Who Should Attend

This event delivers value for a wide range of industry professionals:

• Retail buyers and category managers — from grocery, convenience, club, drug, and specialty retail channels looking to discover new products and negotiate distribution deals
• Manufacturers and brand owners — including R&D teams, brand managers, and sales leaders seeking inspiration, partnerships, and direct retailer access
• Startup founders — emerging candy and snack brands (under 3 years old) can exhibit on Startup Street and compete for the Most Innovative New Product Award
• Distributors and brokers — evaluating new portfolio additions and connecting with brands ready to scale
• Ingredient suppliers and packaging companies — showcasing innovations during the pre-show Supplier Showcase
• Marketing and agency professionals — studying consumer trends, brand activations, and go-to-market strategies in the snack vertical
• International trade delegations — led by the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service, connecting global buyers with American brands
• Media and influencers — covering the confectionery and snack industry from the dedicated Press Lounge (Room W235)

Who Is Attending

The expo attracts 16,000+ verified industry professionals from over 80 countries. The audience reflects the entire snack industry supply chain.

Buyers and retailers from the largest chains in North America attend to source products. The 2026 MINPA judging panel — described as the strongest ever assembled — includes senior buyers from Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Albertsons, IT'SUGAR, and Candy Funhouse, giving you a strong signal of who walks the aisles.

International delegations are surging for this edition, driven by the new Las Vegas location and curated by the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service to connect global retailers with American confectionery brands.

Established brand teams from major companies historically present include Haribo, Ferrero, Mondelez, and Mars. These teams attend to launch new SKUs, gauge competitive activity, and meet with retail partners.

300+ first-time exhibitors join the 2026 edition, ensuring a fresh mix of emerging brands alongside established players.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

The 2026 expo features 1,000+ exhibitors spanning confectionery, savory snacks, specialty foods, and the full supply chain.

Confectionery (Chocolate & Candy)

• Functional chocolates, premium confections, and unique gummy products dominate this category
• Heavy representation of "newstalgia" reformulations and limited-edition launches

Savory & Snack Foods

• Meat snacks, rice cakes, global flavor fusions, and sweet-and-something combinations
• The "swicy" trend (sweet and spicy) drives significant new product activity here

Specialty Market (200+ vendors)

• Organic, allergen-free, plant-based protein snacks (chickpea, pea protein), and gourmet artisan products

Startup Street

• Dedicated to candy and snack brands under 3 years old
• Qualifies exhibitors for the Most Innovative New Product Award (MINPA)

Supplier Showcase (May 18–19)

• Pre-show marketplace for ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and equipment manufacturers
• Confirmed exhibitors include Ace Packaging, BCI Buckeye Corrugated, Bontoux Inc., Heat and Control Inc., and Colorcon

Confirmed exhibitors and sponsors include:

• Adams & Brooks Inc.
• Dorval Trading Co. Ltd.
• Sultana Distribution Services
• Gourmet International (Booth 3805)

The full exhibitor directory will be updated on the interactive floor plan as booth assignments are confirmed.

If you sell to the confectionery and snack space, the exhibitor list is your highest-signal pipeline source. Lensmor turns that exhibitor directory into verified, outreach-ready contacts — so your team can book meetings 4–6 weeks before the show opens, when pre-show outreach is 10x more effective than post-show badge scanning.

Speaker Lineup & Keynotes

The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo delivers 40+ insights-driven educational sessions across multiple stages. Confirmed programming includes:

State of Treating Keynote

• The NCA's flagship annual analysis of the confectionery market
• Covers category performance, consumer spending trends, and the macro forces shaping the industry heading into 2027

Gen Z Discovery & Loyalty

• Deep dive into how Gen Z shops, discovers new products, and builds brand loyalty
• Critical for brands repositioning product lines and marketing strategies toward younger consumers

The Evolving Confectionery Consumer

• Market trends and future outlook across the full confectionery spectrum
• Examines how shopper behavior, channel shifts, and format preferences are reshaping retail planograms

