Organizers at the National Association of Convenience Stores moved quickly to reschedule the annual NACS Show for Nov. 15-18 in Las Vegas after receiving confirmation from officials in New Orleans that it would be impossible — in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina — for the show to take place there as scheduled from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.  

More than 1,400 exhibitors, including dozens in the candy category, are slated to show off products in 375,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

According to the NACS Website, the association has “every indication that the vast majority of exhibitors are able to relocate to the new facility over the new dates.”

At Confectioner press time NACS reported that new booth numbers for exhibitors will be posted on the NACS Show Web site by the end of September. The convenience store association also was working to re-confirm its education sessions, and planned to stick with its previously planned agenda to the extent possible.

The opening general session, scheduled for from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, will feature dynamic business executive and former executive vice president of Jet Blue Airways, Ann Rhoades.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is the keynote speaker for the closing general session, now scheduled for 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18.