A Taste of Tomorrow: Your Guide to the Sweets & Snacks Expo, Las Vegas!

Forget the glitz and glam of the casinos for a moment, and instead, imagine an even more dazzling spectacle – one filled with vibrant colors, irresistible aromas, and the exciting buzz of innovation. Welcome to the Sweets & Snacks Expo, the preeminent event for the confectionery and snack industries in North America. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s an annual pilgrimage for anyone passionate about what’s new and next in the world of treats and eats. It’s a colossal, vibrant marketplace where the biggest brands and the most exciting startups converge to showcase the future of indulgence and convenience. Imagine stepping into a sprawling exhibition hall, enveloped in the delightful scent of chocolate, savory spices, and freshly baked goods, amidst the enthusiastic chatter of thousands of industry leaders, innovators, and buyers. This is your unparalleled opportunity to sample groundbreaking new products, discover cutting-edge packaging solutions, explore the latest consumer trends, and forge invaluable connections that will sweeten your business success. For retailers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, and anyone involved in bringing deliciousness to consumers, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is not merely an option—it’s an essential annual event for staying ahead of the curve, finding profound inspiration, and cultivating unparalleled growth in today’s fiercely competitive market.

The confectionery and snack industries are in a constant state of delicious evolution. Consumers are increasingly seeking out a diverse range of products – from healthier-for-you options and functional snacks to globally inspired flavors and nostalgic comfort foods. The market demands innovation in ingredients, packaging, and marketing strategies. The Sweets & Snacks Expo serves as the ultimate barometer for these shifts, unveiling new product launches, showcasing revolutionary solutions, and providing a platform for critical knowledge exchange. It’s where emerging brands gain vital exposure, and established companies redefine their strategies for capturing market share. If you’re looking to diversify your product portfolio, source unique treats, understand evolving consumer preferences for impulse purchases, optimize your merchandising, or simply immerse yourself in the passionate community of sweets and snacks professionals, attending the Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your business to new heights.

The Dessert Oasis: Venue and Time

The Sweets & Snacks Expo strategically selects world-class convention facilities, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience for all attendees.

Las Vegas’s Grand Stage: The Venue For 2026, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The address for the LVCC is 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The Las Vegas Convention Center is one of the largest and most technologically advanced convention facilities in the world. Its sheer size, modern amenities, and proximity to a vast array of hotels, dining, and entertainment options make it an ideal and attractive destination for a national and international audience. The LVCC’s extensive exhibit halls and numerous meeting rooms provide ample space for the thousands of exhibitors and attendees that flock to this premier event, allowing for a seamless and impactful experience.

A Spring Treat: The Schedule The Sweets & Snacks Expo is an annual event, consistently taking place in May. This strategic timing allows industry professionals to gather midway through the year, ideal for reviewing annual strategies, sourcing new products for the second half of the year and the upcoming holiday seasons, and gaining insights into emerging trends.

For 2026, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is scheduled to run from May 19-21, 2026.

The event typically spans three packed days, with a meticulously designed schedule to maximize discovery, education, and networking opportunities:

• Show Floor Hours: Generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (though times can vary slightly year to year, it’s a full day of exploration). These extensive hours provide ample time to navigate the vast exhibit halls and engage with exhibitors.
• Education Program: A robust, multi-track conference program runs concurrently with the show floor hours. This program features dozens of educational sessions presented by leading industry experts and thought leaders. Attendees can gain practical information covering the most important and timely issues, including consumer habits, retail trends, regulatory developments, sustainable practices, AI in product development, and more. Expect around 40+ insights-driven education sessions.
• Keynote & Main Stage Sessions: Throughout the show, there are typically high-profile keynote addresses and main stage presentations that delve into the “State of Snacking” and “State of Treating” reports, providing invaluable market data and strategic insights for the year ahead.
• Innovation Showcases: The show is renowned for its “New Product Showcase,” highlighting hundreds of the latest innovations hitting the market. This is complemented by the prestigious “Most Innovative New Product Awards,” recognizing excellence across various categories.
• Supplier Showcase: A dedicated area for suppliers of ingredients, packaging, processing equipment, and marketing services to the confectionery and snack industries, allowing attendees to source essential inputs for their own product development and manufacturing.
• Networking Opportunities: Beyond the formal sessions, the entire show environment is designed for connection. Attendees can network with peers, industry veterans, and potential suppliers directly on the show floor, during dedicated “Meet Up” events, and various informal receptions.

