Sweets & Snacks Expo to Host Retail Tech Experts

This year's Sweets & Snacks Expo, slated for May 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will host experts from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Canadean and the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART), who will present the latest advancements in retail technology to the show's attendees.

CTA's Director of Business Intelligence Jack Cutts will speak about the latest advances in electronics, sensors and other technologies aiming to reshape retail strategy for all types of goods, including candy and snacks. He will provide insights on how retailers use data to help micro-target shoppers, a peek at next-gen video technology that will revolutionize displays, as well as augmented reality's role in retail.

Canadean’s Innovation Insights Director Tom Vierhile will explore global new product innovation trends that are taking the confectionery and snack markets to new levels. This session will highlight new consumer flavor preferences that are driving innovation in snacking, as well as how manufacturers are balancing the sensory and emotional demands of global consumers.

Additionally, CART will highlight powerful technology available today that will drive basket size, increased shopping trips and improved shopper loyalty. Attendees will learn why retailers need to consider how marketing personalization is the new loyalty, and why shopping analytics give brick-and-mortar retailers a true view of shopper behavior.

“We know product and technology innovations are top of mind to our attendees,” said Barry Rosenbaum, Expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors Inc. “By attending our 20 minute learning labs during Expo, retailers can take away actionable insights on how to keep relevant with their shoppers given the latest advancements in the marketplace.”

All three sessions will be held at the Expo’s new Discovery Theater located in Skyline Hall, which will host more than 130 new exhibitors and is home to “Innovation Avenue.”

New for 2016, the Discovery Theater will host sessions focused on innovation and snacking, while the Sweet Insights Theater will focus on the latest in confectionery and specialty.

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization representing the $35 billion U.S. confections industry.