The Sweets & Snacks Expo is where the best minds in the candy and snack industries gather to share ideas, make deals, and be inspired, says the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The conference, produced by NCA, will take place May 22–25 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“This year, more than 700 of the world’s best candy and snacks makers will give attendees their first look at the trend-setting products consumers are after. Attendees will also have access to thought leaders across the industry before, during and after our robust education sessions and connect with category and retail professionals at numerous networking events,” says Lauren Boland, spokesperson, National Confectioners Association, Washington, D.C.

Show features
At the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo, attendees can find actionable inspiration through diverse education sessions, discover cutting-edge innovations—while sampling the best products from both industries—and make meaningful connections with other category and retail industry professionals, Boland says.

“In addition to all the new products that debut at Sweets & Snacks each year, we will launch a new show feature to highlight product innovation in the confectionery and snack categories called 5x5 for a select few first-time exhibitors. Five confectionery companies and five snack companies from Startup Street will present their innovative new products to a panel of retailers—and the catch is that they each have only five minutes to do so. Attendees can cheer on the participants and learn valuable feedback and tips from snack buyers and category managers,” she announces.

In addition,The Most Innovative New Product Awards is a must-attend event, Boland says.

“It's the perfect way to kick off your Sweets & Snacks experience. Retail and category thought leaders representing 85% of the category buying power judge 300+ products, culminating in an awards ceremony on Monday, May 22,” she reveals.

Sponsored by Circana, the Most Innovative New Product Awards ceremony showcases the most innovative ideas, concepts and products in two of the hottest categories in the store: candy and snacks. The awards recognize 55 products in 11 distinct categories, including Best in Show and Small Business Innovator.

“Startup Street is an important feature of Sweets & Snacks, as this dedicated space allows new confectionery and snack companies to exhibit alongside other new companies. The companies that qualify for Startup Street have been in business for three years or fewer and have the unique opportunity to show their new products and make connections to further their goals,” Boland says.

The Sweets & Snacks Supplier Showcase, which will take place on May 22 and May 23 from 1-5 p.m., will allow confectionery and snack suppliers to connect with prospective and existing customers. This opportunity allows for additional networking and dedicated time for attendees to speak with suppliers and make new connections. 

Education programming at the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo will run throughout the show on three stages on the McCormick Place show floor. Attendees will have about 40 education sessions to select from during the Sweets & Snacks Expo, says Boland.

The expo’s education sessions are organized under four different themes, offering attendees a wide range of learning opportunities from the brightest minds in the confectionery and snack industry:

• Eye-Opener Education: Kicking off before the show floor opens, these education sessions will feature insights for early risers looking to jumpstart learning and connections for the day.
• Insights Stage: Attendees will find the latest data and insights on the confectionery and snack categories from industry thought leaders.
• Innovations Stage: For attendees interested in the latest industry trends, the Innovation Stage will feature the latest and greatest confectionery and snack product innovations and more.
• Inspiration Stage: With a focus on retail and shopper trends, this feature will share with attendees how to manage the evolving front-end and checkout section of the store at the Inspiration Stage.

Programming and sessions

Thought leaders will tackle various relevant topics in dozens of sessions, including e-commerce opportunities, product innovation, sales optimization, category trends and more. 

Boland says there are a few sessions worth noting:

• State of Snacking: Circana will share insights on what is fueling growth categories, present ideas to turn declining categories around and find additional opportunities as consumers continue to settle into their new patterns of shopping and consumption.
• 5x5: Five confectionery and five snack companies from Startup Street and new exhibitors to Sweets & Snacks Expo will present their innovative new products to a panel of retailers in five minutes or less.
• Gearing up For Success in Indy: This session is designed to help prepare attendees and exhibitors for next year's show. 
• A New Look at Indulgent Products: Portion Guidance in Action: Hank Cardello (executive director of the Leadership Solutions Program for Health + Prosperity at Georgetown University’s Business for Impact Center, and chair of the Portion Balance Coalition) will provide a look at insights uncovered during his research regarding policy work around indulgent foods.

Tips for first-time attendees
To help attendees navigate the many offerings at Sweets & Snacks, NCA has developed a Show Planner that allows attendees to optimize their time at our dynamic show.

“The Featured Product Showcase offers a centralized spot to browse new products, line extensions, innovations in packaging, each Most Innovative New Product Award submission and a snapshot of how confectionery and snack industries are succeeding with their new and innovative offerings,” offers Boland.

After being held for 26 years in Chicago, this is the show’s last year in the city, as it is moving to Indianapolis next year—the Expo will cycle for two years in Indianapolis, followed by one year in Las Vegas, until 2032.

Representatives from Visit Indy will be onsite in Chicago to share ideas on the best places to eat, sleep and entertain in the Expo’s new host city. Plus, 2023 attendees will be able to make their mark on a custom piece of art that will debut at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo. For more information, visit sweetsandsnacks.com/future.

“The Industry Buzz Networking Reception is the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas and build relationships. This year, the reception will also serve as our final farewell to Chicago and a way to thank the city for its support and hospitality for more than 25 years. We encourage all Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees to join us as we close this chapter in Chicago,” she adds.

Sweets & Snacks attendees also have unparalleled opportunities for partnership and networking, Boland shares.

“While the show encourages all its attendees to participate in its networking events, opportunities like the Most Innovative New Product Awards ceremony and the Buzz Reception have added benefits for newcomers to the snack and confectionery space,” she finishes. SF&WB