Why is the Expo moving to Indianapolis?

As of October 2020, the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago remain under coronavirus-related restrictions and do not permit the convening of trade shows like Sweets & Snacks Expo.

Together with the Board of Trustees and the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, the National Confectioners Association made the decision to move Sweets & Snacks Expo out of Chicago’s McCormick Place in 2021.

Will the show be permanently moving to Indianapolis?

No. Sweets & Snacks Expo will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place May 23-26, 2022.

What are you going to do to make the show safe? Will masks be required?

The health and safety of Sweets & Snacks Expo exhibitors, attendees, support staff and convention center employees are our number one priority.

Sweets & Snacks Expo management will follow the COVID-19 preparedness and safety guidelines developed by the Indiana Convention Center, the city of Indianapolis and public health authorities as they evolve.

The Indiana Convention Center’s COVID-19 safety plan currently includes:

  • Health department approval and input required for large events
  • Temperature and health screenings
  • Face coverings in common areas and event spaces
  • Built-in six-foot physical distancing measures for floor plans, seating areas, and crowd management
  • Limited and designated entry and exit doors
  • One-way travel markers in hallways and corridors
  • Additional hand-sanitizing stations
  • 24/7 air circulation and hospital-grade air filters
  • Plexiglass shields at all service areas
  • Modified food service policies, including cashless and touchless point of sale, in subsequent stages (when allowed)
  • Enhanced training on COVID-19 related practices and protocols for all staff

The Indiana Convention Center is currently holding events with these and other social distancing guidelines in place, and we will be working closely with ICC to ensure a healthy and safe environment in June 2021.


Exhibitor 2021 FAQ


COVID-19

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Onsite Information

Pre-registered exhibitors can pick up their badges at any registration location. We ask that exhibitors use the group pickup feature located on their registration dashboard to help with social distancing. Please note all registered exhibitors must agree to the participation waivers or their badge will not be available at pickup.

Yes, we will have onsite registration for exhibitors, which is located in Room 125 from Friday, June 18, to Monday, June 21. After Monday, June 21, we ask that you go to the Sagamore ballroom on Level 2.

Level 1: Room 125
  • Friday 6/18
    • 12:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Saturday 6/19
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sunday 6/20
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Monday 6/21
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tuesday 6/22
    • 7:30am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 6/23
    • 7:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday 6/24
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday 6/25
    • 8:00am – 1:00pm
Level 1: Georgia Street Lobby
  • Monday 6/21
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tuesday 6/22
    • 7:30am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 6/23
    • 7:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday 6/24
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday 6/25
    • 8:00am – 1:00pm
Level 2: Sagamore Ballroom (Main Registration)
  • Tuesday 6/22
    • 7:30am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 6/23
    • 7:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday 6/24
    • 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday 6/25
    • 8:00am – 1:00pm

Show Dates/Hours

The exhibit dates are:
Wednesday-Friday, June 23-25

The event will kick off on Tuesday, June 22, with the new Supplier Showcase, as well as an evening Most Innovative New Product Awards Keynote.

A complete show schedule, including insight sessions and other educational opportunities will be available by February 2021.

Exhibit Hall hours will be Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The exact dates and times for move-in of exhibits have not been determined, but Saturday, June 19 – Tuesday, June 22, have been designated as move-in dates.

Booth Space & Brand Marketing

Everyone will be contacted to choose exhibit space during an online “real-time” exhibit space selection to be held the week of November 30, 2020. We will contact you via email and telephone before the space selection to explain how it will work.

Yes, all companies will need to complete a 2021 Exhibit Space Rental Agreement. Rental agreements with deposit must be received by November 6 to participate in the November space selection process. If you rolled over all or part of your exhibit booth fee from 2020, payments/credits will be reflected on your 2021 application.

Payment for booth fee balances must be received by January 31, 2021.

When you complete your 2021 Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, you will have the opportunity to request either an increase or a decrease in exhibit space. During your space selection appointment, you will have an opportunity to select exhibit space.

  • Confectionery manufacturer: NCA Member $39.50 per square foot
  • Confectionery manufacturer: NCA Non-Member $53.50 per square foot
  • Snack Manufacturer: $45.00 per square foot

The Indianapolis Convention Center has multiple entrances, so there is no “main” entrance. Attendees will be able to access the exhibit hall from a number of lobby doors and exhibit halls.

There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available at Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021. Those who have had sponsorship and advertising packages in the past will be contacted and advised of the plans for 2021. If you are interested in sponsorship and brand marketing opportunities, on-site or otherwise, please contact Kim Nolan at kim.nolan@SweetsAndSnacks.com.

Sweets & Snacks Expo Features

The following features are planned for Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021:

  • Broker Awards Breakfast
  • Destination Retail
  • Discovery Theater
  • Executive Lounge
  • Featured Product Showcase
  • MINPA (Most Innovative New Product Awards)
  • Supplier Showcase

The nature of sampling at Sweets & Snacks Expo will be different in 2021 on account of the pandemic. Exhibitors may provide packaged, 2 oz. or less samples to attendees. More detailed information on sampling will be available in the Exhibitor Dashboard in December.

Contractors

No, your orders will not carry over. You will need to order all services and labor when the Exhibitor Dashboard opens in December.

The list of contractors will be available in December.

There are some differences in the union regulations and the various groups that perform services. Rigging and electrical are handled by the Indiana Convention Center and not by Freeman.

The Indiana Convention Center requires that Exhibit Appointed Contractors apply and be approved by the facility. Information on this is available at www.ICCLOS.com.

There will be cart service to the exhibit space and exhibitors will be able to hand-carry freight to their booth.

Yes, cold storage will be available through Centerplate, the food and beverage contractor (the same contractor that is at McCormick Place in Chicago).

Facility

The Indiana Convention Center is located at 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225. www.ICCLOS.com.

There is parking available all around the Indiana Convention Center and in the surrounding area, with pricing currently at $1.50 per hour to $8.50 per hour. All hotels have parking, as well, and you can review their parking fees on each hotel’s respective website.

The exhibit hall is all on one level and is one contiguous space.

Yes, you can have a vehicle in the booth. Contact show management at ExhibitorHelp@sweetsandsnacks.com for more information.

Hotels

The online hotel booking system will be available shortly through the Sweets & Snacks Exhibitor Dashboard. Hotel rooms with the lowest rates are offered by Sweets & Snacks Expo in the surrounding hotels. Exhibitors that wish to block more than 19 rooms should call 800-950-5526 or email sweetsandsnacks@onpeak.com for assistance.

Yes, all hotels in the Sweets & Snacks Expo hotel room block are within six blocks of the Indiana Convention Center. Several have skybridges connecting them directly to the center.

There is no need for shuttles because all official Sweets & Snacks hotels are within six blocks of the Indiana Convention Center.

Indianapolis has much to offer and many great places to eat and entertain! Go to www.VisitIndy.com for more information.