Product Submission Guidelines
Submission Deadline: May 28, 2021
Products submitted to the Most Innovative New Product Awards must:
- Be produced after May 27, 2022
- Be submitted in advance of the show by an exhibiting company
- Include only one flavor per SKU submitted for judging
- Include a product UPC
Products submitted to the Most Innovative New Product Awards may not:
- Be a product prototype or produced outside of the 12-month window
- Be submitted onsite during the Sweets & Snacks Expo
- Exceed a maximum of ten (10) entries per company
- Be submitted for more than one category per SKU
- Include any merchandising; only a product and its packaging may be submitted
Bringing Products to the Show
Submitted products can be brought to the show on Monday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. to the Indiana Convention Center Room 109 or can be shipped in advance. For information on shipping products, contact Mindi Cherry at mindi.cherry@sweetsandsnacks.com.
All products must be checked in by 7 p.m. on Monday, June 21, to be eligible for judging. The Sweets & Snacks Expo is not responsible for products not delivered. No refunds will be given if the products are not received by June 21.
Products and packaging cannot be returned after judging. Exhibitors will not be allowed to switch out flavors or products at check-in.
Cost
- $225 until May 14, 2021
- $350 after May 14, 2021
Marketing & Promotion
The Most Innovative New Products Awards winners will be extensively promoted in pre-show marketing, on the Expo App and website and in a post-show press release.
The panel-selected product finalists will be displayed in the Most Innovative New Product Awards showcase on the show floor.
Be sure to look for the awards winner’s trophy in exhibitors’ booths at the show and in the Show Planner– that is your compass to finding “panel-selected” products!
FAQ
What is the cost and deadline to submit a MINPA entry?
The cost per entry is $400 until April 22. After April 22, the cost to enter is $525. The deadline for new submissions is April 28.
When do I need to have my product information completed in the dashboard?
All photos and product descriptions must be updated by April 28.
How many samples do I need to provide for each entry?
Each submission requires (40) individually packaged or sealed samples for judging samples and three (3) retail packaging samples for display and media use. Products and packaging cannot be returned after judging.
What time is product check-in?
Product check-in is on Sunday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. All products must be checked in by 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, to be eligible for judging. NCA is not responsible for products not delivered. No refunds will be given if the products are not received by the deadline.
Can I ship my product in advance?
Yes, contact Mindi Cherry for shipping information.
What is the location of the MINPA judging room for product check-in?
Product check-in is in McCormick Place Room W196, which is on Level 1a and can be accessed through West Hall or Gate 42 off Martin Luther King Dr.
When will the judging take place?
Judging will take place on Monday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
When will winners be announced?
All category finalists and winners will be announced at the Most Innovative New Products Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Marquis on Monday, May 22, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for a cocktail reception open to all.
Will the products be on display for attendees to view?
All MINPA entries will be on display in the Most Innovative New Product Awards Showcase on the show floor in the West Hall. Finalists and winners will be highlighted in separate showcases.
