Sponsorship Program
Would you like a higher profile within the confectionery and snack industry to promote your brands?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo can help. The 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo will make its triumphant return to Chicago, bringing thousands of members of the candy and snack industries to the Windy City. Make sure your company stands out – let us help you develop a plan.
Select an opportunity, build a customized package of multiple opportunities or if you have an idea you would like to share, call Kim Nolan at (202) 534-1462 or email at kim.nolan@sweetsandsnacks.com.
*Please note: 2021 committed sponsors have the first right of renewal on the same sponsorship opportunity for 2022.
Earn Points
Priority points are used for scheduling appointments for space selection in future years. By participating in the sponsorship program, companies may highlight their brands at this year’s show and increase their points for next year’s show. Approximately one point is earned for every $1,000 spent. In addition, the logos of sponsoring companies will appear in the “Thank You” Sponsor ad and signage at the Expo.
Executive Lounge
Any sponsoring company of $18,000 or more will receive eight admission cards to access the executive lounge area Tuesday, May 24, through Thursday, May 26. The show’s new executive lounge features:
- Exclusive networking opportunities with key customers
- An experienced, professional concierge
- A relaxed and comfortable setting
- Opportunities for product sampling or distribution of marketing collateral
Advertising Opportunities
“What’s Happening” Guide Inside Front Cover
Full-page four-color ad on the inside front cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.
SOLD OUT: Vidal Candies USA, Inc.
“What’s Happening” Guide Inside Back Cover
Full-page four-color ad on the inside back cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.
Space Deadline: Ad materials are due by April 1, 2022.
Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork and advertisement deadline
Number of Sponsorships Available: Exclusive
Cost: $6,000
“What’s Happening” Guide Center Interior Advertisement
A full-page four-color interior ad in the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.
Space Deadline: Ad materials are due by April 1, 2022.
Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork and deadline
Number of Sponsorships Available: 3
Cost: $5,000
SOLD: Enstrom Candies, Inc., Frito-Lay, The Hershey Co. and Hostess Brands
“What’s Happening” Guide Back Cover
Full-page four-color ad on the outside back cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.
SOLD OUT: Jelly Belly Candy Company
Sweets & Snacks Expo Daily
Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees consistently rank the Daily as a top component in the success of their show experience. This is the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s ONLY daily publication, featuring news and photos direct from the show floor. A daily must-read for attendees, a new issue is distributed each morning (Tuesday through Thursday) and is filled with details on activities for the day and photos and happenings from the previous day as well as industry insights and trends. Advertising options are available for single days or the duration of the show, with options to fit all budgets.
Contact Teresa Tarantino at ttarantino@propressinc.com or Audra Kruder at akruder@propressinc.com or call (216) 631 8200 for full details and custom quotes.
Space Deadline: May 6
Candy & Snack TODAY
The official magazine of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, Candy & Snack TODAY is the only publication with exclusive access to the show’s attendees, making it the perfect media to deliver any marketing message. Candy & Snack TODAY offers a range of both print and digital opportunities that can reach attendees prior, during and after the show to maximize sponsors’ investments and amplify their marketing messages. Offering programs that work with a range of budgets, Candy & Snack TODAY advertisements are an important component of any successful Sweets & Snacks Expo plan.
Contact Teresa Tarantino at ttarantino@propressinc.com or Audra Kruder at akruder@propressinc.com or call (216) 631 8200 for full details and custom quotes.
March/April Pre-Show Planner: Space Deadline February 25
May/June Sweets & Snacks Expo Issue: Space Deadline April 19
July/August Post Show Wrap-Up: Space Deadline June 24
Education Session Opportunities
Expo Education Pods
Located in both Skyline on the show floor, the (1) education pod and will feature 30-minute education sessions throughout the show focused on trends, category growth and business disruption. Sponsors’ brands will be visible throughout the presentation thanks to a branded podium sign and logos on the screens. The sponsor is encouraged to distribute product at the education pod and will also receive special recognition on SweetsAndSnacks.com.
