NCA's SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO Largest Ever

The National Confectioners Association announces 13 percent growth in the number of exhibitors at this year's EXPO. The 2011 exhibit floor is maxed out with 541 companies in both the confectionery and snack category. The EXPO, known for being  the country's leading confectionery, cookie and snack show, takes place May 24 through 26 at Chicago's McCormick Place.
 
"We are totally and completely sold out and have established a waiting list for exhibitors" said Larry Graham, president of NCA.  "Our attendee registration count is also tracking ahead of our record-breaking 2010 show counts and 29 percent of our exhibitors are new to the 2011 event. We continue to evolve the event so that it offers more value to the industry - from the 162 new exhibitors at this year's May show to the keynote sessions that offer insights and ideas in today's marketplace."
"Innovation Alley is our newest addition - this area on the show floor features start-up companies just beginning their confectionery and snack businesses," commented Michael Rosenberg, EXPO Committee chairman and president and CEO of The Promotion in Motion Companies, Inc. "Candy and snacks are a $300 billion industry worldwide, but the majority of the companies in this industry are small to mid-size businesses. Innovation Alley offers a new venue for budding entrepreneurs which provides their company and products with more visibility to potential customers."

The 2011 EXPO promises to deliver innovation and new offerings both on and off the show floor. At no extra cost, attendees will also have a chance to hear from leading industry consultants, researchers and authors like Steve Matthesen of The Nielsen Company; Rick Kash, founder of The Cambridge Group; Peter Sheahan, Founder & CEO of ChangeLabs and best-selling author; Dr. David Foot, acclaimed expert in shifting demographic trends and their impact on the world; Joy Bauer, a leading nutrition expert well-known for her regular appearances on the Today Show; and Nick Bilton, the New York Times Tech reporter whose new book, I Live in the Future and Here's How it Works, is a best seller.

Industry professionals can get connected even before the show begins by downloading the new SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO® app for iPhones, Droids and Blackberry devices. It's searchable by typing "sweets expo" into your application manager. The app is constantly updated with show information and among other utilities, users can map their route on the floor, view exhibitor profiles and receive show alerts.
 
Beyond all of the exciting new highlights available, there are also some perennial favorites that attendees return year after year to see. For the second year in a row, retailers vote on-site for the Buyers' Choice Best New Concept Awards in both new products and merchandising displays. Winners are announced at the show so attendees have a chance to visit the most popular products while they are there.
 
2011 EXPO Features:
 
New Product Showcase:
Thousands of snack and confectionery items are introduced each year in the U.S. (more than any other food category) and the New Product Showcase boasts the largest variety of the best new items. Located by the left entrance to the show, this should be the first stop before navigating the EXPO.
 
Retail Solution Center:
Merchandising is extremely important for the industry and serves as a major force in driving confectionery and snack sales. This is a chief destination on the show floor featuring manufacturers of merchandising vehicles and tips and products to increase sales at retail. The Magic of Merchandising Display Gallery, located near the show entrance, offers ideas and best-in-class display solutions for retail environments.
 
Gourmet Marketplace:
The exclusive venue on the show floor features leading manufacturers of gourmet, organic and natural products. Organic and natural are important opportunities and this venue has evolved over the past few years into a major show floor destination.