The National Confectioners Association’s annual State of the Industry Conference will be held virtually on March 9.

Streamlined to provide high-level insights from the State of the Industry Conference’s most important sessions, the State of the Industry Conference is designed to provide focused, actionable ideas to inspire the confectionery industry and delight confectionery shoppers.

“The State of the Industry Conference presents fresh ideas to our industry as they seek creative and unique approaches to tackling the rapidly changing marketplace,” said John Downs, NCA president & CEO. “The world looks very different since we gathered in March 2020, and we’re looking forward to connecting digitally this year with a powerful lineup of education, insights and inspiration.”

This year, attendees can expect:

• A keynote address from NCA’s John Downs
• The debut of Sweet Insights: State of Treating 2021
• Conversations with retail leaders about the new era of retailing, featuring Dollar General’s Jennifer Dilts (and more to be announced)
• Online networking and social opportunities

“COVID-19 has kept us apart, but chocolate and candy have brought us together throughout this uncertain time,” Downs said. “The confectionery industry is honored to have played a role in supporting our consumers’ emotional well-being throughout the pandemic, and this digital gathering will allow us to both reflect on the past year and take a look at what lies ahead.”

For more information and to register for the 2021 State of the Industry Conference, visit CandyUSA.com/SOTIC.