A letter from John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA, host organization for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, and Leonard Hoops, president & CEO of Visit Indy.
Indiana Convention Center — Fresh off the heels of National Travel and Tourism Week, Indianapolis is once again taking center stage as the host of the Sweets & Snacks Expo — the nation’s premier event for candy and snack innovation. As more than 14,000 industry professionals descend on the city this May, the economic and cultural impact of this event is hard to miss. For Indy, it’s not just another conference — it’s a cornerstone of the city’s thriving tourism economy and a powerful demonstration of public-private partnership done right.
Over three days, attendees from around the world will explore the products and ideas shaping the future of confections and snacks. With more than 1,000 exhibitors across 250,000 square feet of show floor, the Expo is a dynamic marketplace for innovation, connection, and growth.
This event is about more than business. It’s a cultural touchpoint. Consumers don’t just enjoy candy and snacks; they connect with them and with each other through them. These products bring people together, evoke nostalgia, and create joyful, shared experiences. This spirit of connection is what powers the energy of this show and drives the momentum that attendees carry home to their businesses and communities. That same spirit is what fuels the energy on the show floor—and it’s what makes Indy the perfect home for this Expo.
Sweets & Snacks delivers meaningful impact across the metro area with an estimated $12.7 million in economic contribution. This is made possible by our attendees from across the U.S. and the world who choose to visit Indy for this premiere event. Thanks to their investment in our show, Sweets & Snacks helps power more than 83,000 jobs across Indy’s tourism and hospitality sectors— demonstrating the power of the confectionery and snack industries to uplift our people and the places where we operate. In fact, every U.S. confectionery job supports 11 additional American jobs in related industries, creating a ripple effect that benefits local economies and livelihoods nationwide.
Indianapolis isn’t just a host city — it’s a partner. From its central location and ease of access to the legendary Hoosier hospitality that makes every visitor feel welcome, Indy makes it easy for business to get done and for community to flourish.
This year’s show features an expanded slate of programming, including education sessions, networking opportunities, and special events designed to spotlight industry achievements and foster collaboration. Whether attendees are seeking breakthrough strategies from top brands or scoping out the next wave of emerging players, they’ll find what they need right here in Indy.
The team behind Sweets & Snacks is excited to be back for another year in Indy—putting down roots and building our footprint for the future. We’re here to innovate, to connect, and to celebrate the industries that make life a little sweeter and Indianapolis a lot stronger.
