WASHINGTON — Attendees of the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo (May 22-25 at McCormick Place) will have more opportunities than ever before to learn about key trends impacting confectionery and snack category performance, the retail environment and consumer attitudes and behaviors thanks to the show’s newly announced education programming.

“The Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an opportunity to stay ahead of the rapidly changing retail landscape through top-tier education sessions to gain insights, stay informed and get inspired,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. “The education sessions are guided by thought leaders and professionals from across the industry with expertise in a wide range of topics, including flavor and product trends, merchandising and innovation strategies, sustainability and e-commerce. These sessions are designed to focus on relevant issues and opportunities facing our industry to help you grow your business.”

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. A breakdown of the programming is as follows:

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.

Attendees will find the latest data and insights on the confectionery and snack categories from industry thought leaders.

For attendees interested in the latest industry trends, the Innovation Stage will feature the latest and greatest confectionery and snack product innovations and more.

With a focus on retail and shopper trends, attendees will learn how to manage the evolving front-end and checkout section of the store at the Inspiration Stage.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

  • Attendees can plan their Sweets & Snacks Expo experience thanks to the show’s brand-new pre-show planner.
  • Registration to attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo and access the show’s exclusive education sessions will remain open through the show.
  • Beginning in 2024, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will cycle for two years at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, followed by one year at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas until 2032. For more information, please visit sweetsandsnacks.com/future.

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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.

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.