
Conference Agenda
Theme: Taking Flight Into the Future
Join us for an unforgettable experience of innovation, networking, and industry insights!
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM – Registration Opens
Kick off your conference experience by getting checked in.
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM – New Members Reception
A warm welcome for our newest members—network, meet, and mingle with the industry’s brightest minds.5:30 PM - 7:00 PM – Welcome Reception
Let the networking begin! Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and a chance to connect with peers in a relaxed setting.Dinner on your own – Explore local dining options or join your fellow members.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Breakfast
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day.
8:00 AM – Chairman Welcome
Our Chairman will open the conference with a warm welcome and highlight exciting moments ahead.8:15 AM - 10:30 AM – Business Session: Automation in Manufacturing
Stay ahead of the curve as industry leaders explore how automation is revolutionizing candy manufacturing.10:30 AM - 10:45 AM – Networking Break
Grab a coffee and connect with fellow attendees.
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM – Business Session: AI & Cybersecurity
Gain insights into how AI and Cybersecurity are reshaping industry and what you need to do to be prepared.12:30 PM - 1:30 PM – NCA Luncheon
Enjoy a delicious lunch and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers.
Dinner on your own – More opportunities to explore the city or dine with fellow conference-goers!
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Golf Tournament
Tee off with industry professionals at Champion sea side course at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort in Los Peñasquitos Canyon —your own personal caddy included!10:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Pickleball Tournament
We’re excited to bring Pickleball to our activities! Get your game on and in an exciting and fun tournament.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM – Lunch Buffet
Delicious lunch with your peers, with plenty of time for networking! (Golf & Pickleball Awards)5:00 PM - 10:00 PM – Miramar Off-Site Event
Location: MCAS MiramarParticipate in an exclusive event at this iconic Marine Corps Air Station, the former home of the Navy's TopGun training school. Enjoy an unforgettable evening.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Breakfast
Start your final day of the conference with a fresh, energizing breakfast.8:00 AM - 8:45 AM – WCA Annual Business Meeting
Catch up on the latest updates and exciting developments within the Western Candy Association.8:45 AM - 9:30 AM – NCA Updates: The View from Washington
Stay informed with a critical update on the latest developments in Washington, D.C.9:30 AM - 11:30 AM – Supplier Tabletop
Discover new products and innovations from top suppliers. This offers a unique opportunity to have direct discussions with candy manufacturer owners and senior leadership teams. It’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and discover new opportunities!11:30 AM - 12:30 PM – Keynote Speaker: Colonel Herrmann from MCAS Miramar
Get inspired by Colonel Herrmann’s leadership insights and stories from the Marine Air Corps.6:00 PM - 10:00 PM – Closing Reception with Live Music (8:30 PM - 10:00 PM)
End the conference on a high note with live music, dancing, and unforgettable conversations.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in the candy industry, gain valuable knowledge, and have some fun along the way!