Coronavirus trade show disruption: 2020 Sweets & Snacks Expo canceled

26 Mar 2020 --- The 2020 Sweets & Snacks Expo, originally scheduled for May 18-21, 2020, in Chicago, has been canceled. It joins a growing list of trade show disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Restrictions and recommendations on mass gatherings continue to build in cities and states across the US. In light of the situation,  guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Confectioners Association says canceling the show “was the only path forward to protect the well-being of our community.”

“The cancelation is unavoidable due to a combination of factors including state and local stay-at-home orders and travel bans and restrictions from our member companies, retail partners and other attendee organizations. 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,” a statement from the organizers reads. 

The Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has been running for 23 years, is the largest show in North America representing the confectionery and snack industries. All parts of the supply chain are usually in attendance with more than 15,000 plus industry professionals gathering alongside more than 850 exhibitors. 

“As part of our Sweet Insights Unwrapped series, we have a robust schedule of distance learning already in place for June, July and August and will look for ways to enhance those insights and bring even more value to our attendees and exhibitors,” the statement continues. 

The show organizers stress how they are working through the specific details about how registration and booth fees will be refunded or applied as a credit to the 2021 show and say they will have more information soon. 

“We remain committed to transparency and will continue to update you with any relevant information as we work through the details of the cancellation with our partners, the city of Chicago, McCormick Place and others,” they say. 

Earlier this month, Vitafoods Europe decided to reschedule this year’s event to September 1-3, 2020 at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/Breaking-news-Vitafoods-Europe-postponed-to-September-due-to-COVID-19-concerns.html

Among other trade shows affected, Supply Side East previously announced its postponement until June 23-24. Other affected events include Natural Products Expo West, hosted in Anaheim, US; Tokyo’s CPhI Japan; and CFIA, held in Rennes, France.

Edited by Gaynor Selby 

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