Sponsorship Program

Would you like a higher profile within the confectionery and snack industry to promote your brands?

The Sweets & Snacks Expo can help. The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo will bring thousands of members of the candy and snack industries to the Windy City. Make sure your company stands out – let us help you develop a plan.

Select an opportunity, build a customized package of multiple opportunities or if you have an idea you would like to share, call Kim Nolan at (202) 534-1462 or email at kim.nolan@sweetsandsnacks.com.

*Please note: 2022 committed sponsors have the first right of renewal on the same sponsorship opportunity for 2023.

Earn Points

Priority points are used for scheduling appointments for space selection in future years. By participating in the sponsorship program, companies may highlight their brands at this year’s show and increase their points for next year’s show. Approximately one point is earned for every $1,000 spent. In addition, the logos of sponsoring companies will appear in the “Thank You” Sponsor ad and signage at the Expo.

Executive Lounge

Any sponsoring company of $18,000 or more will receive eight admission cards to access the executive lounge area Tuesday, May 23, through Thursday, May 25. The show’s executive lounge features:

  • Exclusive networking opportunities with key customers
  • An experienced, professional concierge
  • A relaxed and comfortable setting
  • Opportunities for product sampling or distribution of marketing collateral

Advertising Opportunities

“What’s Happening” Guide Inside Front Cover

Full-page four-color ad on the inside front cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.

SOLD OUT: Vidal Candies USA, Inc.

“What’s Happening” Guide Inside Back Cover

Full-page four-color ad on the inside back cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.

SOLD OUT:  Goetze’s Candy Company, Inc.

“What’s Happening” Guide Interior Advertisement

A full-page four-color interior ad in the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.

Space Deadline: Ad materials are due by March 1, 2023.
Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork and deadline
Number of Sponsorships Available: 4
Cost: $5,000
SOLD: Darrell Lea Brands, Enstrom Candies, Hostess Brands, PepsiCo Foods, Storck USA, LP and The Hershey Company

“What’s Happening” Guide Back Cover

Full-page four-color ad on the outside back cover of the “What’s Happening” Guide. The booklet will include a listing of exhibitors, brands, events and education, as well as all other critical show information, and will be distributed to all event attendees.

SOLD OUT: Jelly Belly Candy Company

Sweets & Snacks Expo Daily

Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees rank the DAILY as a top component in the success of their show experience, and advertisers consistently report on its effectiveness in driving buyers to their booths to discuss the products they have promoted. This is the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s ONLY daily publication, featuring news and photos direct from the show floor. A daily must-read for attendees, a new issue is distributed each morning (Tuesday through Thursday). Advertising options are available for single days or the duration of the show, with options to fit all budgets.

Contact Teresa Tarantino at ttarantino@propressinc.com or Audra Kruder at akruder@propressinc.com or call (216) 631 8200 for full details and custom quotes.

Space Deadline: May 3

Candy & Snack TODAY

The official print and digital media of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, Candy & Snack TODAY is the only outlet with exclusive access to the show’s attendees, making it the perfect channel to deliver all your marketing messages. Candy & Snack TODAY has a range of both print and digital opportunities that can reach attendees prior, during and after the show to maximize your show investment and amplify your marketing message. Offering programs that work with all budgets, Candy & Snack TODAY advertisements are an important component of any successful Sweets & Snacks Expo plan.

Contact Teresa Tarantino at ttarantino@propressinc.com or Audra Kruder at akruder@propressinc.com or call (216) 631 8200 for full details and custom quotes.

March/April Pre-Show Planner: Space Deadline February 24
May/June Sweets & Snacks Expo Issue: Space Deadline April 17
July/August Post Show Wrap-Up: Space Deadline June 26

Education Session Opportunities

(3) Branded Stages in West Hall and Skyline Hall: Insights Stage, Innovations Stage and Retail Technology Stage

Both the West Hall and Skyline Hall will feature 30-minute education sessions throughout the show focused on trends, category growth and business disruption.  Sponsors’ brands will be visible throughout the presentation thanks to a branded podium sign and logos on the screens. The sponsor is encouraged to distribute product and will also receive special recognition on SweetsAndSnacks.com

SOLD OUT:  Barry Callebaut USA LLC

Networking Events Opportunities

Entertainment at the Industry Buzz Networking Reception

Get people talking at the largest networking event of the show! With nearly 2,000 people expected to gather in the Grand Concourse at show’s close, the sponsor will be tied to one of the highlights of every attendee’s show experience. This sponsorship brings the party with live music (dueling pianos), signage and product distribution all included.

SOLD OUT: Ferrara

Women’s Leadership Group Breakfast

Sponsors will be recognized on the screen and on all signage.  Sponsor logo will be included in all marketing elements for the Women’s Leadership Group Breakfast.

Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Sponsorship Cost: $5,000
SOLD: Bazooka Candy Brands, Clasen Quality Chocolate, Goetze’s Candy Company, Inc., The Hershey Company, Jelly Belly Candy Company and Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.

Sponsorship & Branding Opportunities

Activation Zone

Use this space as you wish to bring your brand to life via experiential marketing. Activation Zones are intended to be custom, unique and engaging. Let us help you think of new and creative ideas.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Sponsorship Available: Multiple
Cost: $7,000

SOLD: Mars Wrigley US, Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. and Raindrops Enterprises, LLC

Aisle Danglers

Add branding to the show aisle signs! These signs include the sponsor’s branding on highly visible aisle danglers that will always remain top of mind throughout the show.

Sponsor Responsibility: Artwork and artwork deadlines
Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $4,000 per aisle dangler sign; bundle packages available.

SOLD: Colombina Candy, Redstone Foods, Inc. and Vidal Candies USA, Inc.

Banners

The sponsoring company’s logo and branding will greet every attendee who enters the show with a sponsorship of a banner in McCormick Place. A variety of banner opportunities are available throughout the venue.
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple*

Banner – Main Concourse

Be attendees’ first impression of the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo! The sponsoring company’s logo and branding will greet every attendee who enters the show with a banner in the Grand Concourse. The maximum size of the banner and location of the banner will be determined by NCA. Two cables with up to two hang points per cable are included in the sponsorship. Limit of 4 banners per sponsor.

SOLD OUT:  The Hershey Company and Mondelez International, Inc. 

Banner – Restaurant

Centrally located in the West Hall these highly visible banners can be seen throughout the show floor. Size of banner 128’x 4’.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 2
Sponsorship Cost: $15,000

Banner – Top of the Escalator Level 2.5

SOLD OUT:  The Hershey Company and Mondelez International, Inc. 

Banner – Restaurant

Centrally located in the West Hall, these highly visible banners can be seen throughout the show floor. Size of banner 15’x15’.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
Sponsorship Cost: $9,000
SOLD:  Adams & Brooks, Inc.

Small Banner – Restaurant

Centrally located in the West Hall, these highly visible banners can be seen throughout the show floor. Size of banner 15’x3’.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
Sponsorship Cost: $5,000
SOLD:  Mederer U.S.A., Inc.

*More banner opportunities available. If interested, please contact Kim Nolan.

Column Wraps

Sponsors can promote their brands in these highly visible wraps located in several areas surrounding the show floor.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $10,000 per column, bundle packages available.
SOLD: Eti Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S, Ferrero North America and Raindrops Enterprises, LLC

Feature Vehicle

Get your brand on the move! Place a wrapped vehicle at the entrance from the taxi lane. Draw loads of attention to your products and gain drive-by impressions as well. 

Number of Sponsorships Available: Exclusive
Cost: $15,000

Floor Decals

Help guide buyers on the show floor with customized floor decals placed on the floor of the show’s main and interior aisles. Floor decals can be placed in the aisle of the sponsor’s choice. It is recommended to include a booth number for exhibiting sponsors.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production and labor
Costs:

Main Aisles in West Hall – One available/$7,000 per aisle

  • North Main Aisle
  • South Main Aisle SOLD OUT – Candy Dynamics

Interior Aisles – Multiple available/$3,500 per aisle

SOLD: Candy Dynamics, Goetze’s Candy Company, Inc., Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. and Raindrops Enterprises, LLC

Glass Clings

Greet attendees as they enter McCormick Place. A variety of glass cling opportunities are available throughout the convention center.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling

McCormick Place West Building (Gate 40 – Taxi Drop Off)
SOLD OUT: Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.

McCormick Place West Building  (Level 2.5 Restaurant Glass)
Attendees move through this space as they make their way from Level 1 to Level 3 (show floor). The glass clings are a great way to make a brand the focus of attendees traversing this highly trafficked walkway.
SOLD OUT: Godiva Chocolatier, Inc.

Hotel Room Keys

Place a logo into countless attendees’ pockets, wallets and purses with a sponsorship of branded key cards at the official Sweets & Snacks Expo hotels.

SOLD OUT: Ferrero North America

Inflatable

Making new connections usually requires more than just blowing hot air – but in this case, it might be that easy! Sponsors will draw attention to their company and reel in new customers during the show with an inflatable display.

Sponsor Responsibility: Shipping, handling, electrical, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $7,000
SOLD: Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc. and Mars Wrigley US

Lanyard

A Sweets & Snacks Expo essential, these lanyards are given to attendees to wear on the show floor, advertising the sponsoring brand everywhere they go! The lanyard sponsor is responsible for purchasing, ordering, graphics and production of the lanyard.

SOLD OUT: Mars Wrigley US

Naming Rights Lounge

Sponsor the location right outside the North Exhibit Hall where attendees will meet, relax and network. Sponsors can provide literature and/or product(s) in the “Sponsor Name Here” Lounge.

SOLD OUT: The Hershey Company

Official Snack of the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Sponsors’ flagship product or newest innovation could be the Official Snack of the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo! Take advantage of the show’s high-impact branding opportunity as the show’s official snack in the sponsors’ chosen snack segment. Only one company per snack segment can receive this designation. The categories include:

  • Official Chip of the Sweets & Snacks Expo – SOLD OUT: PepsiCo Foods/Frito-Lay
  • Official Nut of the Sweets & Snacks Expo
  • Official Meat Snack of the Sweets & Snacks Expo
  • Official Cookie of the Sweets & Snacks Expo – SOLD OUT: Hostess Brands
  • Official Pretzel of the Sweets & Snacks Expo
  • Official Popcorn of the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Number of Sponsorships Available: One per category
Cost: $40,000
For more information, please see SweetsAndSnacks.com/OfficialSnack.

Product Sampling

Sponsors can place their products directly into show attendees’ hands without leaving their booths! The Sweets & Snacks Expo hospitality team members will distribute the sponsors’ candy or snack product in a highly trafficked area on the way to the show floor during one of five time slots:

  • Tuesday morning (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.); SWEET SOLD: Vidal Candies USA, Inc.
  • Tuesday afternoon (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.); SWEET SOLD: Raindrops Enterprises, LLC
  • Tuesday afternoon SOLD OUT; SWEET SOLD: Second Nature Brands SNACK SOLD: Kellogg Company
  • Wednesday morning (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.); SWEET SOLD: Adams & Brooks, Inc.
  • Wednesday afternoon SOLD OUT; SWEET SOLD: Dorval Trading Co, Ltd. SNACK SOLD: Second Nature Brands
  • Thursday morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.)

Approximately 5,000 pieces are needed for two hours of sampling. It is highly recommended that the company provide shirts for the staff to wear when handing out the product.

Sponsor Responsibility: Shipping of the product.
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple (one snack sampling opportunity and one confectionery sampling opportunity available during each time slot)
Cost: $9,000 each

Recharging Station and Entrance Lounge

Keep attendees charged up and ready to go at the sponsor branded Recharging Station and Entrance Lounge.  Product sampling is available.

SOLD OUT: ADM

Shuttle Bus Turn Around

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Exclusive
Cost: $18,000.00

Staircase and Escalator Branding – Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 2 to Level 3

Make a huge statement as attendees enter McCormick Place. All attendees arriving on the shuttle buses or taxis arrive on Level 1 of the West Building and use these escalators to access Level 3 where all events and the exhibits are located.

SOLD OUT: Mars Wrigley US

Sweets & Snacks Expo Badges – Supplier*

*Equipment, Ingredients, Services, Supply Providers
The sponsor’s four-color company logo will be featured on all exhibitor and broker badges. Sponsor Responsibility: Providing company logo for the badge

Sponsor Responsibility: Providing company logo for the badge.
Number of Sponsorships Available: Exclusive
Cost: $8,000

Sweets & Snacks Expo Badges – Candy or Snack Manufacturer

The sponsor’s four-color company logo will be featured on all retailer/wholesaler badges.

SOLD OUT:  Colombina Candy

Sweets & Snacks Expo Official Bag

As the only bag allowed on the show floor, the official Expo bag is one of the most visible items at the show. Sponsors will have their company logo placed on the bag, guaranteeing it will be seen by thousands of attendees during the show and in the weeks to come when attendees bring this reusable tote home.

SOLD OUT: Elmer Chocolate and Mars Wrigley US

Sweets & Snacks Expo What’s in Store Email Series

The What’s in Store emails for the Sweets & Snacks Expo share important details about the following day’s show information, education and events. The sponsor company’s logo will appear near the top of the email (What’s in Store for the Sweets & Snacks Expo; Made possible by SPONSOR LOGO), and a banner ad linked to a webpage of sponsor’s choice will appear under the event highlights on three nightly What’s in Store emails circulated to all show attendees. 

SOLD OUT: Raindrops Enterprises, LLC

Wall Advertising

Sponsors can tell their stories and promote their brands on wall advertising located throughout McCormick Place. NCA will work with sponsor to select location for the branded wall.

Sponsor Responsibility: Production, labor, installation and dismantling
Number of Sponsorships Available: Multiple
Cost: $18,000

SOLD: Just Born Quality Confections and Stuffed Puffs LLC

Welcome Desk and Information Team

The Sweets and Snacks Welcome Desk is strategically placed in a highly visible location in the convention center and Welcome and Information team members will be present to answer questions and provide information during the show. It is highly recommended that the company provide shirts for the staff to wear when working. The Welcome and Information team will be out daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 24, and from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25. Product sampling is available at the welcome desk.

SOLD OUT: Ferrara