Where the Confectionery and Snack Industry Meets

Sweets & Snacks Expo returns to Indianapolis May 18–20, 2027, bringing the confectionery and snack industries together at the Indiana Convention Center. Organised by the National Confectioners Association, the trade-only event connects retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers, distributors and other industry professionals around new products, consumer trends and business opportunities.

The scale is significant. Organisers promote the Expo as North America’s largest comprehensive confectionery and snack industry event, bringing together 1,000+ manufacturers and more than 15,000 industry and retail professionals. The programme combines product discovery, education, networking and supplier connections.

New Products Take Centre Stage

Product discovery remains one of the Expo’s biggest draws. Buyers and retailers use the show floor to explore new confectionery and snack launches, identify emerging flavour trends and meet brands ranging from established manufacturers to newer businesses.

The Featured Products Showcase provides another concentrated look at products and innovations appearing at the Expo, while the Most Innovative New Product Awards recognise notable developments across the confectionery and snack categories.

Supplier Showcase Opens Sweets & Snacks Week

Before the main Expo gets fully underway, the Supplier Showcase takes place May 17 and 18. The marketplace connects manufacturers with companies specialising in ingredients, packaging, equipment, technology and business services.

The Supplier Showcase opens May 17 from 1–5 p.m. and continues May 18 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. It is available to approved Expo attendees and exhibitors rather than the general public.

Education Looks at What’s Next

Education is another major component of Sweets & Snacks Expo. Organisers are promoting 40+ insights-driven education sessions, covering subjects affecting manufacturers, retailers and the wider industry.

Current programme topics include AI on the Factory Floor, Wellness & Next-Gen Snacks, Candy Trends & Innovation, Omnichannel Shopper Needs, Gen Z Discovery & Loyalty and changes in confectionery consumer behaviour.

An Industry Marketplace

Sweets & Snacks Expo is designed around business connections as much as product discovery. Retail buyers can identify products for their assortments, manufacturers can meet potential customers, and suppliers can connect with companies looking for ingredients, equipment, packaging and other services.

Organisers report that 94% of attendees rely on the show to stay current on products and trends, while 96% of attendees recommend the event.

Who Can Attend?

Sweets & Snacks Expo is not open to the general public. Attendance is restricted to qualifying companies and professionals working within the confectionery and snack industries.

Registration for the 2027 Expo is scheduled to open in December 2026. Prospective attendees should review the organiser’s qualification requirements before registering.