All 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo registrants will be required to agree to these guidelines during the registration process.
Last Updated March 22, 2022
General COVID-19 FAQ
Will I be required to wear a mask?
The National Confectioners Association is following CDC guidance and, as of the date set forth above, will NOT REQUIRE masks be worn by individuals attending Sweets & Snacks Expo; however, each individual is welcome to make their own decision and wear a mask if they so desire.
How is the Sweets & Snacks Expo working to keep the show safe from COVID-19?
The health and safety of the Sweets & Snacks Expo community is the show’s top priority, and show management will abide by state and local requirements, as well as CDC guidance, to keep visitors to the show safe. Refer to the questions on vaccination and masking above.
Additionally, show management will:
- Encourage social distancing where feasible;
- Install hand sanitizing stations throughout the show; and
- Enhance physical cleaning with regular sanitizing of high-traffic areas throughout the show floor and common areas, including doorways, elevators and escalators.
You can find more information about the McCormick Place response to COVID-19, including its GBAC STAR Accreditation, on the facility website.
Do I have to get my temperature checked? What happens if I have a temperature at the time of entry?
No, the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo will not be conducting temperature checks.
Are show staff, organizers and vendor partners required to follow the same rules as attendees and exhibitors?
Yes. The Sweets & Snacks Expo staff, contractors and exhibit staff will be required to follow the Sweets & Snacks safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment at all times. Exhibitor-appointed contractors (EAC) and union labor will also be required to follow the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s safety protocols, as well as ESCA safety guidelines.
Why does Sweets & Snacks Expo registration require mobile phone numbers?
Attendees that provide their cell phone numbers will receive text messages with need-to-know information about the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo including safety protocols.
What is the hotel refund policy?
Every hotel room reservation booked through onPeak, the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s official housing contractor, is held without a deposit until May 1. In the unlikely event the show is not permitted to take place, all reservations will be canceled without a deposit being taken, so there will be no cancellation fees due. If you decide not to attend Sweets & Snacks Expo, but the show has not been canceled, you will be able to cancel your hotel reservation up to May 5 without a cancellation fee. If you reserve accommodations independently, please confirm cancellation dates and fees with the hotel.
Attendee/Media FAQ
Will I get a refund if the Sweets & Snacks Expo is canceled?
Sweets & Snacks Expo is not anticipating having to cancel. However, if the show is no longer able to occur, the Board of Trustees and staff will be transparent in their decision making and will take into consideration what is best for NCA, the industry and the community.
Will I get a refund if I decide to cancel my registration after registering?
No. Unless the Sweets & Snacks Expo is canceled, refunds will not be issued to attendees.
Will there still be onsite education?
Yes, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will continue to offer onsite education. A full list of education sessions will be made available in the beginning of April.
Is there going to be a capacity limit on the number of attendees?
No, the show is currently not limiting the amount of people attending.
Am I still allowed to bring a spouse?
Yes, if eligible. Only approved buyers and broker/supplier members are permitted to bring a spouse to the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The spouse can be registered during the registration process, or eligible attendees can log into the attendee dashboard and click “ADD SPOUSE.”
Are there limits on how many people we can bring from our company?
No. There is not currently a limit on attendee registration by company, but it will be monitored based on current or proposed guidance from local regulatory agencies.
How can I get my badge mailed to me to avoid lines?
The Sweets & Snacks Expo will not mail badges to attendees. The show will have registration locations spread out across the convention center to help prevent lines and crowding. More information on registration dates, times and locations will be announced as event approaches.
Can I add an employee last minute or at the show?
Yes; the show will have online and onsite registration throughout the event.
Exhibitor FAQ
Will we get a refund on our booth if the Sweets & Snacks Expo is canceled?
Sweets & Snacks Expo is not anticipating having to cancel. However, if the show is no longer able to occur, the Board of Trustees and staff will be transparent in their decision making and will take into consideration what is best for NCA, the industry and the community.
How do we avoid lines when picking up our badges?
While anyone can pick up their badges, the show encourages the key contact of each company to pick up all badges to help keep registration lines short and allow those waiting in line the opportunity to distance themselves from each other.
If an employee cannot attend at the last minute, can I change them out right before or at the show?
Yes. The show will have locations onsite for any last-minute changes and additions.
Will there still be onsite education?
Yes, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will continue to offer onsite education. A full list of education sessions will be made available on in the beginning of February.
How do I find out my allotment? Is it less than in previous years?
You can see the 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo exhibitor badge allotments by logging in to your dashboard.