Why You Can't Miss the RCI Candy Convention: Education Highlights

If you’re a candy maker, chocolatier or own a retail candy shop, this event is for you! RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo is coming up June 16–19 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky—just across the river from Cincinnati.

Education Highlights
RCI’s education is designed specifically for the retail confectioner. Keep reading for this year's education lineup scheduled for June 17 and 18:

• The Well Oiled Machine – Learn how to build systems and processes that make your retail business run smoothly. Retail expert Kathy Cruz will share expert tips to improve time management, delegate tasks and boost efficiency—even if your business lacks structure today.
• Label Smarter: Candy Labeling 101 – Navigate labeling laws and regulations, ingredient listings and nutritional requirements in a clear, practical way. Learn who is required to label products, how to create eye-catching designs and tips for efficient production.
• Exploring Alternative Sugars & Vegan Ingredients – Reach new audiences by exploring innovative ingredients and taste-tasting a variety of sugars and compare vegan and traditional ganache.
• Roundtable Discussions – Choose topics that matter most to your business and join small-group conversations to learn from peers.

Exclusive Member Events
Not a member? No problem! Click here to apply for membership if you're a professional retail candy maker, chocolatier or confectionery supplier looking to grow your sweet business.

• Candy Clinic – Members show off their best ideas for new products, packaging and promotions. You’ll leave with tons of inspiration!
• Kettle Talk – An open discussion where you can ask questions and share advice on everything from production to marketing.

More Reasons to Attend

• Two-Day Industry Expo – Connect with the industry’s top suppliers, discover the latest ingredients, equipment, and packaging solutions and explore innovations that could elevate your products. Click here to view the map of exhibitors.
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with other candy makers, retailers, and suppliers in the industry. Build relationships, exchange ideas and find new opportunities for collaboration.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Get an insider look at some of the most iconic confectionery businesses in the Cincinnati area!

Ready to Join Us? 

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect and be inspired alongside fellow candy professionals. 
👉 Register now for RCI’s 2025 Annual Convention & Industry Expo!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Why You Can't Miss the RCI Candy Convention!

If you’re a candy maker, chocolatier, or confectionery retailer, mark your calendar—because the sweetest event of the year is here! RCI has officially opened registration for the 2025 Annual Convention & Industry Expo, happening June 16-19 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky—just minutes from Cincinnati!

Why Attend?
This year’s theme, “Inspiring Generations of Candy Makers,” celebrates the rich experiences and ideas each generation brings to the industry. Whether you’re part of a multi-generational business or just starting out, this convention is designed to help you grow and innovate. Here’s what you can expect:

• Engaging Educational Sessions – Learn from practical education designed uniquely for the retail confectioner. Gain valuable insights on candy labeling requirements, alternative sugars, vegan ingredients and more. Roundtable discussions allow you to choose topics that best fit your unique needs and interests. Learn more.
  
• Two-Day Industry Expo – Connect with the industry’s top suppliers, discover the latest ingredients, equipment, and packaging solutions and explore innovations that could elevate your products. Click here to view the map of exhibitors.
  
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with other candy makers, retailers, and suppliers in the industry. Build relationships, exchange ideas and find new opportunities for collaboration.
  
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Get an insider look at some of the most iconic confectionery businesses in the Cincinnati area!

Confectionery Tour Highlights
One of the most anticipated features of the convention is the behind-the-scenes tours hosted by local confectionery businesses. Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s tour stops:

• Aglamesis Bros., Inc. (Cincinnati, OH) – Established in 1908, this fourth-generation family business will transport you back in time. Tour their new chocolate production facility and see their classic ice cream and Italian ice-making process. Learn more.
  
• Graeter’s, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH) – Famous for their small-batch French Pot ice cream, Graeter’s has been family-run for five generations. Get an inside look at their unique production process and watch confections like chocolate-enrobed butter cookies, peanut brittle and chocolate barks come to life. Learn more.
  
• Schneider’s Sweet Shop (Bellevue, KY) – Founded in 1939, this beloved candy shop is operated by second, third and fourth generations of family. Best known for their Opera creams, Schneider’s continues to use the same recipes and equipment from the early 1900s. Learn more.

Register Today & Save!
Choose from a variety of ticket options to customize your experience:

• Expo Ticket: Just $10 in advance ($25 onsite) for access to the two-day Industry Expo.
• 1-Day Education Ticket: Industry professionals attending their first RCI event can save $100 by using promo code “RCIFIRST” when registering.
• Convention Pass: Get the best value with access to all events Monday through Thursday.

