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

###

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.

RCI Board President Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier presents Chuck Phelan of Barry Callebaut U.S.A. (left) with the 2025 Henry J. Bornhofft Award.

COVINGTON, KY – June 18, 2025 - Retail Confectioners International (RCI), a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, proudly presented Chuck Phelan of Barry Callebaut U.S.A. with the 2025 Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award during its Annual Convention & Industry Expo.

Each year, the RCI Board of Directors selects a member of the confectionery industry who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty, friendship and meaningful contributions to the industry. This year, that honor went to Chuck Phelan—a name well known and respected by confectioners across the country. An active member of RCI, Phelan has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors and participated on several committees. But beyond his service, it’s the way he approaches his work that sets him apart.

“It is a great honor to receive the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award,” said Phelan. “There are so many distinguished winners of this award over the years that I am extremely grateful to be this year's recipient. It means a great deal to give back to the industry that I have been involved in for the last 29 years. Thank you to the Board and to those folks that I have had the pleasure to work with over my career. RCI is a truly special association, and I am thankful and blessed that I work with so many great people.”

“Chuck is an incredible supporter of this association and the confectionery industry as a whole,” said Angie Burlison, RCI Executive Director. “His loyalty and commitment are commendable, and we were privileged to present him with this award recognizing his contributions.”

His impact extends beyond the workplace. As a husband, father and mentor, Phelan has taught others—especially his sons—that success is something you build through dedication, perseverance and heart.

“Chuck makes it personal,” said Kristi Hollis, Senior Sales Manager at Barry Callebaut. “He remembers birthdays, anniversaries—he genuinely cares. That’s what sets him apart.”

The Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award was established by the RCI Board of Directors in 1985. Each year, a standout supplier member is selected and recognized during RCI’s annual convention for their many years of leadership, loyalty, friendship and significant contributions to the confectionery industry.

For more information about Retail Confectioners International, visit retailconfectioners.org.

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

###

Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is a not-for-profit trade association serving the confectionery industry.  Based in Springfield, MO, 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.