If your world centers around candy, chocolate, granola bars, chips, or other snacks, the NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago is the must-attend event for you. Organized by the National Confectioners Association, this expo is where candy makers, snack innovators, packaging specialists, and retail buyers all come together to taste, learn, network, and launch the next big thing in snacks and sweets.
When & Where It Happens
- Dates: May 13–15, 2025 (with a pre-show Supplier Showcase on May 12)
- Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
- Show Hours: Exhibition hall open roughly 9 AM–6 PM; evening receptions and special events planned
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’re involved in product development, sales, marketing, packaging, or supply chain, this expo welcomes folks across the confectionery and snack world. You’ll connect with:
- Brand innovators showcasing their latest creations
- Retail buyers hunting for new products
- Packaging and ingredient suppliers unveiling fresh solutions
- Retail display and merchandising experts presenting engaging shelf ideas
- Regulatory specialists offering updates on labeling and food safety
- Industry analysts sharing projections on consumer trends
What’s on the Agenda
1. Massive Exhibit Hall
Explore flavors, textures, ingredient innovations, packaging designs, and merchandising tools all in one place.
2. Supplier Showcase
A special pre-show event featuring new ingredients, packaging formats, and processing tools.
3. Product Launch Zones
See products debuting live on the floor—where you can sample, ask questions, and connect with their creators.
4. Innovation Alley
A spotlight on startups and small brands breaking into the market with fresh ideas and unusual flavor combinations.
5. Live Demos
Cooking demonstrations, shelf display workshops, and interactive activities that bring products to life.
6. Educational Sessions
Learn from experts about consumer trends, packaging sustainability, supply-chain management, and emerging retail strategies.
7. Buyer-Centric Events
Exclusive “meet-the-buyer” occasions help exhibitors connect directly with key decision-makers.
8. Awards & Recognition
Celebrate new-product awards and merchandising excellence as peers vote for what’s hot on the floor.
Who Should Attend
- Brands and startups in confectionery, chocolate, baked snacks, and savory treats
- Buyers from grocery chains, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, and specialty retailers
- Ingredient suppliers and packaging firms
- Equipment suppliers and merchandising display providers
- Marketing teams focused on innovation and consumer trends
- Regulatory and quality assurance professionals
- Retail merchandisers, category managers, and analysts
- Consultants and advisors in the snack and candy space
Benefits You’ll Gain
- Stay ahead of flavor trends—spicy, nostalgic, functional, better-for-you
- Find innovative packaging for freshness, convenience, and shelf impact
- Meet retail buyers face-to-face—start building relationships on the show floor
- Learn directly from peers who have launched successful snack brands or scaled distribution
- Explore trending merchandising tactics designed to drive impulse purchases
- Discover startup innovation in areas like plant-based candy or wellness snacks
- Gain expert insights on navigating retail, regulatory, and consumer shifts
Cost & Registration
- Exhibitor booths: priced per square foot—often with member and non-member rates
- Attendee badging: full access to exhibits, demos, sessions, and evening events (pre-show passes available for Supplier Showcase day)
- Add-ons: Buyer Match programs or VIP events may carry extra fees
- Early-bird & group discounts: available—register early for savings and priority access
Where to Stay
McCormick Place is surrounded by diverse lodging:
- Onsite hotels (Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton) offering walkable access
- Mid-range and boutique hotels in nearby neighborhoods like South Loop
- Budget options a short transit ride away
- Short-term rentals for teams or longer stays
Booking early secures the best options during busy expo season.
Getting Around Chicago
- Airports: O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) both serve Chicago; easy transit or ride-share to South Loop
- Public Transit: CTA trains and buses connect hotels and the venue
- Ride-share & taxis: plentiful and easy to find
- Walking: The area is walkable, with plenty of dining options nearby
- Parking: Available at McCormick Place and in nearby garages; transit is often a faster choice
How to Make the Most of It
- Plan your visit early—identify booths, demos, and sessions that match your goals
- Bring tasting notes—packets with flavor observations, pairing ideas, merchandising tips
- Ask exhibitors about production scale—ingredients, labeling, shelf life, cost
- Attend Buyer Match events—connect with those who can bring your product to stores
- Use networking breaks—casual chats often lead to insightful collaborations
- Visit Innovation Alley—spot emerging trends early
- Join education sessions on sustainability, supply chain, consumer insights
- Follow up quickly—send thank-yous and connect while the momentum is fresh
Final Thoughts
The NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago is more than a trade show—it’s a complete snapshot of the snack and confection industry today. You’ll leave inspired by tasting trends, connected to buyers and suppliers, and ready to turn those fresh ideas into consumer favorites.
Whether you’re rolling out new flavors, testing packaging, plotting distribution, or scouting store placement—this show gives you the access, insights, and connections to make it real.
To learn more and reserve your ticket, visit:
https://sweetsandsnacks.com