Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in your business! Many would agree that education is the best investment you can make in yourself, your team and your business.
Education is deeply rooted in Retail Confectioners International’s (RCI) mission, which is to advance the confectionery industry by offering members the knowledge to build sweet businesses from entrepreneurial passion. For over 100 years, RCI has developed a reputation as a valuable resource for small business owners both established and new to the industry. With that said, we’re thrilled to share two opportunities for you to invest in education, (1) RCI’s Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp and (2) RCI’s 2021 Annual Convention and Industry Expo. Both events are designed to help you expand your knowledge to build an even sweeter business.
Virtual
Merchandising Boot Camp
May 18-19, 2021
Get your business on track and on point with 2 half days of in-depth training where you’ll learn how to engage and connect with customers in your store, online and on social media. Retail strategists, professional store planners and the instructors of this course, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, KIZER & BENDER, will break down the essentials and offer a better understanding of what you need to do–and how to do it–to increase store traffic and explode your sales.
RCI’s Virtual Merchandising
Boot Camp will take you through each of the steps necessary to build a
merchandising strategy that gets results. During the course you’ll learn how
to:
- Build a consistent brand inside your store and out.
- Set your sales floor to sell with effective visual merchandising and displays.
- Back up your brand with a successful website and strategic digital marketing tactics.
- Better understand four generations of today’s consumer.
The course will be presented virtually via ZOOM. Students will have the opportunity to interact and ask questions live with instructors. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to build a merchandising and marketing strategy that will take your business to the next level—all without having to leave your desk. Visit retailconfectioners.org/page/VirtualMerchBootCamp for complete course details. Registration is open now!
Annual
Convention & Industry Expo
July 19-23, 2021 – Columbus, Ohio
If you attend one in-person event in 2021, this is the one to attend! Join RCI for the 2021 Annual Convention & Industry Expo at the Greater Columbus July 19-23.
Safely explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and take away effective business and production strategies to help you build a more successful business. Designed uniquely for the retail confectioner, this event will continue to offer attendees educational sessions, a two-day expo, confectionery tours and connection opportunities.
As part of this year’s educational programming, attendees will join the discussion with a panel of retail confectioners whose businesses have adapted or pivoted to not only survive, but thrive, despite the challenges presented in 2020 and today. Learn how they made the most of their opportunities with strategic thinking and action, as well as what worked and what didn’t.
In addition, attendees will take away effective business and production strategies with thought-provoking education on the following subjects:
- Build an Exceptional Team Through Coaching and Mentoring
- Positioned for Growth
- Nougat: An Artisan Approach
Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 21. While the convention is hosted by RCI, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. A variety of ticket packages are available, giving attendees the option to create an experience that fits any schedule and budget. RCI offers a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 for those looking to focus on strictly on education.
RCI will conclude the week with off-site tours of local candy businesses, which takes education to the next level. Register by May 14 for best rates. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for complete details on this year’s convention.
Don’t miss an opportunity to invest in yourself and your business. Focus on learning this year and watch your business benefit as a result.
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