CN: How do you describe the Sweets & Snacks Expo?
In a special Q&A John Downs, National Confectioners Association president & CEO, gives a behind the scenes look at the show, including the move to Indianapolis and what attendees can expect at the Expo.
JD: It’s clear from the moment you arrive on the show floor: the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the center of the candy and snack universe. Our show is the largest candy and snack event in the Americas and is uniquely positioned to convene two dynamic and exciting categories – retailers, manufacturers, brokers and suppliers alike – for an action-packed week of education sessions, networking opportunities and key insights. This year, we’ll have more than 16,000 attendees visiting 1,000 exhibitors across 250,000 square feet of show floor – and for Indianapolis Colts fans, that’s about five Lucas Oil Stadium football fields.
CN: Speaking of Indianapolis – why did the show move?
JD: We have a big and bold opportunity with our great strategic partners in Indianapolis, including the governor of Indiana, the Mayor of Indianapolis and the Visit Indy team. It is unquestionably the right city to meet the growing demands for our show and enable us to continue to provide the innovation, insights, and connections that our community wants and needs. Indianapolis has hosted many top-tier events successfully and now Sweets & Snacks joins the ranks of these world-class events.
CN: What are the most exciting parts of moving to Indianapolis?
JD: We have built such a strong sense of community over nearly three decades and attending the show is always a vibrant experience. But our new location gives us opportunities outside of the convention center as well, including attending an official Indy 500 practice session – a truly only-in-Indy experience that simply can’t be replicated.
CN: What is the value of the show for attendees?
JD: With the entirety of the candy and snack industries under one roof, there is no better way to build business connections than by being at the show. Top industry experts will be at the show to provide invaluable insights to our attendees with an education series that is second to none. And of course, countless innovative candy and snack products will debut at Sweets & Snacks Expo making it a very flavorful experience.
CN: What is the strategic advantage of attending the show?
JD: The opportunity for both exhibitors and retail attendees is unmatched. This show has become a vital part of the decision-making process for retailers of all sizes, allowing them to stay ahead of trends as they seek products to delight consumers. There is no better place for exhibitors to showcase their products than at Sweets & Snacks, especially as the show continues to grow into the future.
- The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo takes place from 14 to 16 May at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. https://sweetsandsnacks.com/register/