Sweets & Snacks Expo Moving to Indianapolis for 2021; Back to Chicago in 2022

November 10, 2020

The National Confectioners Association will move Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has taken place in Chicago every spring in its 23-year history (except for 2020, which was canceled), to Indianapolis next year. As the confectionary and snack industry’s premiere event, the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo — which typically features approximately 800 exhibitors and draws 15,000 attendees from 90 countries — will take place June 22-25 at Indiana Convention Center.

Together with the Board of Trustees and the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, NCA made this decision to move out of Chicago’s McCormick Place because the state of Illinois and city of Chicago remain under coronavirus-related restrictions that do not permit the convening of trade shows.

The health and safety of exhibitors, attendees, support staff and convention center employees are the No. 1 priority, according to show organizers. The management team behind Sweets & Snacks Expo will closely follow COVID-19 preparedness and evolving safety guidelines developed by Indiana Convention Center, the city of Indianapolis and public health authorities. The Center’s safety plan currently includes:

  • Health department approval and input required for large events
  • Temperature and health screenings
  • Face coverings in common areas and event spaces
  • Built-in 6-ft. physical distancing measures for floor plans, seating areas and crowd management
  • Limited and designated entry and exit doors
  • One-way travel markers in hallways and corridors
  • Additional hand-sanitizing stations
  • 24/7 air circulation and hospital-grade air filters
  • Plexiglass shields at all service areas
  • Modified food service policies, including cashless and touchless point of sale, in subsequent stages (when allowed)
  • Enhanced training on COVID-19 related practices and protocols for all staff

A major highlight of Sweets & Snacks Expo each year is, of course, sampling the many offerings from exhibitors. Next year’s event will be different in that exhibitors must provide packaged samples measuring 2 ounces or less to attendees; more details on sample requirements will be available in December, officials say.

Of note for contractors, union regulations in Indianapolis differ from those in Chicago. Rigging and electrical will be handled by Indiana Convention Center, not by Freeman.

A complete schedule for the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be available by February 2021, show officials say. As of now, the show is planned to return to McCormick Place May 23-26, 2022.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.