SNAXPO 2008, the world’s largest show devoted exclusively to the snack food industry, will take place March 1-4, 2008, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Even though the event is months away, the Snack Food Association is rounding up snack industry manufacturers and experts from around the world for one of the industry’s most important trade shows, for which the SFA now is accepting floor space reservations.

For more information, please contact the SFA at 1-703-836-4500 or visit www.SNAXPO.com. There, exhibitors may download logo artwork to promote their participation in SNAXPO.

Key reasons to exhibit at SNAXPO include:
• SNAXPO is the world’s premier event for the snack food industry.

• SNAXPO provides a unique opportunity for networking with some of the best and brightest minds in the industry.

• SNAXPO exhibitors and attendees help define the future direction of the industry.

• SNAXPO presents the latest innovations, ideas, products and new ways to cut costs and build profits.

• SNAXPO attracts industry manufacturers from around the world, including Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

The Snack Food Association has joined with the American Institute of Baking International to offer members in-plant food safety training programs specially tailored for the snack food industry.

The customized training sessions, conducted by AIB auditors, can take place at a company’s manufacturing plant. Sessions are offered at a special SFA member rate that includes travel and expenses.

For more information and registration, please contact Judi A. Lazaro at AIB International at 1-800-633-5137, ext. 254. The SFA contact is Christopher Melchert at 1-703-836-4500, ext. 211.

Several key conferences and workshops are scheduled for late summer and fall by the Snack Food Association, providing member companies with important opportunities for education and training, ranging from top management to sales and marketing to manufacturing and operations.

The Total Quality Management Course will be held Sept. 10-14 at  The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. TQM will include classroom presentations, hands-on labs and a plant tour.

The 2007 Executive Leadership Forum will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Amelia Island, Fla., providing opportunities for education and insight for senior management personnel in an exclusive resort setting.

This premier conference for snack food industry will provide outstanding programming designed to help top executives excel in their positions of leadership. The conference will include opportunities for networking, recreation and social activities, and for enjoying one of the most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations.

Poised on a bluff of dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island fits its home in a destination of unspoiled coastal beauty and southern charm. Surrounded by 18 holes of championship PGA golf, this resort provides impeccable service and a spirit of seaside elegance.

Sales and marketing and manufacturing/operations personnel will benefit from the 2007 SFA Management Workshop, to be held Oct. 21-23 at the Wyndham Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pa. Dovetailing with that conference will be the Pretzel and Baked Snacks Seminar, Oct. 23-24 at the same location. That conference will include practical informational sessions covering baked snacks, whole grains, oven systems and nutritional issues.