Letter to our Sweets and Snacks Expo NextGen volunteers:
Thank you for giving your time and talent last Wednesday to introduce 100 student and faculty guests to our great industry.
You serve to inspire, connect and strengthen our creative and dynamic industry. Without you, the Next Generation program at Sweets & Snacks Expo would not exist.
The words of our student and faculty guests best illustrate your impact through the NextGen program:
Food Marketing Student: “Our mentor was especially knowledgeable and knew seemingly all of the representatives from the countless companies we met with. Perhaps the most valuable experience was the opportunity to network with fellow food industry students, our mentor guides, and professionals in the industry… Thank you so much for your time and for helping make this event a reality.”
Economics Student: “We had a great day and learned a tremendous amount about the industry. I will definitely think differently about candy now that I know the people and the work that goes into it.”
Engineering Faculty: “You did an excellent job of guiding our students and providing them details that were fascinating to them and helpful to understand the many engineering opportunities there are in your industry. We cannot thank you enough for your expertise and hospitality.”
Baking & Pastry Student: “It was truly a pleasure and an honor to be at the expo this year. It was an incredible experience that has helped me gain more knowledge about the confectionery industry as well as learning more about the different jobs in the field. I am truly grateful for your time and all that you have done to make this a truly amazing experience.”
Engineering Student: “Thank you so much for your time and exceptional tour of the Sweets and Snacks Expo! I was among the small group of engineers from the College of DuPage … and was delighted to meet some awesome engineers!”
Food Science Intern: “Thank you for giving me this valuable opportunity to closely experience the confectionery and snacks industry. As a food science student, I have been exposed to more “technical” scientific events and less food marketing events. However, the NextGen program allowed me to further investigate the supply and demand in global confection and snacks market as indispensable roles in product optimization and development … Witnessing the innovation product awards recognition was also a great way for us to learn the trends of the food markets and also inspired us for future product development.”
Food Marketing Student: “Thank you for inviting us to participate in the NCA’s Confectionery Foundation Next Generation mentor tours. The tours, the personalized time with the mentors, and the advice from the young professionals panel meant so much to me and to all of us at Saint Joseph’s!
Engineering Student: “I want to thank you for providing so much insight into the machining and manufacturing side of the confectionery industry.”
Thank you for making a positive difference and helping to build a strong future for our industry.
NCA’s The Confectionery Foundation Board and Education Committee