One hundred and ten years ago people gathered from all over the country and even the world to the city of St. Louis for the World’s Fair. The Fair brought excitement through exhibits, innovations, education and even good old fashion fun to attendees.

Angie Burlison
Angie Burlison
Executive Director, Retail Confectioners International

In that same spirit, RCI is hosting its 94th Annual Convention & Industry Expo in this famed “Gateway to the West.” The theme for this event is Innovate, Collaborate & Accelerate. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about innovations on the Expo show floor, collaborate while networking with fellow candy makers and suppliers and accelerate their learning through education sessions.

The week starts with two days of our Industry Expo, a trade show full of industry suppliers, many of which have special deals that are only available during the Expo. On the show floor candy makers are able to connect with current suppliers face to face as well as learn about new products. The Expo is free with industry credentials such as a business card. RCI is committed to connecting candy makers with their suppliers and offering the free Expo does just that.

The convention week also includes educational sessions covering many relevant topics for the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about building customer experiences from Phil Bruno of Treat ‘Em Right at the opening general session along with the following topics during the week:
 

  • Regulations & Food Safety for Retail Confectioners presented by Zara Khaleeli, National Confectioners Association
  • Increase Sales with Online Marketing presented by Brian Pelletier, Kakao Chocolate
  • Political Engagement & the Confectionery Industry presented by Liz Clark, National Confectioners Association
  • A Trip to Origin presented by Courtney LeDrew, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
  • Confessions of a Business Addict presented by Randy Good, Good’s Candy Shop

In addition, both Kettle Talk and Candy Clinic offer the unique opportunity for RCI members to learn from and share ideas with each other.

The last two days of the week will feature visits to area businesses, including behind-the-scenes tours of candy stores. At each store attendees will have the opportunity to learn original ideas that they can take back to their own stores. The tours will include Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co., Kakao Chocolate, Companion Baking and Anheuser-Busch. In addition, tour attendees will get to experience St. Louis history while on “The Hill,” the city’s famous Italian-American neighborhood.  

We hope you take the opportunity to meet us in St. Louis and participate in the 94th Annual Convention & Industry Expo. It is truly an event you won’t want to miss!

Most recent event information can always be found online at retailconfectioners.org/events.

Upcoming RCI Events & Education Courses:

94th Annual Convention & Industry Expo

June 16-20, 2014

St. Louis, Mo.

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch



Creams, Fondants & Fudges Course

August, 2014

Dayton, Ohio


Fall Regional Conference

August 25-28, 2014

Bellagio

Las Vegas


For more information about upcoming RCI events, visit www.retailconfectioners.org/events.