The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association and taking place May 23-25, has announced that one of the new features of its 2017 show will be a new award for the 2017 Small Business Innovator. It was added after retailer and attendee feedback indicated that there was a need to recognize smaller companies.

The award will highlight companies with net sales under $500,000, providing companies just starting in the industry an opportunity to be recognized.

Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful, world class event. New product launches, business networking, and merchandising innovations are the primary focuses of the three day event.

The Sweet & Snacks Expo will be attended by 17,000 people, with 760 exhibiting companies and 17 data-driven learning sessions. This year, the event will be held in Chicago, Illinois.