All 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo registrants will be required to agree to these guidelines during the registration process.
Last Updated May 18 2021
General COVID-19 FAQ
Will I be required to wear a mask?
The CDC has advised that fully vaccinated people may forgo masking and social distancing in many indoor situations but urges that even fully vaccinated people must wear masks when it is required by federal, state or local laws or by a business. Indianapolis and Marion County continue to enforce a mask mandate, and masks will still be required at Sweets & Snacks Expo.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is an indoor trade show with thousands of people coming from all over the world. Continuing to mask while on the show floor will help ensure that we are all able to enjoy the show while having the safest experience possible.
We have indicated from the outset that the health and safety of our exhibitors, attendees and everyone in the building are our top priorities. We have long said that we will be taking steps to bolster the world-class safety protocols already in place at the Indiana Convention Center in part by requiring everyone to wear a face covering and enforcing social distancing – and our policies will not change as a result of CDC’s May 13 announcement. The new guidance issued by the CDC applies only to fully vaccinated individuals, and we will not be requiring proof of vaccination to participate in the show. Removing the mask mandate would jeopardize the confidence and trust we have built within our community that the show will be a safe event for everyone in attendance.
Do I have to get my temperature checked? What happens if I have a temperature at the time of entry?
Yes. The Indiana Convention Center will be conducting temperature checks upon entry. The purpose of the temperature check is to detect elevated temperature (an indicator of illness) in those entering. Entering the building serves as your consent to be scanned; conversely, anyone refusing to be scanned will not be permitted entry into the building. Those confirmed to have a temperature at or over 100.4°F (38°C) will undergo further medical assessment and will be directed to appropriate medical care. Please note: Our temperature check is not a medical diagnosis nor a guarantee that anyone entering the convention center does or does not have a fever.
What if I get sick at the Sweets & Snacks Expo?
We will work in concert with our facilities’ security staff to manage health and safety precautions on site. If you develop symptoms during your stay or encounter any concerns about suspected COVID-19 cases while at the show, you are requested to remain in place and contact show management. The convention center has a team of certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) available 24 hours a day. If alerted to a suspected case of COVID-19, security will direct the guest toward appropriate medical care through their EMTs, who follow the direction of local health authorities.
What is the Sweets & Snacks Expo doing to encourage the safety of all who attend, such as social distancing, cleaning precautions, etc.?
Show management will:
- Require face coverings, frequent hand washing and social distancing;
- Significantly increase entrance and exit areas to the exhibit halls to spread out gatherings of people more evenly throughout the facilities;
- Designate entrance and exit areas to control and screen visitors with discrete daily health queries, incorporating non-invasive thermal devices, etc.;
- Install hand sanitizing stations throughout the show and provide hand sanitizer to every individual attending the show;
- Enhance physical cleaning with hourly sanitizing of high-traffic areas throughout the show floor and common areas, including doorways, elevators and escalators; and
- Collaborate with the Indiana Convention Center in their advancements to be among the first in the nation to pursue certification for safety measures aimed at outbreak prevention through actions such as sanitizing the facility nightly.
You can find more information about the Indiana Convention Center’s response to COVID-19 on the facility website and in this fact sheet.
Are show staff, organizers and vendor partners required to follow the same rules as attendees and exhibitors?
Yes. The Sweets & Snacks Expo staff, contractors and exhibit staff will be required to follow the Sweets & Snacks safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment at all times, health queries, temperature checks, frequent hand washing, etc. Exhibitor-appointed contractors (EAC) and union labor will also be required to follow the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s safety protocols, as well as ESCA safety guidelines.
Why does Sweets & Snacks Expo registration require mobile phone numbers?
In accordance with current state regulations and requirements of the facilities, it is anticipated that access to the Sweets & Snacks Expo will require daily safety screenings and dissemination of safety information to every individual. Communications will be established through text messaging, so unique mobile phone numbers and smart phone technology will be required by every show registrant to gain access to the show. Mobile phone numbers provided will be used for attendee safety in accordance with state guidelines, and contact information will be provided to public health officials or other third parties only if required to manage a public health concern.
What is the hotel refund policy?
