Mike Bianco openly professes that he prefers “talking to machines.”

Once again — as is the tradition at the Kettle Awards — the crowd burst into applause when Crosio read the recipient’s name: Mike Bianco of the Jelly Belly Candy Co.

In addition to presenting Bianco with the pin, I wanted to sit down with him to get his reaction about receiving the award.

By the time the program was set to start, the ULC’s Main Dining Room was full of guests from the confectionery industry anxious to see the nominees and find out who the recipient would be.

Majlen thought she’d initially try her hand at confections for a short period, and then pursue her dreams of going abroad. But a funny thing happened on the way to the candy factory — the young woman found herself loving the work.

First, the crowd was entertained by dancers from Finland’s version of the popular television show, “Dancing with the Stars.”

Three nominees for Candy Industry’s 2014 Kettle Award were selected by the magazine’s Kettle Committee.

The Union League Club's main room was filled with more than 250 guests, who came to celebrate the five nominees.

The ECKC does its over a period of three days, which includes a meet’n greet dinner, a plant tour, a mega reception, and a final farewell tour of the city and sights. In addition, the venue changes each year.

Integrating science with successful business and operational skills has delineated Patrick Huffman’s confectionery career.