When entering the Indiana Convention Center from May 14 to 16, a person may think they’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
Previously held in Chicago, the Sweets & Snacks Expo makes its way to Indianapolis to showcase the newest innovations in all things treats. From major candy companies like Hershey’s and Jelly Belly to smaller, local candy companies, the expo welcomes businesses and retailers to browse the space.
“The Sweets & Snacks Expo is what we like to call the center of the candy and snack universe. It’s the premiere event for the confectionary and snack industries in the US, and we see companies, people, and attendees coming from all over the world to participate,” said Carly Schildhaus, the director of communications and public affairs at National Confectioners Association, host organization of the expo.
According to the official Sweets & Snacks Expo website, the event has three main goals: to discover new product trends to excite customers, to get strategies to increase the education surrounding business, and to build new business relationships and partnerships through networking.
“We see everyone from sort of large, multinational companies to small and mid-sized, family-owned, multigenerational companies … Smaller and midsize companies make up a very large portion of the show floor,” Schildhaus said.
With more than 975 exhibitors across 250,000 sq. ft. of floor space, the Sweets & Snacks Expo expects to bring in about 16,000 attendees and have an estimated economic impact of $12 million. While the event is not open to the general public, the expo is an opportunity for brands and companies to share their projects and interact with other members within the snack industry.
“Retailers, suppliers, brokers, the whole community is coming together to see the products that manufacturers have on display,” Schildhaus said. “That’s how you know that so much business gets done in this space and how those new and innovative treats and snacks get on store shelves for consumers to enjoy.”
With the large floor space and extensive booths, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will also feature a variety of events across the three days. Many speakers will be scattered throughout, with session spotlights ranging from brand revivals to discussions of sports celebrity partnerships.
In addition to the expo, event attendees will have exclusive access to an Indy 500 practice session Thursday, May 16.
“It’s incredible to be able to experience Indianapolis and everything Indianapolis has to offer,” Schildhaus said. “One of the things we’re really excited about that’s really only an Indy experience is going to a practice session of the Indianapolis 500.”
Coming just in time for the observance of National Candy Month in June, Schildhaus shares the National Confectioners Association’s excitement for being in Indianapolis and seeing how well the show fits the city.
“We saw the Hoosier hospitality when we temporarily relocated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic…the community really felt that Indianapolis would be the right city to meet the demands for the show,” Schildhaus said. “The city has hosted so many top-tier events really successfully and now the Sweets & Snacks Expo gets to join in the ranks of those events.”
Local hotels and businesses are eager to be a part of the economic impact, according to Morgan Snyder, senior director of public relations for Visit Indy.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Indy as an ascending city,” Snyder said.
For information about the Sweets & Snacks Expo, to see a full list of vendors, and to register as a qualified business to attend the event, visit their website sweetsandsnacks.com.
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317.762.7854 or follow her at @hanna.rauworth
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
