The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando will host SNAXPO 2015, taking place March 28–31. Sponsored by the Snack Food Association, Arlington, VA, the annual exhibition and conference is considered the world’s premier event for the snack food industry.

The four-day event kicks off on March 28 with a welcome reception from 7–8 p.m. at the resort’s Emerald Bay Plaza, followed by a welcome dinner from 8–10 p.m. on the Coquina Lawn.

Sunday, March 29, begins with a plated breakfast from 9:15–11:15 a.m. in the Sun Ballroom, followed by presentation by Phil Lempert, “The Supermarket Guru” and an expert analyst on consumer behavior, marketing trends, new products and the changing retail landscape. He’ll discuss upcoming trends and what they mean for the snack food industry.

The recipient of the 2015 Circle of Honor Award will also be announced during this general session. The award recognizes the achievements of snack food industry executives who have been leaders in their companies and SFA.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the convention center’s Florida exhibit hall entrance at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday officially opens the exhibition, which will feature suppliers of processing and packaging equipment, food ingredients and other products and services for the snack food industry.

Two concurrent educational sessions will be offered on the trade show floor from 3:30–4:30 p.m.

David B. Schmidt, president and CEO, International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C., will present “Understanding Consumer Perceptions and Communicating the Benefits of Food Technology.” Martin Hahn, partner, Hogan Lovells U.S. LLC, Washington, D.C., will provide a food law and regulation update.

Also held on Sunday, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on the trade show floor, will be the first of two sessions comprising this year’s Latin American Program, which is delivered in Spanish. Sean Kreidler, Latin America research manager at Euromonitor International, Chicago, will speak about the future of snacks in Latin America.

Monday, March 30, begins with a continental breakfast from 8–8:45 a.m. in the Sun Ballroom, followed at 9 a.m. by a presentation from Jared Koerten, senior analyst, Euromonitor International, titled “The State of Snacking: Finding an Identity in a Rapidly-Changing World.”

Prior to the opening of the exhibit hall at 11:30 a.m., two concurrent sessions and the Latin American Program will be held on the trade show floor from 10:15–11:30 a.m. “Looking Ahead: Legislation and Regulations Affecting the Snack Industry” will be presented by Mike Torrey, principal, Michael Torrey Associates, Washington, D.C.; Elizabeth Johnson, M.S., R.D., principal and founder, Food Directions LLC, Washington, D.C.; and Earl Eisenhart, principal, Government Relations Services, Ellicott City, MD. Ray Smith, senior vice president of design solution, Trinity Logistics, Seaford, DE, will deliver “Gear Up! Supply Chain Best Practices and Tactics for 2015 and Beyond.”

Monday’s Latin American Education Session will focus on new legislation affecting the landscape of snacks in Latin America. It will be presented by Diego T. Ruiz, vice president of global public policy and government affairs, PepsiCo, Washington, D.C. 

On Monday, a reception will run 3:30–5 p.m. inside the exhibit hall.

The final day of the SNAXPO 2015, Tuesday, March 31, begins with a plated breakfast in the Sun Ballroom from 8–8:30 a.m., followed by the installation of officers at 8:30 a.m. and keynote speaker Bob Woodward at 9:30 a.m. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, author and associate editor of The Washington Post will present “Inside the White House: From Nixon to Obama.”

The exhibit hall will be open from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Following the conclusion of the trade show, attendees can participate in an optional networking golf tournament from 1:30–5 p.m. at the Celebration Golf Club, Celebration, FL. Another optional activity will also be offered during that time. Attendees can say farewell to friends and colleagues at a reception and dinner from 7–11 p.m. in the Sun Ballroom.

For more information about SNAXPO 2015, visit www.snaxpo.com.