The 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will feature educational opportunities that give attendees access to category specialists who will discuss the latest on industry performance, trends and consumer behavior.

It’s different for different people. Editor Crystal Lindell marks the beginning of COVID-19 at 8:51 p.m. Central Time, March 11, 2020.

The submitted products will be judged by retail and category thought-leaders representing 85 percent of the categories’ buying power.

Theresa Anthony, senior director, Expo, sent out an email letter to members this week that said customers are ready to meet face-to-face.

A number of confectionery industry events are canceled as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The confectionery industry is resilient, and it has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with fortitude and grace. Many companies are even launching new products!

The big questions on everyone’s mind are "When will things go back to normal? When will we be walking the show floors again? How much longer will this all last?"

Perhaps the most symbolic news came from Just Born, which announced it was shutting down production until at least April 7.

NCA President and CEO John Downs sent out a letter explaining the decision, citing restrictions on mass gatherings that have been in place in Chicago and Illinois, as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Sweets and Snacks Expo is still proceeding as planned. However, the NCA is now offering a full refund on badge fees for anyone whose plans change as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.