Don’t miss out—register by April 25 for the best rates! Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual to secure your spot today! For more details, call 417-883-2775. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, educate and help you grow your candy business!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Stay Connected: Get Notified when Registration Opens for RCI’s 2025 Annual Convention

Relationships are the key to success in any industry. The chocolate and candy industry is no different—this industry thrives on connection and collaboration. Building strong relationships with fellow candy makers and suppliers is not just beneficial—it’s essential for growing your business. That’s why you won’t want to miss RCI’s 2025 Annual Convention & Industry Expo, where networking meets inspiration in the sweetest way possible.

This year’s theme, “Inspiring Generations of Candy Makers,” celebrates the diverse experiences and ideas that every generation brings to the industry. Whether you’re part of a multi-generational business or in your first generation, this event promises something for everyone. From valuable educational sessions, a two-day industry expo to insightful confectionery tours, you’ll leave with new ideas and connections to take your business to the next level.

Mark your calendars now!

This year's candy convention will take place June 16-19, 2025 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky, just across the river from downtown Cincinnati. Over the course of the week, you’ll have the chance to:

• Meet and learn from other candy makers and industry experts.
• Explore the latest products and innovations from exhibitors during the two-day expo.
• Attend educational sessions packed with tips and strategies tailored for the confectionery industry.
• Participate in a full day of confectionery tours to see fellow candy makers in action.

Want to be the first to know when registration opens? 

Signing up for notifications ensures you’ll have access to early-bird registration rates and can start planning your trip well in advance. Whether you’re an RCI member or not, all industry professionals are welcome to join this one-of-a-kind candy convention. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual to sign up and learn more.

While you’re at it, stay connected year-round by signing up for the RCI NewsBrief, our free weekly e-newsletter. Delivered straight to your inbox, it’s packed with updates on the chocolate and candy industry, plus insights on marketing, business trends, and more. Sign up today and stay in the know!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside the best in the confectionery industry. We can’t wait to see you in 2025!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Level-Up Your Candy Business: Register now for RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo

Looking to level-up your candy business? If so, don’t miss RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo at the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024.

Discover what’s new at the Industry Expo

As part of the week-long convention, there will be a two-day expo on June 18 and 19. Explore what's new in the confectionery industry and meet reputable industry suppliers of the following products:

• Ingredients
• Machinery
• Equipment
• Packaging
• Wholesale
• and more!

Click here for full details, including a list of companies exhibiting. Regularly $10 in advance or $25 onsite, register for the Industry Expo for only $5 with promo code “RCIHigh5”.

Education Designed for Candy Businesses

Want to enhance your experience with education? Register for a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 and get ready to be inspired, challenged and equipped with thought-provoking education led by experts in their fields and crafted to meet the unique needs of the retail confectioner.

During the opening education session on Tuesday, June 18, Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation will share insight into how she saved her family’s business from ruin with the sweet revival of its nostalgic brand, made famous for its pecan log rolls. Stephanie will share stories from her upcoming memoir, UnStuck: Revival of an American Icon, and provide insights and tips to anyone looking to add new energy to their lives. With no entrepreneurial experience prior to taking over her family's business, she embraces her weaknesses as opportunities to learn, and she celebrates her strengths. She treats every day as an adventure in which the unexpected is likely to happen, while following her grandfather's and father's ideals: work hard, be fair and have fun.

Wednesday’s education programming will feature engaging roundtable discussions, offering you the chance to delve into topics based on your unique needs and interests. Topics include business operations, candy production, retail and marketing, leadership and more. Additional education will be available to help attendees learn to:

• Share the magic of chocolate with all age groups.
• Transform likes to sales with irresistible social media content.
• Create a lasting legacy with strategies for business succession.

Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19. Click here for full descriptions of the education sessions offered at RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo.

For a comprehensive schedule of the week’s events, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual. While the convention is hosted by RCI, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. Registration is required for education sessions, the Industry Expo and all convention events.  Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Throwback Tip #269: Celebrate National Almond Buttercrunch Day

This buttery and crunchy treat is “one of the finest confections made,” according to Walter Richmond, author of Choice Confections.

With National Almond Buttercrunch Day at the end of June, now is the time to make plans to perfect your recipe or introduce this popular confection into your product line. Keep reading for expert tips on how to achieve the signature crunch as well as a formulation worthy of a national holiday.

So how do you get the perfect crunch? This confection’s signature crunch comes from a high cook temperature and the right formulation of ingredients, namely butter and sugar. Typically made by caramelizing sugar with butterfat at a high temperature of 290-300° F. Equally important, the ratio of butter and sugar will have an effect of the grain of the crunch. Richmond recommends 37-42 percent butter and 63-58 percent sugar (nuts excluded) for the confection to gradually become softer and melt in your mouth when eating.

Use the following formulation to adapt this classic recipe in your own candy kitchen.

