CHICAGO -- The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has revealed an enhanced educational lineup in both the keynote sessions and Sweet Insights Theater at the 2015 Sweets & Snacks Expo, to be held May 19-21 in Chicago. Featuring topics ranging from the latest trends in online grocery shopping to consumer behavior surrounding sweets and snacks purchases, the Sweet Insights Theater promises to be a center of knowledge for Expo attendees.
The educational experience will kick off on Tuesday, May 19, with a keynote address from NCA president and CEO John H. Downs Jr., followed by a presentation from IRI executive vice president Larry Levin on the key consumer, shopper and retailer changes affecting the candy and snack worlds.
On May 20, leading experts will provide industry perspective on the current economic climate, snacking and lifestyle mega trends and the nation's changing demographics in three briefings at the all-new Retailer Impact Forum. Michael Sansolo of MorningNewsBeat.com will host the forum. Joining Sansolo will be Darren Seifer of the NPD Group, discussing consumer snacking behaviors in a balanced diet, and Tina Manikas, president of FCB/RED, sharing tips on how retailers can manage split efficiencies between millennials and boomers.
A panel of retail executives from leading companies including Meijer and Schnucks will provide real-time feedback on these briefings.
The keynote sessions will conclude May 21 with Bill O'Reilly of Fox News providing his perspective on current events and issues. All keynote sessions will be held in a new location, Room 183 on Level 1 in McCormick Place West.
"The Sweet Insights Theater and keynote sessions bring great added value to retailers, brokers and manufacturers alike," said Tim Quinn, Expo chairman and vice president of trade development at Mars Chocolate North America. "This year's lineup offers a variety of impactful topics, from the evolving and influential role of the in-store dietitian and their impact on in-store shopper decisions, to the latest research on what consumers really think of chocolate and the latest in shopper marketing and digital integration. The theater will provide attendees with a one-stop solution center to help build their confectionery and snack category sales."
Information-packed 20-minute learnings labs in the Sweet Insights Theater happen live on the show floor at the top of the hour from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the first two days of the show.
Speakers include Michelle Cote, vice president of research for MyWebGrocer, who will present the latest trends in ecommerce grocery shopping related to the confectionery and snack industry; Jonna Parker, director for Nielsen Perishables Group, who will speak to building market baskets by partnering with "Store Hero" categories that connect with candy and snacks; and Cam Cloeter, founder of Impulse Marketing Inc., who will share the latest innovations taking place at the front end that are driving sales and profitability.
To view the full range of topics to be addressed at the Sweet Insights Theater and keynote sessions, click here.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.