Close your eyes and imagine a place where you can sample all the candy you want, AND go home with a bag of candy that you can fill until you can't fit anymore- welcome to Chicago's All Candy Expo. Its new name, is The Sweets & Snacks Expo- I guess they have expanded beyond just candy these days. Perhaps it is a way of giving savory treats some publicity? I'm down with that- salty foods need props too.

All the big name brands (to name a few): Jelly Belly, Tootsie Roll, Wrigley, Nestle, Hershey, Spangler, Charms, Brach, Farley & Sathers- they will all be there ready to impress the distributors with mouth-watering new candy lines. I remember going there as a kid and I was so excited to sample Reeses' Nutrageous before it even set foot out on the market!

So if you are a bulk candy/snacks distributor, a vending machine owner, or you're just plain lucky enough to get hooked up with a pass to go to the show, here is some advice before you go:

1- If you are a diabetic, bring some insulin!

2- Eat your protein for breakfast because it is carbohydrate city once you walk through the doors!

3- It wouldn't hurt to get in an early workout prior to going- it'll make you feel less guilty when you go home with a belly ache.

4- Bring a Tide Pen. You might get a chocolate stain on your clothes from sampling!

5- Bring the largest purse you have in your closet- might I recommend a Louis Vuitton Speedy 35?