Baking & Snack - December 2019 - 81

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview: SNAXPO

On Your Marks

SNAC International will accelerate the pace of innovation and education at SNAXPO20.
by Nico Roesler
In the snack industry, it's hard to know if companies
are competing in a quarter-mile drag race or a 500-mile
marathon. The accelerating pace of innovation puts the
pressure on manufacturers. Meanwhile, sales of traditional snacks are rising slowly and steadily, signaling
that the market is still ripe for growth. Chasing victory
at the checkered flag requires different strategies.
SNAC International is tapping into the racing mentality when it hosts SNAXPO20 March 22-24 at the Westin
Charlotte in Charlotte, NC, the home of the NASCAR
All-Star Race. The snack industry has a lot in common
with NASCAR, according to Elizabeth Avery, president and CEO, SNAC International, the least of which
is NASCAR's influx of new followers to balance out its
loyal and longstanding fanbase.
Not only will the opening party be held on March 22 at
the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but the tradeshow floor will
also feature a NASCAR prototype racecar and a driving
simulator. Attendees will hear from Jill Gregory, executive
vice-president and chief marketing officer for NASCAR,
the morning of March 23.
"Holding the role since 2007, Ms. Gregory has had
the challenging task of engaging a younger, more diverse
fanbase and cultivating an emerging crop of new drivers," Ms. Avery said. "She has also had to ensure that the
71-year old brand keeps its most loyal, longstanding followers happy. Building on SNAC's commitment to the
Women in Snacks initiative, attendees will also hear an
interview on her career journey and how she became an
executive leader in a male-dominated industry."
SNAXPO20 will highlight that snacks sales are expanding faster than the overall food and beverage category. SNAC International augmented the popular Latin

American educational program this year with the firstever Canadian Educational Track. "Adding education for
these two markets positions, SNAXPO, as the leading
source of snack industry information, focused education
on the entire North American market," Ms. Avery said.
"Each educational track will explore regulations impacting the regions as well as the latest marketplace data and
category trends."
There will also be educational breakout sessions
along with Innovation Stage presentations throughout the show. Keynote speakers include Sally Lyons
Wyatt, executive vice-president and practice leader, IRI.
Ms. Avery said the IRI presentation helps snack manufacturers understand current and emerging trends and
innovate accordingly.
In addition to the networking and speaker lineup,
SNAXPO20 attendees will enjoy the tried and true benefit of a tradeshow floor full of equipment, ingredients
and other snack manufacturing technologies. "Attendees
can see live demonstrations from leading suppliers along
each step of the snack creation process," Ms. Avery said.
"Whether you're interested in analytical testing, alternative ingredients, co-manufacturers or transportation
services, SNAXPO will have it all for attendees to touch
and taste firsthand."
After SNAXPO20, SNAC International will return to
the biennial rotation of equipment and educational shows,
but with an all-new brand. The 2021 event, to be held in
Phoenix, will be called SNX. It will have an increased
emphasis on curated educational programming and networking and will feature more opportunities for attendees
to network and engage. The following year, SNAXPO will
return with a full equipment show in Nashville, TN.

With the help of
NASCAR, SNAXPO20 is
set to get snack makers'
businesses racing.
©jamesteohart - stock.adobe.com

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