Sunday, June 15, 2025

4:00-5:30 PM

Registration & Welcome Reception, 1st Floor Lobby
Reception sponsored by Blommer Chocolate Company

Start convention week with a warm welcome, sponsored by Blommer Chocolate Company! Arrive on Monday to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and lots of sweet connections. Mingle with fellow attendees while you check in—the perfect way to start the week!

7:30-9:00 PM

Next Generation Event (RCI Member Exclusive), Smoke Justis
Reception sponsored by IRCA Group Americas

RCI members in their twenties and thirties are invited to meet up for happy hour. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and entertainment while getting to know the next generation of industry leaders. This reception will be held in a private event space at Smoke Justis, known for smooth bourbon and smoked meats. RSVP required

7:30 AM-3:00 PM

Registration Desk Open, 1st Floor Lobby

Welcome Breakfast & Annual Membership Meeting,  Event Center II             

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

Opening Session: The Well Oiled Machine: Run Your Retail Business More Efficiently, Event Center II
Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shopkeeper

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Industry Expo, Event Center I

Explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and connect with industry suppliers of ingredients, machinery and equipment, packaging, wholesale and more.

12:00-1:00 PM

Reception on Expo Floor, Event Center I

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

Dessert Bar sponsored by Guittard Chocolate Company

1:00-2:00 PM

2:00-3:00 PM

3:30-5:30 PM

Candy Clinic (RCI Member Exclusive), Event Center II

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

9:00-11:00 PM

Sweet Meet, Marriott Riverview III - Lobby Level

Stop by RCI's networking reception hosted by RCI's Board President, Greg Power of Las Olas Confections and Snacks.

7:30-9:00 AM

Breakfast, Event Center II

Breakfast is included with the purchase of a Conference Pass, Education Pass or 1-Day Education Ticket

Registration Desk Open, 1st Floor Lobby

Kettle Talk Open Discussion (RCI Member Exclusive), The Learning Center

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.

10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Industry Expo, Event Center I

Explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and connect with industry suppliers of ingredients, machinery and equipment, packaging, wholesale and more.

12:00-1:00 PM

2024-2025 Board & Board Spouses' Lunch (RSVP required), Room #2

1:30-2:00 PM

Boxed Chocolate Exchange, Event Center I

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.

2:00-3:00 PM

Education: Label Smarter: Candy Labeling 101, The Learning Center
Chuck Mullen, Met Speed Label

3:00-4:00 PM 

4:00-5:00 PM

Education: Roundtable Discussions, Event Center II

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.

7:00-11:00 PM

Awards Banquet, Ballroom
 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 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 Convention Center Lobby

• Aglamesis Bros., Inc. 
• Graeter's, Inc. 
• Schneider's Sweet Shop

6:30-9:30 PM

Farewell Event, The Learning Center
Sponsored by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate

Celebrate the end of an epic convention week with a fun farewell event, sponsored by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. One last evening to mingle and make memories with fellow attendees, while enjoying a hilarious interactive show highlighting different generations, plus snacks and drinks.