The Well Oiled Machine: Run Your Retail Business More Efficiently
Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shopkeeper
Tuesday, June 17 | 9:00 AM

Want to boost your candy shop’s success? Learn how to build systems and processes that make your retail business run smoothly. Take away proven strategies from a retail expert with over a decade of experience in business mentorship and profitability. This session will give you practical, actionable insights to improve time management, delegate tasks and boost efficiency. Plus, a Q&A session gives you an opportunity to get advice tailored to your unique challenges. Don’t miss this chance to grow your retail business!

Kathy Cruz, founder of Savvy Shopkeeper, is a dedicated guide for small business owners in retail. Drawing from her experience as a former home décor and gift shop owner, she offers advice on the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, sharing practical tips to help fellow entrepreneurs with the ups and downs of running a retail business.

As the host of Master Shopkeepers, a mastermind group for brick-and-mortar store owners. Kathy fosters a supportive space where independent retailers can connect, learn, and develop skills to thrive in today’s market. With a relatable and down-to-earth style, Kathy speaks at industry events on creating a business you love, focusing on growth, profitability, systems, and resilience. Join Kathy and explore how your passion for retail can be a pathway to both personal satisfaction and financial success.

Candy Clinic
RCI Member Exclusive
Tuesday, June 17  │  3:30 PM

Candy Makers: Bring your best ideas, from product and packaging innovations to new holiday creations! Compete for the most votes from your peers and take home a trophy!

This session will give you creative ideas for your store as fellow RCI members share during a short presentations about their best products, packaging and marketing. Attendees vote for their favorite entrants and awards are presented to winners at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening. Awards will also be given for the Best First-Time Entrant and President's Choice. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Categories include:

• Best Summer Idea
• Best Fall Idea
• Best Christmas Idea
• Best Valentine's Day Idea
• Best Easter Idea
• Best Marketing/Merchandising Idea
• Best Packaging Idea
• Best New Piece
• Best Innovation
  

Kettle Talk
RCI Member Exclusive
Wednesday, June 18  |  9:00 AM

Unlock the secrets to making exceptional confections during this open forum discussion. Come with your questions and expect to cover topics ranging from production, marketing and merchandising to business operations and more. Participants may submit questions at the registration desk in advance or pose questions directly to the group during the session. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Label Smarter: Candy Labeling 101
Chuck Mullen, Met Speed Label
Wednesday, June 18 | 2:00 PM

Join labeling expert Chuck Mullen for a must-attend session on candy labeling. With 40 years of experience, Chuck will break down labeling laws and regulations, ingredient listings and nutrition requirements in a clear, practical way. Learn who is required to label products, how to create eye-catching designs and tips for efficient production. Stay compliant and make your candy stand out—don’t miss this essential session!

Chuck Mullen has been involved with food labeling and design for 40 years. His expertise covers label design as well as efficient label production. He has extensive knowledge of labeling laws and regulations.

Exploring Confections Made with Alternative Sugars & Vegan Ingredients
Willow Chan and Josh Johnson, Guittard Chocolate Company
Wednesday, June 18 | 3:00 PM

Reach new audiences by adjusting your confections to meet today's consumer. This session dives into working with alternative sugars and vegan ingredients, exploring their impact on flavor and performance. Taste confections made with a variety of sugars and compare vegan and traditional ganache. Gain insights to expand your offerings and meet the growing demand for innovative sweets.

Willow Chan is an R&D Scientist at Guittard Chocolate Company, where she has over five years’ experience working in both quality control and research and development capacities. She holds a B.S. in Food Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and an M.S. in Food Science from Ohio State University.

Josh Johnson began his pastry career as a teenager in his uncle’s pastry shop, and honed his skills training under top pastry chefs like Sébastien Canonne, M.O.F., En-Ming Hsu, World Pastry Champion, and François Payard. He was Executive Pastry Chef at Everest in Chicago, co-owner of Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts in Geneva, Illinois, an instructor at The French Pastry School and Head Pastry Chef at Destination Kohler in Kohler, Wisconsin. Josh has competed in and won the National Pastry Team Championship and earned medals at the 2012 World Pastry Championship and the 2015 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie. As a pastry chef with Guittard Chocolate Company, Josh brings his celebrated craft, artistry and palate in developing new recipes and ideas with Executive Pastry Chef Donald Wressell. He is inspired by chocolate’s endless flavors and versatility.

Roundtable Discussions: Conversations for Candy Businesses
Wednesday, June 18 │ 4:00  PM

Back by popular demand!

You choose the topics that best fit your unique needs and interests. During this hour-long session, participants will have the opportunity to join different small groups to discuss specific topics relevant to confectionery business.