahead of time. Know who you want to meet and what you want to walk away with—whether that’s a new supplier relationship, insight into a trend, or a potential partnership.
• Use the Supplier Suites strategically. These pre-scheduled meetings are one of SNX’s biggest differentiators. Come prepared with clear questions and priorities so conversations move quickly from introductions to real business value.
• Balance meetings with exploration. Leave space in your schedule to spend time in the Experience Zone, including new features like SNAC Street. Some of the best ideas and connections come from unplanned conversations and hands-on discovery.
• Don’t skip the shorter sessions. Formats like SNAC Bites are built for fast, actionable takeaways. Even a 20-minute session can spark an idea you’ll take back and apply immediately.
• Lean into the community moments. The opening and closing events aren’t just social—they’re where relationships deepen. Show up, stay present, and talk to people outside your usual circle.
• Follow up while it’s fresh. SNX conversations tend to be substantive, so capture notes and reconnect soon after the event.

Final thoughts
Since its launch, SNX has grown steadily in both attendance and influence.

“For producers, it has become a reliable source for finding solutions and identifying partners who can support their long-term strategies. For suppliers, it is a unique opportunity to engage with decision-makers who have both the time and the intent to listen,” says Knowles.

“Unlike large trade shows where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, SNX’s design ensures quality engagement over quantity of traffic. The question isn’t whether you can afford to attend—it’s whether you can afford to miss it,” she finishes. SF&WB