RCI Candy Convention Debuts in 2026 with a New Name

SPRINGFIELD, MO – September 12, 2025 – Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is proud to announce the debut of the RCI Candy Convention, set for June 8–11, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

RCI has hosted annual conventions for more than a century, bringing professional candy makers and suppliers together since its very first event in 1917. Formerly known as the Annual Convention & Industry Expo, the event’s new name is designed to be clearer and more inviting to candy makers, chocolatiers, suppliers and retailers.

“RCI Candy Convention says exactly what it is—an event dedicated to our industry,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “This change will help us reach a broader audience while creating even more value for exhibitors and attendees.”

The RCI Candy Convention will feature:

• Education sessions with practical takeaways designed for retail confectioners
• Two days of exhibits (June 9–10) featuring equipment, packaging, ingredients, chocolate and more
• Confectionery tours that showcase local candy businesses and spark new ideas
• Networking events that go beyond business, creating shared experiences and new collaborations

RCI will also introduce new expo hours in 2026—Tuesday, June 9 from 1:00–5:00 PM and Wednesday, June 10 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. The new schedule is designed to make the expo more accessible for exhibitors and for area candy makers to attend and explore. Suppliers are now invited to reserve booth space for the expo.

“The expo is always a favorite part of the convention,” Burlison added. “It’s a chance for candy makers to meet suppliers in person, try out equipment and sample products that could help grow their business.”

Registration details and a full agenda will be available in the coming months. Interested attendees can sign up to be the first notified when registration opens at retailconfectioners.org/candyconvention.

Contact:

Lacey Hesse, Marketing Manager
lacey@retailconfectioners.org
417-883-2775

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Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is a not-for-profit trade association serving the confectionery industry. Based in Springfield, Missouri, RCI has represented the interests of confectionery manufacturing retailers and promoted public interest in these products for over 100 years. RCI provides a forum for confectioners to network, share ideas and develop their candy-making and entrepreneurial skills. For more information, please visit www.retailconfectioners.org.