After a 25-year run in Chicago, the Sweets & Snacks Expo (formerly the Candy Show) will alternate between Indianapolis and Las Vegas beginning in 2024.
The National Confectioners Association today announced the change, with the 25-year anniversary show coming up at Chicago's McCormick Place May 23-26. The 2023 show also will be in Chicago, but starting in 2024, the rotation will be two years (2024 and 2025) at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, followed by one year at the Las Vegas Convention Center (2026). The show will continue that two-year-Indianapolis/one-year-Vegas rotation until 2032.
"Indianapolis and Las Vegas are the right fit to meet the growing demand for our show and enable it to continue providing the innovation, insights and connections that the candy and snacks industries want and need," said John Downs, NCA president/CEO. "This decision is all about the show's future, and it was driven by our exhibitor and attendee community, for our exhibitor and attendee community."
At the height of Covid, the Sweets & Snacks Expo moved to Indianapolis in mid-2021, shortly after the convention center area proved a successful, Covid-safe "bubble" for the NCAA basketball tournament.
"We saw great success in Indianapolis ... with many attendees expressing a desire to return," said Ed Seibolt, a member of NCA's Board of Trustees and Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Ferrero/Fannie May Confections. "Las Vegas is an international destination with the facilities and attractions to help the Sweets & Snacks Expo continue to scale. I believe all parties will benefit tremendously from everything our new host cities have to offer."
Ironically, Chicago is in deliberations with several bidders to locate the first casino within the city limits. That's at least two years away, but two areas near McCormick Place are being considered.