Every hotel room reservation booked through onPeak, the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s official housing contractor, is held without a deposit until June 2. In the unlikely event the show is not permitted to take place, all reservations will be canceled without a deposit being taken, so there will be no cancellation fees due. If you decide not to attend Sweets & Snacks Expo, but the show has not been canceled, you will be able to cancel your hotel reservation up to June 1 without a cancellation fee. If you reserve accommodations independently, please confirm cancellation dates and fees with the hotel.
Attendee/Media COVID-19 FAQ
Will I get a refund if the Sweets & Snacks Expo is canceled?
We are committed to hosting the Sweets & Snacks Expo in June in Indianapolis. However, if for reasons beyond our control the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo is not permitted to take place, attendee registrations will be fully refunded.
Will I get a refund if I decide to cancel my registration after registering?
If you register now and decide later to cancel your registration, the Sweets & Snacks Expo may refund a portion of the registration fee and will retain a portion of it to be applied to the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which is schedule to be held May 23-26 in Chicago. Cancellations will be processed as follows:
| Refund to Attendee | Rollover to 2022 SSE | Admin Fee to SSE | |
| Until May 15 | 50% | 50% | |
| May 16 – June 25 | 75% | 25% |
Will there still be onsite education?
Yes. Education sessions will have limited capacity in an effort to maintain social distancing. Attendees will register for education sessions during the registration process, and all attendees are encouraged to register early.
Is there going to be a capacity limit on the number of attendees?
Any capacity limits imposed will be based upon the then-current restrictions imposed by the State of Indiana, Marion County and the governing bodies that hold jurisdiction over the convention facilities.
Am I still allowed to bring a spouse?
Yes. Buyers and member suppliers and brokers are permitted to register and bring a spouse.
Are there limits on how many people we can bring from our company?
No. There is not currently a limit on attendee registration by company, but it will be monitored based on current or proposed guidance from local regulatory agencies.
Are the qualification rules going to be more relaxed so that more people can attend?
No. The 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will continue to be a business-to-business trade event, and enthusiasts will not be permitted entry to the show.
How can I get my badge mailed to me to avoid lines?
While we are not mailing badges, we will have registration locations spread out across the convention center to help prevent lines and crowding. More information on registration dates, times and locations will be announced as we approach the event.
Can I add an employee last minute or at the show?
Yes, as of now, we will have online and onsite registration throughout the event.
Why am I not seeing some activities and events associated with previous Sweets & Snacks Expos, such as the Buzz Reception?
Due to current guidelines and in an effort to make the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo as safe as possible, we have been forced to limit or eliminate certain activities that promote large gatherings, including the Buzz Reception.
Exhibitor COVID-19 FAQ
Will we get a refund on our booth if the Sweets & Snacks Expo is canceled?
Sweets & Snacks Expo is not anticipating having to cancel. However, should government regulations force us to cancel the show, the Board of Trustees and staff will be transparent in their decision making and will take into consideration what is best for NCA, the industry and the community.
How are you going to manage social distancing in the booths?
Just as show management has done with respect to public spaces at the venue, each exhibitor should create their own plan for the design and operation of their booth space to accommodate for social distancing and keep a safe environment for their respective staff and guests. This would include designing booth elements to provide for a traffic flow, as well as abstaining from in-booth activities that generate crowds (e.g., celebrity signings and product demonstrations).
How do we avoid lines when picking up our badges?
Only designated individuals are allowed to pick up badges on behalf of others onsite. During the registration process, the booth contact will be able to name the person who is picking up the badges, as well as select the specific location and time for pick-up.
If an employee cannot attend at the last minute, can I change them out right before or at the show?
Yes. We will have locations onsite for any last-minute changes and additions. In an effort to minimize lines and reduce crowding, each exhibitor’s booth contact can designate a single individual responsible for adding or changing badge information and picking up badges for the exhibitor’s employees.
Will there still be onsite education?
Yes. Education sessions will have limited capacity in an effort to maintain social distancing. Exhibitors will register for education sessions during the registration process, and all attendees are encouraged to register early.
How do I find out my allotment? Is it less than in previous years?
You can see the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo exhibitor badge allotments by logging in to your dashboard. We would also like to encourage our exhibitors to bring only essential staff members to the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo to reduce the amount of people in booths and aisles and maximize the opportunity for customers and valued buyers attending the show.
