Sweets & Snacks Expo is Named One of the Fastest 50 Growing Trade Shows

The National Confectioner Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo was named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the country this month by Trade Show Executive (TSE).

TSE’s Fastest 50 recognizes growth in exhibit square footage, number of exhibiting companies and number of attendees. In 2013 the Expo expanded to 157,100 square feet, an increase of 9.1 percent from 2012. The number of exhibitors grew from 571 to 616, and the number of show registrations increased nearly 10 percent with more than 15,000 industry professionals attending the show. The next edition of the fair will take place in Chicago, in May 20-22.

“For the fourth year in a row, the Expo hosted a sold out show and experienced growth in both size and numbers,” said NCA President Larry Graham.

“The confectionery industry in the U.S. and abroad continues to support our show, recognizing its essential role in introducing new products, facilitating business, connecting peers and providing top-notch education all in one location,” Larry Graham – NCA president – said.

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More than 10,000 trade shows are held each year in the U.S., and the Sweets & Snacks Expo was one of the honoured few to make TSE’s Fastest 50 list. The 2014 Expo has been sold out since late January and is expected to top 162,000 square feet. “Each year we start from scratch on how to bring the best and most valuable experience to our attendees,” said Tim Quinn, chairman of the Sweets & Snacks Expo. “Our secret is not to take success for granted; we continue to transform the event to accommodate our customers’ ever-changing needs. We are honoured and humbled to be recognized with this award.”

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the largest confectionery and snack trade show in North America, representing a substantial portion of the more than $330 billion worldwide confectionery and snack market. The 2014 Expo will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago.