Sunday, August 30

9-9:45 AM: Coffee with Joe & Panel

Packaging: Simplex Paper Box, Kevin Feeser

Formulas/Recipes: Linnea’s Candy Supplies, Joe Sofia

Labeling: Met Speed Label, Chuck Mullen

Equipment: Hilliards Chocolate System, Dan Andersen

10-10:45 AM:  Business Talk-  Your “Exit” Plan

 With Dan Petty, Edward Jones Financial Planner

Overview

      What is your succession or current exit plan

            Why should you start exit planning now

            Five steps to help you get started 

11-12 PM: Meltaway Demo with Joe Sofia

Topic: Formulating Meltaway Centers (Fat-based)

• We will demonstrate and share some meltaway recipes
• Discuss some pitfalls to avoid, including poor texture and fat migration
• Discuss how to control softness and firmness, shelf life, and any questions you bring with you

1-2:30 PM:  RCAP Master Confectioner Competition

Watch from the Expo floor the battle of giants

-Barry Callebaut vs Blommer

-Secret ingredient TBD

-Two members per team, 1 Hour to produce two confections using the secret ingredient.

-Judging by Marriott Chef, one Attendee, and one Exhibitor chosen randomly.

2:45 – 3:45 PM:  Coffee with Joe- Don’t Lose Your Temper?

With Joe and co-speaker Bruce will answer the most frequently ask questions

• “I lost my temper”
• We will tackle the tough questions, fat and sugar bloom, cooling and storage.
• Why cocoa butter percentage make a difference and more.

Monday, August 31

9- 9:45 AM:  Coffee with Joe & Panel

New panel member:

Packaging:  Duerr Packaging Sam Duerr

Production: Giambri’s Quality Sweets Dave Giambri

Equipment: PC Molds/Newtown Chocolatier: Doug Haines

Marketing: 37 Chocolates: Estelle Tracy

10-11:00AM: Beyond the Candy Case –

New Revenue Streams for Confectioners

Presented by Yeli Marshall, Yelibelly Chocolates

Explore creative ways confectioners can expand their business, attract new customers, 

and generate additional revenue streams beyond traditional candy sales.

12:30-1:30 PM: Chocolate Talk with Estelle

Back by popular demand Estelle owner of 37 chocolates

Hands-On Round Table Workshop:

Boost Your Sales in 5-Minute Bursts/Sell Smarter, Not Harder

Join Estelle Tracy for a roll-up-your-sleeves session where you won’t just learn — you’ll do. 

This year, AI joins the toolkit, and by the end of this hour, you’ll have already used it.

We’ll start with pen and paper: you’ll identify your top sales channel priorities, because the goal isn’t to do all the things — it’s to do the right things for your business.

From there, we move through a quick audit of your social presence, then into social media, email marketing, and AI, taking action at every step.

You’ll brainstorm content, prompt AI live, and leave with a scripted Instagram Reel ready to record.

1:45-2:45PM: Succession Planning- Replacing Valuable Employees–

 With Ron Hilton, Wolfgang Confectioner

Tuesday September 1

9:00 -10:00 AM: New Limited Addition Round Table Business Forum

“NOTE Maximum participation 20 you must register on line to attend”

 With Joe Crevino and Bruce Smith and other guest moderator will assist:

Main Topics: Business, Marketing & Sales

-Each table will have same topic to discuss amount’s themselves

-Report to group your group suggestion, idea etc.

-Then we rotate and repeat with new topic

-Think out of the box!

Be prepared to take notes