SNAC International is looking to redefine snacking in 2017 with an expanded educational program at the world’s premier tradeshow dedicated exclusively to the snack industry as SNAXPO celebrates its 80th anniversary.

SNAXPO is being held April 1-4 in historic Savannah, GA, at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and features educational sessions from expert speakers with key insights aimed to provide a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing industry. Thomas Dempsey, president and CEO, SNAC International, said SNAXPO is the perfect time for member companies to come together in one place to learn about new trends, solidify business partnerships and share the common interest of growing the snack market.

“SNAXPO is our biggest trade association event,” Mr. Dempsey said. “It’s for our business manufacturers, our marketers, anybody in the snack business to see what is new, vibrant and evolving in the category.”

There are several changes and new additions at this year’s show. All educational sessions will be held outside of tradeshow hours, so exhibitors can attend without leaving their booths. Mr. Dempsey said this change affords exhibitors and attendees the ability to see everything the show floor has to offer without missing out on any educational offerings.

Keynote speakers include Beth Johnson, principal and founder, Food Directions, LLC, and Mike Torrey, principal, Michael Torrey Associates, who will speak about the legislative and nutritional climate and its impact on the snack industry. Representing snack companies in government has long been one of SNAC International’s pillars of membership, and Mr. Demspey said the association strives to educate members to facilitate better communication in Washington. “All of our businesses cross over state lines, and all of them are subject to legislation and regulation,” he said. “We need to give the industry’s point of view and communicate what’s best in the best interest of the industry to those legislators and ruling agencies.”

Additional speakers include Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive vice-president and practice leader, IRI, who will discuss emerging snack and flavor trends. Martin Hahn, partner, Hogan Lovells US, LLP, will update attendees on food laws and regulations. Jared Koerten, senior food analyst, Euromonitor International, will discuss the state of snacking in the global market. Finally, there will be presentations entirely in Spanish about the issues and trends affecting the Latin American snack market.

SNAC International also expanded the Innovation Stage sessions that will take place on the show floor. Each day there will be two 30-minute presentations by exhibiting companies to help attendees stay ahead of key technical, marketing and ingredient-sourcing issues that impact the future of the industry. SNAXPO will also feature the first-ever Flavor Pavilion, where all exhibiting seasoning supplier members will submit two flavors to be sampled and voted on by attendees. The winning supplier will be presented with the inaugural SNAXPO Flavor of the Year Award.

SNAC as an association knows the importance of the international influence, and it aims to increase the reach and impact of its more than 75 international members representing more than 25 countries that are in addition to SNAC International’s 300 US-based businesses. At last year’s show in Houston, international attendees accounted for nearly 20% of the crowd. By representing its members at the Canadian Snack Food Association conference in Quebec City and at ExpoBotanas in Mexico City, SNAC International hopes to increase SNAXPO international attendance this year.