Sponsorships Available: Expo Education Pod in Skyline
Sponsorship Cost: $10,000
SOLD: Barry Callebaut USA LLC
Networking Events Opportunities
Entertainment at the Industry Buzz Networking Reception
Get people talking at the largest networking event of the show! With nearly 2,000 people expected to gather in the Grand Concourse at show close, the sponsor will be tied to one of the highlights of every attendee’s show experience. This sponsorship brings the party with a DJ, photo booth, staging, signage and product distribution all included.
SOLD OUT: Ferrara
Women’s Leadership Group Breakfast
Showcase a company or brand to the rising women leaders of the confectionery industry by sponsoring the Women’s Leadership Group Breakfast. Sponsors will be recognized on the screen and on all signage. Sponsor product samples will be made available on the breakfast tables.
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Sponsorship Cost: $4,000
SOLD: Clasen Quality Chocolate, The Hershey Co. and Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.
Sponsorship & Branding Opportunities
Aisle Danglers
Add branding to the show aisle signs! These signs include the sponsor’s branding on highly visible aisle danglers that will remain top of mind at all times throughout the show.
Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork and artwork deadlines
Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $4,000 per aisle dangler sign; bundle packages available.
Banners
The sponsoring company’s logo and branding will greet every attendee who enters the show with a sponsorship of a banner in McCormick Place. A variety of banner opportunities are available throughout the venue.
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple*
Banner – Main Concourse
Be attendees’ first impression of the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo! The sponsoring company’s logo and branding will greet every attendee who enters the show with a banner in the Grand Concourse. The maximum size of the banner and location of the banner will be determined by NCA. Two cables with up to two hang points per cable are included in the sponsorship. Limit of 4 banners per sponsor.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 2
Sponsorship Cost: $18,000
SOLD OUT: Mondelez International and The Hershey Co.
Banner – Restaurant
Centrally located in the West Hall these highly visible banners can be seen throughout the show floor. Size of banner 15’x15’.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 2
Sponsorship Cost: $8,000
*More banner opportunities available. If interested, please contact Kim Nolan.
Column Wraps
Sponsors can promote their brands in these highly visible wraps located in several areas surrounding the show floor.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $10,000 per column, bundle packages available.
SOLD: Ferrero
Expo Badges – Supplier*
*Equipment, Ingredients, Services, Supply Providers
The sponsor’s four-color company logo will be featured on all exhibitor and broker badges.
Sponsor Responsibility: Providing company logo for the badge.
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
Cost: $8,000
Expo Badges – Candy or Snack Manufacturer
The sponsor’s four-color company logo will be featured on all retailer/wholesaler badges.
Sponsor Responsibility: Providing company logo for the badge
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
Cost: $8,000
Expo Official Bag
As the only bag allowed on the show floor, the official Expo bag is one of the most visible items at the show. Sponsors will have their company logo placed on the bag, guaranteeing it will be seen by thousands of attendees during the show and in the weeks to come when attendees bring this reusable tote home.
SOLD OUT: Elmer Chocolate and Mars Wrigley US
Floor Decals
Help guide buyers on the show floor with customized floor decals placed on the floor of the show’s main and interior aisles. Floor decals can be placed in the aisle of the sponsor’s choice. It is recommended to include a booth number for exhibiting sponsors.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production and labor
Costs:
Main Aisles in West Hall – Two available/$7,000 per aisle
- North Main Aisle
- South Main Aisle
Interior Aisles – Multiple available/$3,500 per aisle
Glass Clings
Greet attendees as they enter McCormick Place. A variety of glass cling opportunities are available throughout the convention center.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
McCormick Place West Building (Gate 40 – Taxi Drop Off)
SOLD OUT: Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.
Hotel Room Keys
Place a logo into countless attendees’ pockets, wallets and purses with a sponsorship of branded key cards at the official Sweets & Snacks Expo hotels.
