The 2012Sweets & Snacks Exponow is scheduled for May 8-10, two weeks earlier than originally expected.

The change was needed to avoid a conflict with G8 Summit activities, says the National Confectioners Association (NCA), which runs the event.

Last week, NATO announced its annual Global Summit for world leaders will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place May 15-22, coinciding with the 2012Sweets & Snacks Expooriginally scheduled for May 22-24.

"Chicago has welcomed our annual Expo since its inception 15 years ago, so it is no surprise that city officials, along with leadership at McCormick Place, have gone above and beyond and together we decided on a mutually acceptable alternative," says NCA President Larry Graham. "Due to the comprehensive security and logistics requirements surrounding the G8 Summit, shifting the dates made the best business sense for our industry.”

Graham adds that despite the change in dates, the 2012Sweets & Snacks Expowill still be held in the popular West building and will retain the Tuesday-Thursday date pattern customers have asked for year after year. In addition, the confectionery exposition will again overlap with the National Restaurant Association show happening May 5-8, which also altered its dates due to the G8 Summit.

"We recognize a huge value to our industry in keeping the event anchored in Chicago and worked hard to secure dates that would not interfere with other industry events both domestic and internationally," says Tim Quinn, vice president trade development at Mars Chocolate North America and chairman of theSweets & Snacks Expocommittee. "The Expo committee along with the NCA executive board believes these new dates will positively benefit the majority of our members and customers."

More than 14,000 industry professionals from nearly 70 countries visitSweets & Snacks Expoeach year. The show, occupying more than 140,000 sq. ft. and hosting more than 550 exhibiting companies, is billed as the largest confectionery, cookie and snack event in the Americas.

For more information, visit http://www.sweetsandsnacks.com/or call (202) 534-1440.