Sunday, June 16, 2024

4:00-6:30 PM

Registration & Welcome Reception,  Lobby
   Sponsored by Blommer Chocolate Company

Kick off an exciting convention week with a warm Buffalo welcome, sponsored by Blommer Chocolate Company. The reception will coincide with registration so you can enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks while mingling with fellow attendees as you arrive.

5:30-6:30 PM

**NEW PROGRAMMING ADDED**
Education: Understanding the World Cocoa Market

All registered attendees are invited to attend a moderated discussion to address questions regarding the current cocoa market. Representatives from RCI chocolate supplier member companies will share insight on recent history of cocoa yields, its affects on pricing and more.

7:30-9:00 PM

Next Generation Event (RCI Member Exclusive), Off-Site
  Sponsored by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate

RCI members in their twenties and thirties are invited to hit the lanes at a boutique bowling alley. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while getting to know the next generation of industry leaders. RSVP required.

7:30 AM-3:00 PM

Registration Desk Open, Lobby

Welcome Breakfast & Annual Membership Meeting, South Hall

RCI members are invited to enjoy breakfast on us while hearing about what's new with RCI.

Opening Session: Getting UnStuck, South Hall
Stephanie Stuckey, Stuckey's Corporation

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Industry Expo, North Hall
Coffee & Tea Station sponsored by Madelaine Chocolate Company

New Member Welcome on Expo Floor, North Hall

By special invitation, RCI Board President Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier will welcome our newest members on the expo floor.

12:00-1:00 PM

Reception on Expo Floor, North Hall - Row 500

Join us on the expo floor to mingle and enjoy light fare during this networking reception, compliments of RCI.

2:00-3:30 PM

3:30-5:30 PM

Candy Clinic (RCI Member Exclusive), South Hall

Sweet Meet, *Hyatt Regency Buffalo, Regency Ballroom (Mezzanine)

Stop by RCI's networking reception hosted by RCI's Board President, Jeffery Smith of Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

Breakfast, South Hall

Registration Desk Open, Lobby

Education: Roundtable Discussions: Conversations for Candy Businesses,  South Hall

10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Industry Expo, North Hall
Coffee & Tea Station sponsored by Madelaine Chocolate Company

12:00-1:00 PM

2023-2024 Board & Board Spouses' Lunch (RSVP required), Room 109

2:00-3:00 PM

Concurrent Education Sessions: 
You choose the topic that's best for you!

Sharing the Magic of Chocolate with All Age Groups, Room 106
Carmen Romeo, Fascia's Chocolates

Transform Likes to Sales with Social Media Content, South Hall
Jayni Wunderlich, Graham's Chocolates, Ltd.

More to come! Concurrent sessions will also be presented as webinars. Stay tuned for more information following event.

4:00-5:00 PM

Kettle Talk Open Discussion (RCI Members Only), Room 106

5:00-5:15 PM 

Boxed Chocolate Exchange, Room 106

This fun tradition presents the opportunity for candy makers to samples each other's confections and see how they're packaged. Members are encouraged to bring a one-pound box of their assorted chocolates to the registration desk during check in. The boxes will be displayed during the convention week. Participants will have an opportunity to select a box from another member during the exchange.

7:00-11:00 PM

Awards Banquet, South Hall
 Entertainment sponsored by Linnea's Candy Supplies

RCI's sweetest night of the year! Join us as we celebrate highlights of the week and give award recipients a chance to shine and be recognized--including the winner and finalists of the NEW Grand Confection Award! Enjoy a delicious dinner and cap off the evening with music by a live band! 

8:00 AM-4:45 PM**

Buses Leave for Off-Site Tours, 
Depart from Buffalo Convention Center Lobby

• Fowler's Chocolate Co.
• Platter's Chocolate Factory
• Tomric Systems
• Niagara Falls Walking Tour

6:30-9:30 PM

Farewell Event: Sponsored by Guittard Chocolate Company
*Buffalo RiverWorks

Celebrate the end of an epic convention week at Buffalo RiverWorks with a fun Farewell Event, sponsored by Guittard Chocolate Company. One last evening to mingle and make memories with fellow attendees, while enjoying exciting activities, a delicious dinner buffet, drinks and backyard games. For adventure seekers, experience an adrenaline rush on a zipline tour or the two-level urban high ropes course (closed-toe shoes required). Transportation will be provided.

8:00 AM-4:45 PM**

Buses Leave for Off-Site Tours
*Depart from Hyatt Regency Buffalo Lobby

• Antoinette's Sweets
• MOD-PAC, Corp.
• Oliver's Candies