If you’re in the confectionery business—whether running a candy store, crafting chocolates, or sourcing sweet treats for retail—the RCI Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Covington, KY is the event you won’t want to miss. Hosted by the Retail Confectioners International association, this gathering is the heart of all things confectionery. It’s where makers, suppliers, and buyers come together for three jam-packed days of learning, networking, tasting, and inspiration.
Imagine discovering the latest flavor trends, meeting ingredient suppliers, and touring iconic candy makers—all in one place.
🗓 When & Where It Happens
- Dates: June 16–19, 2025
- Venue: Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY (just across the river from Cincinnati)
- Event Flow:
- Day 0 (June 16): Registration, welcome reception, supplier showcase preview
- Days 1–2 (June 17–18): Main Expo floor, education sessions, product demos
- Day 3 (June 19): Behind‑the‑scenes tours and wrap‑up breakfast
The location gives a small-town feel with big‑city access—it’s relaxed yet full of opportunity.
Why This Show Is Special
- Laser-focused on confectionery: Whether it’s ingredients, packaging, or retail tips, everything is candy-related
- Education by candy pros: Experts lead sessions on labeling rules, sugar alternatives, vegan options, display ideas, and more.
- Live Supplier Demo Hall: Explore booths with equipment demos, flavor tastings, packaging solutions, and confection-friendly machinery.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Visit local legends like Aglamesis Bros., Graeter’s, and Schneider’s Sweet Shop to see how they do it.
- Networking with purpose: Connect with fellow candy shop owners, chocolatiers, suppliers, and retail buyers in a relaxed environment.
It’s a gathering built by candy people, for candy people—no fluff, just focus.
Who Should Attend
- Independent candy shop owners and chocolatiers
- Confectionery brand founders and marketers
- Suppliers of sugar, flavors, coatings, packaging, and display fixtures
- Equipment vendors and process specialists
- Designers and merchandisers focused on candy presentation
- Regulatory and food‑safety professionals in confectionery
- Retail buyers from specialty, gourmet, and regional store chains
If your business touches candy—be it making, selling, or displaying it—this conference is made for you.
What You’ll Experience
1. Sweet Education Sessions
Topics dive deep into candy labeling, sugar alternatives, dietary trends (e.g., vegan, keto), spell‑binding merchandising ideas, and small-batch production scaling .
2. Supplier Showcase Hall
See the latest in filling machines, flavor drops, coating systems, packaging innovations, and decorative tools. It’s the best place to source seasonal offerings or improve efficiency.
3. Industry Expo Main Show Floor
Hundreds of booths line the hall—each offering tastings, displays, and live demos. Good luck restricting your samples!
4. Behind‑the‑Scenes Tours
Visit local candy legends like Aglamesis Bros. or Schneider’s Sweet Shop to see vintage production lines, try recipes, and chat with long-standing candy makers.
5. Peer Networking
Between demo stations and reception tables, you’ll share tips on seasonal stock, bundling ideas, display rotation tactics, or labor-friendly production schedules.
6. Special Event Gatherings
Evening receptions and casual breakfasts give you the space to compare notes away from the booth bustle—and hit it off with people who get your business.
Top Benefits of Attending
- Stay on top of flavor trends by sampling what’s new before it hits retail shelves
- Source smart suppliers for ingredients, equipment, or themed packaging
- Boost your retail appeal with ideas from merchandisers and design professionals
- Get inspired by seeing how other candy shops and chocolatiers do business
- Build partnerships with suppliers, equipment vendors, or marketing collaborators
- Better navigate compliance with labeling and regulatory sessions tailored to candy makers
If you love candy—or simply want to stay current and competitive—this expo gives you insights and connections you can use this season and beyond.
Cost & Registration Details
- Expo-only passes: Just $10 in advance, $25 at the door (local professionals may get discounts)
- Full Convention Pass: Includes access to all sessions, tours, receptions, and expo hall
- Supplier Showcase Preview: Often included in early registration or higher-tier packages
- Early-bird deals and group discounts: Available for teams and local candy makers
Clear pricing and strong value make it easy to justify attending and returning.
Where to Stay
You have several lodging options nearby:
- Hotels in downtown Covington or Cincinnati—many an easy shuttle away
- Comfortable mid-range chains within a short drive
- Charming bed-and-breakfast experiences in Northern Kentucky
- Vacation rentals for teams or longer stays
Staying north of the river keeps it relaxed and saves on big metro prices.
Getting There & Around
- Airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is just 10 minutes away
- Local transport: Hotel shuttles, ride-share services, taxis, and buses available
- Walking: The convention center is walkable from several downtown hotels
- Parking: Ample on-site and nearby garage space makes events smooth and easy
Pro Tips for Sweet Success
- Plan your sessions and expo map in advance—there’s a lot to cover
- Bring tasting notebooks or devices—capture what stands out and why
- Ask vendors smart questions: pricing tiers, ingredients, minimum runs, labeling support
- Go on at least one candy-maker tour—these are rare behind-the-scenes treats
- Network intentionally at receptions—casual chats often lead to referrals or ideas
- Collect samples and details—bring contact info or QR cards to ease follow-ups
- Follow up quickly after the show—recap tours, request quotes, deepen conversations
Final Thoughts
The RCI Sweets & Snacks Expo in Covington packs a powerful punch for the confectionery community—combining inspiration, knowledge, sourcing, and networking into three memorable days. You’ll leave with new flavor ideas, improved packaging strategies, fresh supplier leads, and lasting connections with people who share your passion.
If candy is your business—or you want it to be—this event delivers experiences, expertise, and enthusiasm you won’t find anywhere else.
To learn more and reserve your spot, visit:
https://www.retailconfectioners.org/page/2025AnnualNotifyMe