Eye Opener Morning Education Sessions (Tuesday May 19 and Wednesday May 20, 9:00 – 9:50 AM)

• Daily briefings delivered before the show floor opens
• Designed to give buyers and brand teams actionable intelligence for the day's meetings

Supplier Showcase Education (Monday May 18 and Tuesday May 19)

• Focused programming for ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and equipment manufacturers
• Runs concurrently with the pre-show Supplier Showcase marketplace

"5x5: Snacks" Pitch Competition (Gold Stage)

• Shark Tank-style format where emerging brands pitch directly to retail buyers
• High-visibility opportunity for startups seeking immediate distribution conversations

Candy Funhouse Candyologist Session

• Topic: "Creating Shareable Brand Moments"
• Covers social media virality, brand storytelling, and consumer engagement strategy

Individual keynote presenter names have not been publicly announced. The complete session-by-session schedule is available at sweetsandsnacks.com/plan/show-schedule.

Full Agenda & Featured Events

Full schedule reference: sweetsandsnacks.com/plan/show-schedule

Pre-Show: Monday, May 18

• 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM — Registration opens
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Supplier Showcase — dedicated pre-show marketplace connecting ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and equipment manufacturers with confectionery and snack producers
• 1:15 PM – 4:00 PM — Supplier Showcase Education sessions
• 5:00 PM — Doors open for MINPA Reception (Third Floor Lobby)
• 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM — MINPA Reception & Awards Ceremony — 228 Ballroom. Winners announced across 12 candy and snack categories judged by senior retail buyers from Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Albertsons, IT'SUGAR, and Candy Funhouse. Open to all registered attendees.

Tuesday, May 19

• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM — International Networking Event — connects U.S. brands with global buyer delegations
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Featured Products Showcase open
• 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM — Eye Opener Morning Education Session
• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Supplier Showcase (continued from May 18)
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Supplier Showcase Education
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Main Show Floor open
• 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Show Floor Education sessions

Wednesday, May 20

• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM — WLG Breakfast
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Featured Products Showcase open
• 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM — Eye Opener Morning Education Session
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Main Show Floor open
• 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Show Floor Education sessions
• 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM — Happy Hour

Thursday, May 21

• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM — Distributor Connect — structured meetings with regional and national distributors; no booth required
• 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Featured Products Showcase open
• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Main Show Floor open (half day)
• 2:00 PM — The Wizard of Oz at Sphere (optional post-show event)

Navigate the 275,000+ square foot floor using the interactive floor plan to map your route and bookmark priority exhibitors before the doors open each morning.

Registration & Ticket Pricing

Register at the official registration page. All attendees must provide verified business documentation — this is a trade-only event with no public access.

Attendee Registration (Per Person)

• Early Bird — $30 (through January 2, 2026) — retailers, distributors, and food service professionals
• Onsite — $175 (May 9 through end of show) — general trade attendees
• Government / Non-Profit — $250

Early bird registration closed January 2, 2026 — standard and onsite rates now apply.

Exhibitor Booth Pricing (Main Floor)

• NCA Member Confectionery Manufacturer — $47.50 per sq. ft.
• Non-Member Confectionery Manufacturer — $65.75 per sq. ft.
• Snack Manufacturer — $53.25 per sq. ft.
• Corner Booth Fee — $800 (additional)

Only manufacturers of confectionery and snack products are permitted to exhibit on the main floor. Confirm eligibility before submitting your application at sweetsandsnacks.com/register.

Supplier Showcase Space (May 18–19)

• 8x6 booth — NCA Member: $2,875
• 8x6 booth — Non-Member: $4,850
• 10x10 booth — NCA Member: $5,725
• 10x10 booth — Non-Member: $9,850

Additional Fees

• Retail Merchandising Program — $850 per submission
• Verified Attendee List — available for purchase (approx. $450)

Logistics for Las Vegas:

• LVCC parking will be limited — use the official hotel shuttle service
• Book accommodation early — the move to Las Vegas has driven record registration interest for this edition

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo?

