Baking & Snack - December 2015 - 91

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview: SNAXPO

Saddling Up for Success
SNAXPO 2016 in Houston promises to
bring expert speakers and the latest
issues to snack producers.
by Sarah Hubbart

Leaders from across the snack-food industry will convene at the George R. Brown Convention Center in
Houston March 19-22 to build new business, hear from
expert speakers and have a little fun at the 79th Annual
SNAXPO Exhibition and Conference.
Sponsored by the Snack Food Association (SFA),
SNAXPO is the only trade show dedicated to the international snack-food industry. SNAXPO highlights the three
pillars of SFA: advocacy, networking and education.
"SNAXPO is SFA's premier event," said SFA President
and CEO Tom Dempsey. "As always, it will bring together leaders from across the snack industry to make
new contacts and learn from our educational programs."
An estimated 1,500 industry professionals - and 150 exhibitors - from around the world are expected to attend
SNAXPO 2016. The show attracts leading manufacturers
and suppliers from all areas of the snack-food industry,
including companies both large and small. The event also
includes the installation of SFA's officers on March 22.
The trade show, which is the centerpiece of SNAXPO,
will open at 11:15 a.m. on March 20. A variety of equip-

ment, ingredients, products and services are available to
attendees on the trade show floor, and attendees will discover the latest innovations, products and services demonstrated inside the exhibit hall.
The open, friendly environment helps suppliers meet
new contacts face-to-face to explore future business opportunities and makes first-time attendees feel welcome.
"SNAXPO is unique from an international perspective,"
noted Greg Strauss, senior vice-president, specialty
products, AB Mauri North America, St. Louis. "We do
a lot of international business, and we have connected
with people from Germany, Jamaica, Argentina and
Korea, to name a few."
After the 2015 show in Orlando, FL, Theresa Stigler,
Freeline Organic Food, Westport, CT, said, "This was
our first SNAXPO, and we liked the fact that attendees
are mostly manufacturers rather than retailers. We have
made at least 15 quality contacts." Attendees and exhibitors will also have the opportunity to visit with old
friends and make new ones at receptions, dinner events
and the annual golf tournament.
On March 20 and 21, a diverse lineup of speakers will
share insights that will provide a competitive advantage
in a rapidly changing business environment. Former
Congressman Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC's
Morning Joe, will share his no-holds-barred political
commentary. Pulling from his experience as an influential player in Republican politics, Mr. Scarborough will
candidly discuss important issues facing America today.

SNAXPO 2016 is set to
take place at Houston's
George R. Brown
Convention Center and
will host a lineup of
expert speakers.
Houston Convention &
Visitors Bureau

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