General FAQ
Why was the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo moved 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. The Sweets & Snacks Expo will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place May 23-26, 2022.
What are the dates of the Sweets & Snacks Expo?
The 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held Wednesday, June 23 – Friday, June 25. The Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Supplier Showcase and Most Innovative New Products Award (MINPA) Keynote address will be held Tuesday, June 22. The show floor will open on June 23.
What are the registration fees and deadlines for the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo?
There is no deadline to register as Sweets & Snacks Expo offers both online and onsite registration. However, the registration fees scale as the registration date draws closer to the show.
Principle Business | Early Bird: Ends March 26 | Advanced: March 27 – June 10 | Onsite: June 11 – June 23 |
Retailer/Distributor/Wholesaler | $50 | $125 | $195 |
Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers (NCA Member Company) |
$1500 | $1500 | $1500 |
Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers (Non-Member Company) |
$1800 | $1800 | $1800 |
Investors | $1500 | $1750 | $1850 |
Associations/Government/NGO | $100 | $100 | $100 |
Brokers Members | 2 Free/$150 Additional | 2 Free/$150 Additional | 2 Free/$150 Additional |
Brokers Non-Members | $500 | $575 | $575 |
Business Services/Supplier Members* | 2 Free/$250 Additional | 2 Free/$250 Additional | 2 Free/$250 Additional |
Business Services/Supplier Non-Members | $1950 | $1950 | $1950 |
Who can attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is a trade-only event. Attendance is restricted to companies in the confectionary and snack industries, and the show is not open to the public. Before registering, prospective attendees should view the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s admission qualification requirements.
What are the age requirements to attend Expo?
No one under age 16 will be admitted to the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Only nursing infants (swaddled or carried) are allowed on the show floor, and they must be carried in some sort of harness attached to the body. No car seats, buggies, wagons or strollers will be permitted.
Can I add my spouse to my registration?
Only approved buyers and broker/supplier members are permitted to bring a spouse to the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The spouse can be registered during the registration process, or attendees can log into the attendee dashboard and click “ADD SPOUSE.”
Will there be samples available at the Sweets & Snacks Expo?
Sweets & Snacks Expo exhibitors have the option to distribute pre-packaged samples. Sweets & Snacks Expo exhibitors can give each buyer two samples a day. Only bags authorized by the Sweets & Snacks Expo are permitted on the show floor.
Will there be shuttles to and from the event?
There will be no shuttles to or from Sweets & Snacks Expo. All contracted hotels are within walking distance to the Indiana Convention Center.
How long is the approval process?
Sweets & Snacks Expo Show Management is currently onsite. We will be working to look at all pending records.
To help expedite the process, prospective attendees should upload or email all of their qualification documentation during the process.
What do I do if I lose my badge?
Attendee badges are necessary credentials to attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo. In order to remove any possibility for badge duplication, a badge verification policy is strictly enforced. Attendees with a lost or stolen badge will be charged a $100 replacement fee.
Where do I book my hotel?
Once hotel registration is open, attendees will be able to click “PLAN” on SweetsAndSnacks.com and scroll down to “RESERVE YOUR HOTEL & TRAVEL.” Alternatively, attendees can explore hotel options at the end of the registration process.
Can I bring my service animal? Can I advertise a business on his vest?
No animals will be permitted except properly identified, on-duty ADA-recognized service animals. No branding of any type is permitted on the service animals.
Will I get a refund if I am not approved to attend?
Attendees do not pay for their badge until the registration is approved.
Can I purchase a one-day badge?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo does not offer one-day passes.
Am I able to attend the Supplier Showcase?
All attendees are encouraged to attend the Sweets & Snacks Supplier Showcase on Tuesday, June 22. Click here for more information.
Are unique email addresses required for every registrant?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo requires unique email addresses for attendees, exhibiting personnel and media. In addition to making the registrant easier to verify, using a unique email address allows each Sweets & Snacks badge holder to utilize and customize the online show planner and the show's mobile app and receive timely Sweets & Snacks information and communications.
Will my badge be mailed?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo will not mail badges in advance. The show will have multiple locations for all attendees, media and exhibitors to pick up their badges.
Can attendees share or give their badges to someone else?
No, badge passing/sharing is not permitted and can result in being banned from the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
As a confectionery or snack manufacturer, can I come to the show if my company is not exhibiting?
Sweets & Snacks Expo permits certain non-exhibiting manufacturing companies to visit the show strictly to experience it in consideration of future participation. Only two badges per company will be permitted, and “suitcasing” is strictly prohibited. Every non-exhibiting manufacturer must agree to abide by these guidelines in order to attend the show.
Onsite Information
I have not registered for Sweets & Snacks Expo. Can I still do so?
You can still register at www.sweetsandsnacksexpo.com/register. You can also register onsite on Level 2 in the Sagamore Ballroom. You must be a qualified attendee to register.
My application to attend is still pending. What do I do?
If your attendance is still pending, we ask that you upload your qualification documentation to your dashboard. If you are unable to do so, please bring your qualification documents onsite to be reviewed.
I do not know what my status is.
Click here to see if you are registered or approved or to resend your confirmation.
Where can I pick up my badge onsite?
If your registration has been approved and you received a barcode, you can pick up your badge at any location listed below. If your registration is pending or you need to complete your registration or your payment, you must come to the Sagamore Ballroom on Level 2.
What are the onsite registration hours and locations?
Level 1: Room 125
- 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
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.