The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center (West Hall) in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks the first time the show has moved to Las Vegas after years in Indianapolis. The venue offers 275,000+ square feet of exhibition space, making it one of the largest confectionery trade floors ever assembled.

When is the Sweets and Snacks Expo 2026 scheduled to take place?

The event spans May 18–21, 2026. The Supplier Showcase opens Monday May 18 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by the MINPA Reception & Awards Ceremony at 5:30 PM. The main show floor operates Tuesday May 19 and Wednesday May 20 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a half day on Thursday May 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Can anyone attend the Sweets and Snacks Expo?

No. This is a trade-only event restricted to verified industry professionals. All attendees must provide business documentation and company credentials during registration. No public access is permitted, and no one under 16 years of age will be admitted under any circumstances.

What is the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026?

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026 is the largest confectionery and snack trade show in North America, organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The 2026 edition carries the theme "Game Changer" and brings together 16,000+ industry professionals from 80+ countries with 1,000+ exhibitors. It covers the full value chain from ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to retailers, distributors, and brand innovators.

Who typically attends as buyers or decision makers?

The 2026 MINPA judging panel confirms that senior buyers from Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Albertsons, IT'SUGAR, and Candy Funhouse actively participate. Retail decision-makers from grocery, convenience, club, drug, and specialty channels walk the floor sourcing new products. International buyer delegations curated by the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service add global purchasing power to the attendee mix.

What do brands need to prepare before exhibiting?

Brands must confirm eligibility as a confectionery or snack manufacturer before applying — only product manufacturers can exhibit on the main show floor. Prepare product samples, packaging mockups, and pricing sheets for retail buyer conversations. Budget for booth costs starting at $47.50 per sq. ft. for NCA members and plan to submit applications well in advance through the interactive floor plan.

How do I find specific exhibitors on the show floor?

Use the interactive floor plan to search exhibitors by name, category, or booth number. The tool lets you bookmark priority exhibitors and map an efficient walking route before each day's doors open. The full exhibitor directory is updated continuously as booth assignments are confirmed.

What are the biggest trends at the 2026 expo?

The NCA's three headline consumer trends for 2026 are Newstalgia Reshaping The Classics (nostalgic favorites reimagined with modern twists), More In Every Bite (maximalist sensory experiences including the "swicy" trend), and Made For The Moment (limited-time offerings driving FOMO and collectability). Beyond product trends, AI-driven manufacturing and the better-for-you movement — with 50% of U.S. adults actively seeking BFY options — define the broader industry direction.

Is there a show floor walkthrough I can watch before attending?

Yes. Watch this highlight reel and floor walkthrough from previous editions to get a visual sense of the expo layout, booth designs, and product displays from prior years.

How much does it cost to attend Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026?

Early Bird registration was $30 per person for retailers, distributors, and food service professionals (closed January 2, 2026). Onsite registration costs $175 per person from May 9 through the end of the show. Government and non-profit attendees pay $250 per person.

How much does it cost to exhibit at Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026?

Main floor booth space ranges from $47.50 per sq. ft. (NCA member confectionery manufacturers) to $65.75 per sq. ft. (non-member confectionery manufacturers), with snack manufacturers at $53.25 per sq. ft. Corner booth placement adds an $800 fee. Supplier Showcase booths (May 18–19 only) start at $2,875 for an 8x6 NCA member space and go up to $9,850 for a 10x10 non-member space.

What is the Distributor Connect program?

Distributor Connect is a structured meeting program held on Thursday May 21 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. It connects brands with regional and national distributors through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings — no booth is required to participate. This program is ideal for manufacturers seeking new distribution partnerships without the cost of a full exhibition presence.

What is the MINPA award and when is it announced?

The Most Innovative New Product Award (MINPA) recognizes the best new products across 12 candy and snack categories. Winners are announced at the MINPA Reception & Awards Ceremony on Monday May 18 from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM in the 228 Ballroom — open to all registered attendees, with doors opening at 5:00 PM for a reception in the Third Floor Lobby. Brands exhibiting on Startup Street automatically qualify for MINPA consideration, and winners historically land in major retail chains within 12 months of the award.