NCA reveals an enhanced educational lineup in both the keynote sessions and Sweet Insights Theater at the 2015 Sweets & Snacks Expo, held May 19-21. Featuring topics ranging from the latest trends in online grocery shopping to consumer behavior surrounding sweets and snacks purchases, the Sweet Insights Theater promises to be a center of knowledge for Expo attendees.
The educational experience will kick off on Tuesday, May 19 with a keynote address from NCA president and CEO John H. Downs Jr., followed by a presentation from IRI executive vice-president Larry Levin on the key consumer, shopper and retailer changes affecting the candy and snack worlds.
On May 20, leading experts will provide industry perspective on the current economic climate, snacking and lifestyle mega trends and the nation’s changing demographics in three short, high-impact briefings at the all-new Retailer Impact Forum. The forum will be hosted by Michael Sansolo of MorningNewsBeat.com. Joining Michael Sansolo will be Darren Seifer of the NPD Group discussing consumer snacking behaviors in a balanced diet and Tina Manikas, President of FCB/RED, sharing tips on how retailers can manage split efficiencies between millennials and boomers. A panel of retail executives from leading companies including Meijer and Schnucks will provide real-time feedback on these briefings.
The keynote sessions will conclude Thursday morning, May 21st with Bill O’Reilly of Fox News providing his perspective on current events and issues in our world and their impact. All keynote sessions will be held in a new location central to taxi and shuttle bus drop-offs in Room 183 on Level 1 in McCormick Place West.
“The Sweet Insights Theater and keynote sessions bring great added value to retailers, brokers and manufacturers alike,” says Tim Quinn, Expo Chairman and VP, Trade Development at MARS Chocolate North America. “This year’s lineup offers a variety of impactful topics, from the evolving and influential role of the in-store dietitian and their impact on in-store shopper decisions, to the latest research on what consumers really think of chocolate and the latest in shopper marketing and digital integration. The theater will provide attendees with a one-stop solution center to help build their confectionery and snack category sales.”
Information-packed 20 minute learnings labs in the Sweet Insights Theater happen live on the show floor at the top of the hour from noon – 5 p.m. on the first two days of the show . Speakers include Michelle Cote, vice president of research for MyWebGrocer who will present the latest trends in ecommerce grocery shopping related to the confectionery and snack industry; Joanna Parker, director for Nielsen Perishables Group, will speak to building market baskets by partnering with “Store Hero” categories that connect with candy and snacks; and Cam Cloeter, founder of Impulse Marketing, Inc. will share the latest innovations taking place at the front end that are driving sales and profitability.
To view the full range of topics to be addressed at the Sweet Insights Theater and keynote sessions, please visit http://www.sweetsandsnacks.com.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization representing the $35 billion U.S. confections industry. With members in more than 40 states employing approximately 70,000 workers in more than 1,000 facilities across the U.S., NCA exists to advance, protect and promote the confectionery industry. NCA and its members value the fun and enjoyment of chocolate, candy, gum and mints, serving as a transparent and trustworthy source while building and promoting a responsible industry. As the leading trade association for the industry, NCA is proud of the role it plays in the public’s understanding and appreciation of candy’s unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle.
Source: National Confectioners Association (NCA)