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.

3 Ways RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo Will Help You Rock Your Candy Business

Wanna ROCK your candy business or chocolate shop? Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is cranking up the volume for the 2018 Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Cleveland, Ohio on June 18 through 22. Keep reading for three ways attending RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo will help you ROCK your candy business.

Education That Rocks

Get ready to rock with an energetic, interactive and funny keynote designed for the retail confectioner. Discover how to reinvent and revolutionize your candy business using innovative success secrets that created household names like The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Tina Turner and Aerosmith. Using the same techniques as these bona fide rockstars, attendees will learn how to:

• Create a grand vision
• Channel uniqueness into huge growth
• Use the three keys of awesome teamwork
• Build an action-oriented culture
• Drive and lead change

In addition to the keynote session “Opportunity Rocks,” attendees will learn how to outshine the competition through two days of education sessions led industry experts on the subjects of merchandising, product development and hiring. Attendees will also have the opportunity to apply key merchandising concepts during a hands-on workshop.

Game-Changing Insight

RCI takes education to the next level through exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Gain a new perspective of your craft while touring the following rockstar local businesses, sure to inspire ideas to take home to your own retail shop.

• B.A. Sweetie Candy Company
• Gorant Chocolatier
• Linnea’s Candy Supplies, Inc.
• Malley’s Chocolates
• Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates
• Popped!
• Sun America LLC
• Tap Packaging Solutions

Rock Star Networking

Join RCI for a red-carpet after party you won’t forget! Dressed as your favorite rockstar, roll VIP-style with private access to all seven floors of exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! Jam with an 80s tribute band, enjoy a hosted bar, capture memories in photos taken by the “paparazzi” and more!

Simply attending this event will expose you to relevant education, inspiring and insightful behind-the-scenes tours and network opportunities fit for rockstars. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn, connect and discover how we can help you build your sweet business!

Registration by April 20 and save $100 on the Convention Pass! Registration is open to RCI members and non-members with industry credentials. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual or call 800-545-5381 for more details.

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.

Tip #177: Meet Up with RCI in 2016!

Visit RCI website for event updates.

With each new year, Retail Confectioners International (RCI) strives to offer exciting new events designed to help candy makers and chocolatiers build sweet businesses. We’re excited for the coming year and hope that you will plan to join us at one (or more) of the following events.

Here are the dates to mark on your calendar:

• February 22-25 – Chocolate Boot Camp® – This popular education course moves to the east coast in 2016, providing a great foundation for working with chocolates. We accept a maximum of 25 students and, with five instructors; it provides a great student-to-teacher ratio and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. Although the course is currently sold out, we will be accepting names for a waiting list.

• April 20-22 –Merchandising Essentials- Designed with the retail candy maker in mind, this course is aimed at equipping students with the tools needed to remain relevant in a competitive industry. Students will learn how to build a consistent brand image, create an effective promotion, assemble attractive gift baskets, manage engaging social media content and more.

• June 20-24 – Annual Convention & Industry Expo – We’re excited to be in Indianapolis, Indiana for our biggest event of the year. From a confectionery industry expo to quality education sessions and networking to behind-the-scenes tours, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

• August 10-12 – Caramels, Toffees & Brittles – Dive into the science behind making coveted caramels, toffees and brittles. Topics covered include ingredients, processes, formulas and troubleshooting. Attendees will take home the knowledge and experience needed to add these products to their lineup or improve existing recipes.

• September 21-23 - Fall Regional Conference - Join RCI in the bustling coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Attendees will take in the sights of this beautiful city while connecting with fellow candy makers and industry suppliers. Attendees can expect relevant education sessions, idea sharing through Candy Clinic and behind-the-scenes tours from some of the best candy makers in Canada.

Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on RCI happenings. We’ll see you in 2016! 

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

Annual Convention Videos

Did you miss any of the daily recap videos on our YouTube channel?

Check them out here!

2011 Annual Convention - Tour Day 2

The last day of the convention we spent touring an additional four area candy stores. It was so wonderful of each of these stores to host us and show us their behind-the-scenes areas. Enjoy these photos as a sneak peak of what our members enjoyed.

Philadelphia Candies:

Daffin's Candy:

Rosalind Candy Castle:

Anderson's Candies:

2011 Convention - Tour Day 1

Convention attendees had the opportunity to visit a number of Pittsburgh area candy stores Wednesday as well as a packaging facility. Stay tuned for a recap video
of the day. Until then, enjoy some pictures!

Dorothy's Candies:

Sarris Candies:

Duerr Packaging:

Andy's Candies: