NCA Calls 2020 Sweets & Snacks Expo Cancellation ‘Unavoidable’

The Sweets & Snacks Expo, scheduled for May 18-21, 2020, in Chicago, has been canceled. 

The National Confectioners Association (NCA), who hosts the industry-leading trade show, announced today, “As restrictions and recommendations on mass gatherings continue to build in cities and states across the country, including those issued in the state of Illinois and in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it became clear that cancellation of the show was the only path forward to protect the well-being of our community.”

The NCA said the 2020 show can’t be rescheduled and instead encourages retailers and exhibitors to anticipate next year’s show, scheduled for May 24-27, 2021 in Chicago. 

“We are extremely disappointed not to be able to offer the experience, inspiration, insights and connections so many in our community have come to rely on in association with the event, but the health and welfare of our community is our top priority,” the NCA posted to its website Thursday evening. 

Sweets & Snacks Expo organizers further explained how the cancellation is unavoidable due to a combination of factors including state and local stay-at-home orders and travel bans and restrictions from its member companies, retail partners and other attendee organizations. 

Organizers said, “This has been a difficult business decision for our Board of Trustees and the team at the National Confectioners Association, and it is not the outcome any of us wanted. However, we all agree that our immediate focus needs to be on what matters the most to all of our exhibitors, retail partners and other attendees.”

The NCA is directing retailers and exhibitors to this resource to address their questions, including what the cancellation of the show means for their company. Show organizers are currently working through the details involving how registration and booth fees will be refunded or applied as a credit to the 2021 show and expects to have additional information available soon.