SOLD OUT: Ferrero
Inflatable
Making new connections usually requires more than just blowing hot air – but in this case, it might be that easy! Sponsors will draw attention to their company and reel in new customers during the show with an inflatable display.
Sponsor Responsibility: Shipping, handling, electrical, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $7,000
SOLD: Mars Wrigley US
Lanyard
A Sweets & Snacks Expo essential, these lanyards are given to attendees to wear on the show floor, advertising the sponsoring brand everywhere they go! The lanyard sponsor is responsible for purchasing, ordering, graphics and production of the lanyard.
Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork, production and shipping
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
SOLD OUT: Mars Wrigley US
Naming Rights Lounge
Sponsor the location right outside the north exhibit hall where attendees will meet, relax and network. Sponsors can provide literature and or product(s) in the “Sponsor Name Here” Lounge.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
SOLD OUT: The Hershey Co.
Official Snack of the Expo
Sponsors’ flagship products or newest innovation could be the Official Snack of the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo! Take advantage of the show’s high-impact branding opportunity as the show’s official snack in the sponsors’ chosen snack segment. Only one company per snack segment can receive this designation. The categories include:
- Official Chip of the Expo – SOLD OUT: Frito-Lay
- Official Nut of the Expo
- Official Meat Snack of the Expo
- Official Cookie of the Expo – SOLD OUT: Hostess Brands
- Official Pretzel of the Expo
- Official Popcorn of the Expo
Number of Sponsorships Available: One per category
Cost: $40,000
For more information, please see SweetsAndSnacks.com/OfficialSnack.
Product Sampling
Sponsors can place their products directly into show attendees’ hands without leaving their booths! The Sweets & Snacks Expo hospitality team members will distribute the sponsors’ candy or snack product in a highly trafficked area on the way to the show floor during one of five time slots:
- Tuesday morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.);
- Tuesday afternoon (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) SWEET SOLD: Vidal Candies USA, Inc. Tuesday PM
- Wednesday morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.);
- Wednesday afternoon (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.); or
- Thursday morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
Approximately 1,000 pieces are needed for two hours of sampling. It is highly recommended that the company provide shirts for the staff to wear when handing out the product.
Sponsor Responsibility: Shipping of the product.
Number of Sponsorships Available: 10 (one snack sampling opportunity and one confectionery sampling opportunity available during each time slot)
Cost: $9,000 each
Relax and Recharge Lounges
Keep attendees charged up and ready to go at the Relax and Recharge Lounges on the show floor! Sponsor branded recharge lounges will be located in West Hall and Skyline. Product sampling is available at both locations.
Number of Sponsorships Available: 2
Cost: $17,000 each
Shuttle Bus Turn Around
SOLD OUT: Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
Staircase and Escalator Branding – Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 2 to Level 3
Make a huge statement as attendees enter into McCormick Place. All attendees arriving on the shuttle buses or taxis arrive on Level 1 of the West Building and use these escalators to access Level 3 where all events and the exhibits are located.
SOLD OUT: Mars Wrigley US
Vehicle
Sponsors can create a buzz by displaying their branded vehicle on the show floor. Locations to be determined with NCA staff.
Deadline for commitment: April 16
Sponsor Responsibility: Spotting fee and electrical (if any)
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $5,000
SOLD: Mars Wrigley US
Wall Advertising
Sponsors can tell their stories and promote their brands on wall advertising located throughout McCormick Place. NCA will work with sponsor to select location for the branded wall.
Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $18,000
Welcome Desk and Information Team
The Sweets and Snacks Welcome Desk is strategically placed in a highly visible location in the convention center and Welcome and Information team members will be present to answer questions and provide information during the show. It is highly recommended that the company provide shirts for the staff to wear when working. The Welcome and Information team will be out daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, and Wednesday, May 25, and from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26.
Product sampling is available at the welcome desk.
SOLD OUT: Ferrara
