Baking & Snack - December 2018 - 89

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview: SNAXPO19

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SNAC International launches new 'SNAC Tank' event for startups
and bolsters education lineup for companies of all sizes.
by Nico Roesler

There are some big fish in the sea of snacking, but the
smaller ones are looking to make a splash in a much
bigger pond. At SNAXPO19, companies of all sizes will
learn about innovations across the industry, and SNAC
International will offer a rare opportunity for small
startup companies to compete for a cash prize.
Modeled after the popular TV show Shark Tank,
"SNAC Tank" will close out the annual convention being
held March 31 to April 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort
and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The competition will be emceed by Shark Tank investor Barbara
Corcoran, who has bought into more than 17 foodrelated companies through her time on the show. The
SNAXPO program will allow startup brands to pitch
their snack products and business models to a panel of
judges, and the winner will take home a cash prize.
"The competition presents an excellent opportunity for emerging companies to boost their visibility to global snack industry leaders and established
companies," said Elizabeth Avery, president and CEO,
SNAC International. The association will connect winners
with industry mentors to take their brand to the next level.
This year's theme is "Uncover," which encompasses
SNAC International's vision to highlight growth rates
across the rapidly evolving snack category. "The conference will help those in the industry, whether in sales
and marketing, operations, plant management, or the
c-suite source all the latest information, innovation and
inspiration," Ms. Avery said. "SNAXPO will 'uncover'
all the elements needed to take business to the next lev-

el and drive an already accelerating market forward."
The event will also feature the recently launched Women
in Snacks (WinS) Network - an initiative to foster leadership development among women in the snack industry. On
March 31, before the opening party, WinS will host a session bringing women and men together to engage in professional development and expand their network.
The educational offerings have been organized into
four tracks: market trends and insights; regulatory affairs; packaging and sustainability; and Latin American
snacks. Each track will have three individual sessions for
a total of 12 breakouts during the 2-day event.
"SNAXPO is the world's premier vertically integrated supply chain trade show for the snack industry, and
SNAXPO19 in Orlando will feature more education and
networking opportunities than ever before," Ms. Avery said.
After unveiling the 2019 inductee to SNAC
International's Circle of Honor, keynote speaker Jeff
Henderson, an award-winning chef and author of
Cooked, a New York Times bestseller soon to be adapted
into a major motion picture, will offer insights on business strategies and the story of his life.
Following on the success of last year's innaugural
SNAXPO Innovations Hub, the 2019 installment will
be featured in a prominent location inside the exhibit
hall to create an enhanced attendee experience. The
SNAXPO Innovations Hub, through a partnership with
Sosland Publishing Company, showcases equipment and
ingredients newly released within the past two years.
For more information, visit www.snaxpo.com.

Orlando, FL, is the setting
for SNAXPO19, which
will feature a competition
called SNAC Tank for
startup snack makers.
©CrackerClips - stock.adobe.com

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