This extensive and dynamic schedule ensures that every attendee, whether a seasoned industry veteran or a new entrant, finds valuable content and connections to propel their business forward in the dynamic sweets and snacks market.

A Feast for the Senses: Key Product and Service Categories

The Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an incredibly comprehensive range of products, services, and solutions that cater to virtually every aspect of the confectionery and snack industries. With hundreds of exhibitors, it serves as the ultimate sourcing and trend-spotting destination. Key categories typically featured include:

• Confectionery (Sweets):
  • Chocolate: Bars, truffles, molded chocolates, artisanal, premium, everyday, and seasonal chocolates.
  • Non-Chocolate Candy: Gummies, jellies, hard candy, lollipops, caramels, taffy, licorice, chewy candy, sour candy.
  • Gum & Mints: Chewing gum, bubble gum, breath mints, functional mints.
  • Specialty & Gourmet Candy: Organic, natural, sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, ethnic, and novelty confectionery.
  • Seasonal & Holiday Confections: Products tailored for major holidays like Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.
• Snacks:
  • Salty Snacks: Potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, popcorn, cheese snacks, puffed snacks.
  • Meat Snacks: Jerky, meat sticks, dried sausage.
  • Nuts & Seeds: Roasted nuts, trail mixes, coated nuts, seeds (e.g., pumpkin, sunflower).
  • Sweet Snacks: Cookies, crackers (sweet varieties), packaged cakes, brownies, pastries, sweet biscuits.
  • Fruit Snacks: Dried fruit, fruit leathers, fruit-flavored snacks.
  • Health & Wellness Snacks: Granola bars, protein bars, nutrition bars, energy bars, vegetable-based snacks, plant-based snacks.
  • Refrigerated/Chilled Snacks: (often featured as an emerging category)
• Ingredients:
  • Sweeteners (sugar, alternative sweeteners), cocoa and chocolate products, nuts, fruits, flavors, starches, emulsifiers, functional ingredients.
• Packaging Solutions:
  • Flexible packaging, rigid packaging, sustainable packaging, stand-up pouches, film, wraps, labeling, printing services, display solutions.
• Processing & Manufacturing Equipment:
  • Confectionery machinery, baking equipment, snack production lines, packaging machinery, quality control systems, automation solutions.
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Marketing, branding, and design agencies; retail merchandising solutions; POS systems; e-commerce platforms; logistics and supply chain management; market research firms; food safety consulting; financial services; legal advice.

This incredibly diverse range ensures that any professional in the sweets and snacks business, from a small artisanal candy maker to a large snack food manufacturer, can find the products, technologies, and services necessary to enhance their operations, innovate their offerings, and meet market demands.

The Sweet Spot for Connection: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The Sweets & Snacks Expo consistently attracts a substantial and highly qualified audience, reflecting its position as the largest and most important trade event for the confectionery and snack industries in North America.

• Visitor Count: The Show draws an impressive number of industry professionals. For the 2025 edition (held in Indianapolis), it reported a record-breaking figure of more than 14,000 visitors from around the world. For the 2024 edition, over 16,000 attendees visited. Attendees represent a comprehensive cross-section of the industry, all seeking to source new products and solutions. The attendee demographics are highly targeted, including:
  • Retail Buyers: From convenience stores, grocery/supercenters/mass merchandisers, drug stores, department stores, value/dollar stores, club/warehouse stores, specialty/gourmet shops, gift & souvenir shops, e-commerce, and seasonal retailers.
  • Wholesalers & Distributors: Crucial for getting products to market.
  • Brokers: Connecting manufacturers with retailers.
  • Foodservice Operators: Restaurants, hotels, caterers, airlines, and event planners looking to enhance their snack and sweet offerings.
  • Manufacturers & Producers: Seeking ingredients, packaging, equipment, and market insights.
  • Suppliers: Of ingredients, packaging, equipment, and services.
  • Investors: Looking for promising new brands.
  • Media & Influencers: Covering trends and product launches. The Expo is strictly a business-to-business (B2B) event, meaning only qualified industry professionals are permitted to attend, ensuring a focused and productive environment.
• Exhibitor Count: The Expo features a massive display of products and services. For the 2024 edition, the show reported a record number of 1,000 exhibitors, with over 300 first-time exhibitors. For the 2025 edition, over 1,200 exhibitors were booked. This includes a mix of global industry giants (like Ferrero, Mondelez International, Hershey) and innovative up-and-coming brands, all showcasing the latest in candy and snack innovation.

The high concentration of key decision-makers and the targeted, business-focused nature of both exhibitors and attendees make this event incredibly efficient and productive for business development and market insights within the vibrant sweets and snacks industry.

The Recipe for Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the Sweets & Snacks Expo is an unparalleled investment, offering a wealth of advantages for any professional operating in the dynamic confectionery and snack sectors.

• Unrivaled Product Discovery: Explore the largest selection of new and existing confectionery and snack products in North America. Taste and experience hundreds of new product launches across all categories – from innovative flavors and textures to better-for-you options and global inspirations.
• Direct Access to Key Manufacturers: Engage face-to-face with the biggest names in the industry, alongside exciting new brands. This direct interaction facilitates product evaluation, allows for negotiation, and is crucial for building and strengthening vital supplier relationships.
• Premier Trend Spotting & Insights: Gain immediate insights into the latest consumer habits, retail trends, and product innovations that are shaping the future of the sweets and snacks market. The show offers an unparalleled look into what consumers are seeking, from impulse purchases to sustainability.
• World-Class Education Program: Benefit from a robust schedule of expert-led seminars and presentations on three dedicated stages. Learn about critical topics such as category growth strategies, consumer behavior, packaging innovations, food safety, regulatory developments, and how technology (like AI) is impacting the industry. These sessions are designed to be actionable and directly applicable to your business.
• Dedicated Innovation Zones: Experience specialized areas like the “New Product Showcase” and “Supplier Showcase,” which highlight cutting-edge ingredients, packaging solutions, and technologies that can fuel your own product development and operational efficiency.
• Strategic Networking: Connect with thousands of industry peers, leaders, and potential partners from every segment of the supply chain. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a powerful professional network that can lead to new collaborations and business opportunities. The show often hosts specific networking events like happy hours and Young Professionals’ gatherings.
• Solutions for Business Challenges: Discover tangible solutions and practical advice for navigating common industry pain points, such as optimizing merchandising, improving supply chain resilience, understanding evolving consumer demands, and adapting to new retail landscapes.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors offer special pricing, discounts, or promotions exclusively for show attendees, providing an opportunity for significant cost savings on purchases for your business.
• Market Leadership: Staying informed about the latest trends and innovations is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Attending the Expo positions you as a leader in your field, equipped with the knowledge and connections to drive growth.
• Inspiration & Creativity: Immerse yourself in an environment buzzing with creativity and passion. The sheer volume of new products and innovative ideas will spark inspiration, leading to fresh strategies and exciting new offerings for your customers.

