Associations & Tradeshows

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kathleen Vreeken on January 8, 2010 at 10:32am

Andy,

The Philadelphia National Candy Gift & Gourmet Show (www.phillycandyshow.com) is being held this year on January 10 - 12 at the convention center in Atlantic City, NJ. I think that this is the 121st year of the show. It is a trade show only with lots of seminars. I'm attending for the first time this year and will be able to tell you more when I get back. I hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Andy Ciordia on January 28, 2010 at 5:38pm

Did you have fun? How'd it go (the candy show that is)?

Permalink Reply by Tracey Downey on January 11, 2010 at 8:44pm

Hi Andy,

There are several resources out there. Trade Shows/Associations are listed in the Manufacturing Confectioner Magazine or at their website www.gomc.com. Chocolate Shops are listed extensively on www.Chocomap.com it is a site created by Pam Williams of EcoleChocolat.com fame.

Hope this helps you,
Tracey

Permalink Reply by Gretchen Tartakoff on January 19, 2010 at 7:55pm

If you narrow down what niche you want to create for yourself, that helps you figure out which Tradeshow or Organization to align with. From experience, I'm finding they each promote your business in a unique way. Only you can figure out which one is a good fit.
Since I only bake for retail at Valentines Day, selling 'Chocolate Parties to Go', yet organize and promote the Bucks County Chocolate Show, I wanted to be part of an organization or Trade Show that advocates for quality, compassion for the Artisanal inspiration, and respect for The World of Chocolate all the way down to the soil the trees are grown in. There's some like World Cocoa Society, yet more reasonable for my business size right now is Fine Chocolate Industry Assoc.
Have you checked out Retail Confectioners International...