A number of confectionery events have been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while others are still moving ahead in a modified format.

We will continue to update CandyIndustry.com and this article as more information becomes available. Please continue to check back for updates.

Anyone who would like to send direct information about how the coronavirus is impacting an event or an aspect of the confectionery industry can email Editor Crystal Lindell at lindellc@bnpmedia.com.

For all other coronavirus coverage, please follow this link.

Events that have been canceled due to COVID-19:

PMMI cancels 2020 PACK EXPO in-person event

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has canceled the in-person PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO.  

Originally slated for Nov. 8-11 in Chicago, the PMMI Board determined it was not possible to host a “safe and productive” in-person event, due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the current state and local regulations.

PMMI Media Group will launch a live, web-based event, PACK EXPO Connects 2020, Nov. 9-13. It will feature live chats, live product demos and educational opportunities.

NCSA cancels 2020 Candy Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Organizers for the Candy Hall of Fame induction ceremony have canceled this year’s event and will recognize the Class of 2020 during the 50th anniversary event in 2021.

The NCSA (National Confectionery Sales Association) announced it had been monitoring governmental guidelines and the comfort levels of visitors before deciding to cancel the event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals who registered for the event will be contacted regarding refunds, and all hotel reservations made in conjunction with the event will be canceled.

NACS cancels 2020 in-person show

NACS has canceled its 2020 in-person event, originally set for Oct. 11-14 in Las Vegas, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization said through daily communications with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) it was informed that the event couldn’t go on as planned.

“It is with heavy heart that we make this announcement,” said NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. “We had worked closely with the health department with jurisdiction, the LVCVA, our official partners, vendors and other stakeholders to develop a world-class ‘city within a city’ that prioritized safety for our attendees and staff. At the same time, there are issues beyond our control that led to this decision.”

Armour said NACS will communicate directly with registered attendees and exhibitors by no later than Aug. 7 to facilitate full refunds.

AACT cancels 2020 National Technical Seminar

The American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) has canceled its 2020 National Technical Seminar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an Instagram post, the organization said it is working on a virtual option since it could not safely hold the in-person event, originally slated for Oct. 5-7 in Oak Brook, Illinois.

The organization will accept nominations for the Stroud Jordan Award through Aug. 10. Nomination forms are available on AACT’s website.

New Hope Network cancels Expo East

New Hope Network, organizer of the Natural Products Expo West and Natural Products Expo East trade shows, has canceled Expo East as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

New Hope said it had spent the last three months “creating detailed health and safety plans” for the event, originally set for Sept. 23-26 in Philadelphia, but ultimately decided to cancel.

New Hope will refund all paid Expo East 2020 badges and education registrations. Sales account managers will work with exhibitors and sponsors on credit or refund plans. 

Following the cancelation of Expo West in March and now Expo East, New Hope has launched a digital events and content series called Spark Change. Beginning in August, Spark Change will guide the natural and organic products community through virtual product discovery, education and connection.

Specialty Food Association cancels 2020 Summer Fancy Food Show

The Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show, originally scheduled for June 28-30 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, will not take place as planned. 

The SFA said canceling the Summer Fancy Food Show was a result of the national and global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated travel restrictions, and the Javits Center’s service in fighting the pandemic that impacts the facility’s availability.

The association said its immediate priority is to guide member exhibitors and registered attendees through a process of receiving refunds or credits for the show.

IFT cancels in-person event, moves to virtual experience

The event was slated to be held July 15-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The Institute of Food Technologists' in-person event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and organizers are offering a virtual experience in its place.

“After thoughtful consultation with leaders and partners within the food industry and academia, IFT’s Board of Directors made the decision to transition the onsite annual meeting and food expo into a virtual experience,” organizers said. “This was felt to be the best and safest course of action after careful consideration of evolving COVID-19 pandemic developments.”

June RCI Annual Conference canceled due to COVID-19

The event was slated to be held June 15-19.

The 2020 RCI Annual Convention & Industry Expo has been canceled. The 2020 event was originally scheduled for June 15-19 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

In addition, all other RCI events scheduled for 2020 will also be canceled or rescheduled, including the Creams, Fondants & Fudges course (Aug. 5-7 in Dayton, Ohio) and The Fall Regional Conference (Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Napa, California.

Barry Callebaut’s Chocovision postponed to June 2021 due to COVID-19

Event was originally slated to take place June 9-11 in Davos, Switzerland.

CHOCOVISION has been postponed to June 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event is organized by Barry Callebaut and typically held every two years in Davos, Switzerland. 
It was slated to be held June 9-11 and organizers said that anyone who already registered will be reimbursed for the full registration fee. 

NCA’s Sweets and Snacks Expo canceled due to coronavirus

The event was slated to be held May 18-21.
The 2021 event will be held May 24-27 in Chicago.

NCA President and CEO John Downs sent out a letter explaining the decision, citing restrictions on mass gatherings that have been in place in Illinois and Chicago as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“As restrictions and recommendations on mass gatherings continue to build in cities and states across the country, including those issued in the state of Illinois and in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it became clear that cancellation of the show was the only path forward to protect the well-being of our community,” Downs said. “The cancellation is unavoidable due to a combination of factors including state and local stay-at-home orders and travel bans and restrictions from our member companies, retail partners and other attendee organizations.”

interpack has been rescheduled for Feb. 25 - March 3, 2021

The event was slated to be held May 7-13, 2020

"The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory board and sponsoring associations," says Werner M. Dornscheidt, chairman of the board of management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. "As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors.”

PMCA has been canceled and organizers are working to offer the event in a digital format

The event was slated to be held April 20-22.

“On Thursday March 12, 2020, the PMCA Board met in Lancaster and made the decision that the welfare of our members requires that the PMCA Annual Production Conference should not go forward in its traditional format due to the current national COVID-19 crisis,” said Rachel Halkias, administrative and marketing assistant. 

However, they are working to reformat the conference into a digital form that will be offered virtually at a yet to be determined time. 

“We will advise you as soon as we have more details,” Halkias said.

Western Candy Conference has been canceled

The event was slated to be held March 18-21. 

“Out of consideration for the health and safety of our members, our travel partners, and the wonderful Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Kilohana Plantation teams, our 2020 conference will not take place this spring,” the Board continued. “Our deepest apologies for inconveniences. We send our thanks to Mayor Derek Kawakami for the gracious welcome and our best wishes to the people of Kauai for good health across their beautiful island.”

Expo West completely canceled, New Hope Fund set up for those impacted

The event was slated to be held March 4-8. 

Natural Products Expo West has been officially canceled, and organizers look to bring aspects to the show to Expo East. 

Organizers also have created a $5-million fund to support emerging brands significantly affected by the Expo West 2020 disruption.

All of Candy Industry's COVID-19 coverage can be found here.