SNAXPO 2008, the 71st annual exhibition and conference of the Snack Food Association, will take place March 1-4 in San Antonio, Texas. There, snack food industry executives from around the world will gather for the world’s largest trade show created specifically for the snack food industry.

The 2008 event will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, a landmark venue in the heart of San Antonio’s business district. The exhibition hall for the big equipment show is expected to sell out, as industry suppliers prepare to take advantage of this annual opportunity to reach snack manufacturing decision-makers.

“This is a chance to give your business a Texas-style kick into high gear,” says SFA president and CEO Jim McCarthy. “They say everything is bigger in Texas, and when SNAXPO 2008 convenes next March, we aim to prove it.”

For exhibitors, limited booth space still is available, but companies should make their reservations immediately by contacting the SFA or visiting www.snaxpo.com, where exhibitors are listed.

For attendees and exhibitors alike, San Antonio is a great destination, McCarthy adds.

“It’s a fascinating city, easy to get to with reasonable air fares,” he says. “In addition to having a chance to do a great deal of business in a very short time, there is plenty to see and do — all with that unique Texas flavour, as well.”

From the historic Alamo to the famous River Walk, San Antonio offers attendees a superior variety of attractions, shopping, restaurants, hotels and nightlife within walking distance of both hotels and the convention center, which provides plenty of meeting space and a large exhibit area.

The San Antonio Marriott RiverCenter is headquarters hotel for SNAXPO. A block of rooms already has been reserved for attendees at the Marriott RiverWalk. It’s not too early to book reservations for either hotel directly at 1-210-223-1000 or 1-800-648-4462. Mention SFA or SNAXPO to obtain special convention rates.

Snack food industry executives and suppliers attending SNAXPO 2008 will benefit from more than just having a great time at this outstanding Texas destination, where the sun shines an average of 300 days each year. They also will learn from an excellent educational program and have a chance to do plenty of business in an intense and exciting marketplace.

As always, there will be a wealth of opportunities to network and make new acquaintances, including at an exciting Welcome Reception.

The SNAXPO 2008 trade show will offer attendees an opportunity to meet snack industry suppliers and discover cutting-edge products and services. Exhibitors from virtually every aspect of the snacking industry will be represented — from milling to flavors, packaging, technology, commodities, logistics, and business systems and services.

For the first time in years, SNAXPO has added a golf tournament to the program, to be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 4. Space is extremely limited, so be sure to get your foursome together now!

As always, SNAXPO 2008 will offer a special Latin American Track with the entire program in Spanish. There also will be special events to honor international attendees and their involvement and commitment to global expansion of our industry.