Your Las Vegas Retreat: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Las Vegas, as a premier convention and tourism destination, offers an enormous array of hotel options to suit every budget and preference, with excellent proximity and connectivity to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

• Connected & Very Close Options (on the Strip or near LVCC): Many hotels offer easy access to the LVCC, often via monorail or a short walk/ride.
  • Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino: Directly adjacent to the LVCC, often connected by skywalk.
  • Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World: Very close to the LVCC, part of the Resorts World complex which has a direct underground tunnel connection to the LVCC West Hall.
  • Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World: Also part of the Resorts World complex.
  • Sahara Las Vegas: Located on the north end of the Strip, easily accessible to the LVCC.
• Central Strip Hotels: A short monorail ride or taxi/rideshare away, offering a vast array of famous resorts, dining, and entertainment options.
  • The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
  • The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort
  • Caesars Palace
  • Bellagio
  • Paris Las Vegas
  • Flamingo Las Vegas
• Official Housing Partner: The Sweets & Snacks Expo typically partners with an official housing provider, such as onPeak. Booking through the official housing service is highly recommended as it often provides discounted rates, protects against fraudulent hotel solicitations, and offers better flexibility than booking directly or through third-party sites during large conventions. Always check the official show website for the link to the official housing portal.

Given Las Vegas’s popularity as a convention city and the significant attendance at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, it is highly advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible – ideally immediately after confirming your attendance – to secure your preferred location and rate, especially if you desire a hotel within walking distance or direct monorail access.

The Investment in Your Indulgence: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the Sweets & Snacks Expo is a valuable investment for professionals in the confectionery and snack industries, providing access to essential resources for business growth and staying competitive. While specific pricing for 2026 will be available on their website, here’s what you can generally expect based on previous years’ structures:

• Exhibit Hall Only Pass: This pass grants access to the main exhibit hall for all three days, including general sessions and showcase areas.
  • Early Bird Rate: This is the most affordable option, typically ranging from $40 – $70 USD.
  • Advance/Standard Rate: Prices increase closer to the show, usually ranging from $75 – $125 USD.
  • Onsite Rate: The highest price, typically $100 – $150 USD if you register at the door.
• Education/Full Access Pass: This pass provides access to the exhibit hall PLUS all the educational sessions, including keynotes and specialized workshops. This is highly recommended for attendees looking to gain deeper insights and strategic knowledge.
  • Early Bird Rate: Typically ranges from $250 – $400 USD.
  • Advance/Standard Rate: Prices increase, usually ranging from $350 – $550 USD.
  • Onsite Rate: The highest price, often $450 – $650 USD.
• Non-Exhibiting Supplier/Vendor Policy: For businesses that provide products or services to the confectionery and snack industries but are not exhibiting, there is generally a significantly higher fee (often several hundreds of dollars) to access the show floor. This policy is in place to encourage exhibition for suppliers whose primary goal is to sell products or services.

These fees generally cover access to the show itself. Attendees should also budget for personal travel (flights), accommodation, and dining expenses in Las Vegas. For the unparalleled opportunity to discover new products, connect with industry leaders, gain vital education on trends, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving sweets and snacks market, the return on this investment is considered substantial and often critical for operational excellence and sustained profitability.

Unwrap Your Potential: Your Journey to Confectionery & Snack Excellence Begins Here!

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is more than just an event; it’s the undisputed heart of the North American confectionery and snack industries, a powerful and inspiring convergence of innovation, deliciousness, and strategic insight that sets the tone for future success. It’s where global trends meet consumer demand, where groundbreaking products are unveiled, and where vital connections are forged that propel businesses across the entire supply chain. Whether you are a buyer seeking the next viral snack, a manufacturer looking for sustainable packaging, a retailer aiming to optimize your candy aisle, or an entrepreneur eager to launch a new sweet sensation, attending this Expo is an essential experience that will ignite your passion, broaden your market knowledge, and empower you to lead in the exciting, ever-evolving world of sweets and snacks. Don’t just sell treats; inspire, innovate, connect, and thrive!

To learn more about the Sweets & Snacks Expo and to plan your attendance, visit: sweetsandsnacks.com