Frequently Asked Questions

The following features are planned for 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo:

• Buzz Reception
• Education: Eye Openers,  Insight Stage, Innovation Stage, Retail Technology Stage
• Executive Lounge
• Featured Product Showcase
• MINPA (Most Innovative New Product Awards) & Awards Presentation
• Merchandising Retail Shippers Showcase
• Supplier Showcase

The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held at the McCormick Place West Building. The main entrance is located on South Indiana Avenue.

There are currently NO RESTRICTIONS on who can receive and consume samples or where they may be consumed at Sweets & Snacks Expo. All exhibitors are encouraged to pre-package samples for distribution to attendees on the show floor, though pre-packaging is NOT REQUIRED.*

* Note: Pre-packaged samples are required for participation in the Most Innovative New Product Awards judging. Please contact Mindi Cherry at mindi.cherry@sweetsandsnacks.com or call 833-336-3206 ext. 103 for more information about packaging requirements for the Most Innovative New Product Awards.)

On Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23, the Supplier Showcase at McCormick Place will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Most Innovative New Product Awards Reception will take place on Monday, May 22, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for a cocktail reception open to all.

Friday, May 20, through Monday, May 22, have been designated as move-in dates. Visit the Exhibitor Resource Center for more information or for exact target times, click onto your Exhibitor Dashboard and review the listed Freeman target times.

Friday, May 20, through Monday, May 22, have been designated as move-in dates. Visit the Exhibitor Resource Center for more information or for exact target times, click onto your Exhibitor Dashboard and review the listed Freeman target times.

The list of contractors is available on the Exhibitor Resource Center.

There will be cart service to the exhibit space. More information is available on the Exhibitor Dashboard.

Yes, cold storage will be available both onsite and pre-show and can be ordered through the Exhibitor Dashboard.

When you complete your 2023 Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, you will have the opportunity to request either an increase or a decrease in exhibit space

Prices for booths vary:

• NCA Member Confectionery Manufacturer (per square foot):$43.00
• Non-Member Confectionery Manufacturer (per square foot):$57.50
• Snack Manufacturer (per square foot):$48.50

There is also an additional corner charge of $500.

Suppliers to the confectionery and snack industries may also choose to exhibit in the Supplier Showcase:

• Supplier Showcase – NCA Member (package price):$2,625
• Supplier Showcase – Non-Member:$4,200

Companies can also reserve space in the Featured Product Showcase, Most Innovative New Product Awards program or the merchandising shipper program when they complete the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement.

There are ample sponsorship opportunities available at the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Those who have had sponsorship and advertising packages in the past will be contacted and advised of the plans for 2023. If you are interested in sponsorship or brand marketing opportunities, on-site or otherwise, please contact Kim Nolan at kim.nolan@SweetsAndSnacks.com.

The online hotel booking system is available through the Sweets & Snacks Exhibitor Dashboard. Hotel rooms with the lowest rates are offered by Sweets & Snacks Expo in the surrounding hotels. Exhibitors that wish to block more than 19 rooms should call 800-950-5526 or email sweetsandsnacks@onpeak.com for assistance.

Please be aware that onPeak is the official housing company of the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Non-official housing companies are known to be particularly aggressive and have already begun their predatory email campaigns to deceive Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees. Please consider your options very carefully before sending a deposit to any housing company besides onPeak. Should you choose to book housing outside of onPeak, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will be unable to assist in any way should there be an issue or concern with your hotel stay.

There are a few hotels located near McCormick Place, but many are located on or near Michigan Avenue in the Near North Side, also known as the Magnificent Mile, about 20-30 minutes from McCormick Place.

There will be shuttle buses available beginning Monday, May 22, that will run throughout the Sweets & Snacks Expo. A complete list of hotels with shuttle stops and routes will be available by March.