Click here to download formulation

Whether it’s the crunch or rich buttery goodness, consumers love buttercrunch enough to honor it with a national holiday. If you’re looking for opportunities to learn more about improving your buttercrunch and other candy recipes, connecting with fellow candy makers is one of the best ways to do so. It’s not too late to register for RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Hartford, Connecticut June 3-7, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Attend RCI’s two-day Industry Expo for only $5 with promo code RCIHigh5. Click here to register online today!

As always, attending RCI’s Industry Expo is free to members! Extend your stay and we’ll extend the early-bird discount to offer you the best value! Register now and save $100 on the Convention Pass or 3-Day Pass when you use the promo code SAVE100.

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tip # 228: Get More at RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo

We're giving you more than ever before at RCI's 2017 Annual Convention & Industry Expo at The Westin Lombard! In addition to the same great benefits of attending as a candy maker or a supplier, we're giving you more in terms of education, tours and networking! Keep reading for reasons why you don't want to miss out on this event!

More Education

For as long as RCI has existed, education has played an integral role in the convention experience. This year, attendees can expect a more individualized educational experience with the addition of new one-on-one appointments and interactive workshops.

RCI members looking for solutions to problem candies or to maximize their social media presence, have the opportunity to schedule personal 30-minute consultations during our new one-on-one appointments. Consultations are exclusively available to RCI members registered for the event and are available by appointment only. View retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information on how to schedule a consultation.

Also new for 2017, two interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with the tools needed to successfully engage consumers and to create a pipeline of new and innovative products. Workshops are exclusive to Convention Pass holders, interested parties may reserve their seats when registering. Space is limited.

More Tours

One of the most popular components of RCI events are the behind-the-scenes tours, which take place on the final two days of the week. This June, RCI tours will include eight tour locations.

• Albanese Confectionery
• Arway Confections
• Barry Callebaut
• Blommer Chocolate Co.
• Long Grove Confectionery Co.
• Morkes Chocolates
• Primrose Candy Co.
• Savage Bros. Co.

See what chocolate looks like at every step of the process, how state-of-the-art confectionery machinery is built and experience candy production from hand-dipped chocolates to full-scale robotics. Each tour location has been selected to help attendees gain a new perspective of the craft and inspire new ideas to use in their own retail stores.

More Networking

After the conclusion of the first meeting of retail confectioners, attendees recognized the value in connecting with industry colleagues to share ideas and learn from each other. Since that time, these relationships have been a driving force in the continuation of our association.

No doubt, one's 100th anniversary is cause for celebration! We have scheduled more social events to mark RCI's significant milestone anniversary and make it easy for attendees to mingle and build relationships. Make plans now to attend the following new social events for 2017, included in the Convention Pass, 3-Day Pass or A La Carte (as a package or as individual tickets).

New Networking Events For 2017:

   Welcome Reception
   Monday, June 12 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
   Reconnect with industry friends and meet new colleagues as we gather together for this
   opening reception to kick off the convention week.

   100th Anniversary Gala

   Wednesday, June 14 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
   Celebrate RCI's rich history in grand fashion during our 100th Anniversary Gala. Relive
   memories of the past through a visual tribute while enjoying a five-course meal, live music
   and dancing.

   The Finale Reception

   Thursday, June 15 | 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
   Watch the 1920s come to life during this fun, interactive farewell reception and murder
   mystery party! An experience you'll never forget, attendees get the chance to play a role in
   a murder mystery, win prizes at the gaming tables, have their likenesses drawn by a
   caricature artist and more!

Be part of this historic event by celebrating with us! Register at retailconfectioners.org/annual by April 28 and save $100!

Stay connected with RCI through Facebook for more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tip #181: Get to Indy!

Click here for more information.

Are you a candy maker or chocolatier? Don’t miss RCI’s Annual Convention &Industry Expo in Indianapolis June 20-24, 2016.

Here’s 4 Quick Reasons Why You Should Get to Indy!

1. Touch, smell and even taste products from some of the industry’s best suppliers at RCI’s Industry Expo. When shopping for a piece of equipment, nothing beats the experience of seeing that enrober purr like a kitten right in front of your eyes. The same goes for examining packaging samples in your hands or taste-testing different varieties of chocolates until you find the perfect fit.

2. Something magical happens at RCI events. There’s a buzz of shared ideas and experiences throughout the week. This is a great way for candy makers of all levels of experience and expertise to get new recipe ideas, troubleshoot with suppliers, get ideas for your next promotion and make connections with other industry professionals.

3. Sharpen your skills and your knowledge with relevant education sessions designed for retail confectioners and taught by industry experts. Learn how advancements in technology allow business owners to operate a business by their fingertips and how industry innovations can lead to increased efficiency, just to name a few.

4. One of the most popular components of any RCI event are the behind-the-scenes tours. Through guided tours of manufacturing facilities and sneak peeks of storage rooms, awaits ideas and inspiration ready to catch fire. Nowhere else can you experience this level of idea-sharing. 

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.