The first official trade show to take place in Indianapolis in roughly 18 months opened Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo features more than 450 exhibitors at the Indiana Convention Center.
Candy USA spokesperson Lauren Boland said the show benefits the retailers and the city of Indianapolis.
“We are so excited to be here,” Boland said. “The show is bringing $6.3 million into this city and we couldn’t be happier to be putting on the candy and snack trade show this year.”
The event is hosted by the National Confectioners Association. It’s expected to bring around 8,000 people to downtown Indianapolis.
“The Sweets and Snacks Expo offers the candy and snack industries the chance to come together and share their latest new products and innovations,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said.
Organizers said health and safety investments at the Indiana Convention Center played a role in moving the trade show from Chicago to Indianapolis this year.
The show runs through June 25.