Washington – This year, attendees at the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo (May 23-26 in Chicago’s McCormick Place) will have even more opportunities to make connections and gain insights into trends and best practices in the confectionery and snack industries, thanks to show’s newly announced industry education programming.
These industry-specific education sessions will give attendees the opportunity to learn from experts, thought-provoking industry panels and confectionery and snack leaders tackling critical issues like supply-chain disruption, revolutionary confectionery and snack product innovation, social media’s influence on purchasing habits and post-pandemic shopping trends.
“The education sessions offered at the Sweets & Snacks Expo are unparalleled. As consumer habits continue to change during this uncertain time, access to top-tier education and insights is more important than ever, and this year attendees will have access to some of the brightest minds in the confectionery and snack industries,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Whether they’re looking to prepare for National Candy Month this June, get inspired for a bigger social media presence or rethink their front-end strategy, our attendees can find what they’re looking for – and more – at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo.”
In addition to a robust education schedule, attendees can find insights across the show floor at these education-focused show features and hear from 18 retail leaders:
- Eye-Opener Education
Kicking off before the show floor opens, Eye-Opener education sessions feature insights for the early risers looking to get a jump on learning and connections for the day. - Insight Stage | Sponsored by Barry Callebaut
The Insights Stage, located in the West Hall, is the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s home for the latest data and insights on the confectionery and snack categories from industry thought leaders. - Innovation Stage | Sponsored by Barry Callebaut
The Innovation Stage makes its debut at Sweets & Snacks Expo this year. Here attendees can find industry trends, the latest and greatest confectionery and snack product innovations and more. - Destination Front-End | Sponsored by Barry Callebaut
Destination Front-End takes a closer look at the front-end experience, covering topics from merchandising best practices, disruptions on the front-end, new technologies and more to help Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees learn to manage through this vital and ever-changing section of the store. - Ask an Expert Kiosks | Sponsored by Barry Callebaut
Want to connect one-on-one with some of the experts who have graced the stage at the Sweets & Snacks Expo? The Ask an Expert Kiosk will host a selection of Sweets & Snacks Expo speakers immediately after their on-stage presentations for follow-up questions and added insights.
Attendees can plan their Sweets & Snacks Expo education experience in advance thanks to the show’s newly-updated education schedule.
Registration to attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo and access the show’s exclusive education sessions will remain open through the show, with advanced rate registration closing on May 12.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Sweets & Snacks Expo
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for the confectionery and snack industries. Featuring new product launches, business-building solutions and merchandising innovations, this annual trade show brings together qualified candy and snack retail professionals and company representatives who showcase the latest in candy and snack products. The event is sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. Learn more at SweetsAndSnacks.com.
