The Candy Men Can! All Candy Expo, Chicago
The National Confectioners’ All Candy Expo is the most fun trade show I’ve attended. Since I enjoy painting candy, it was a great way to view (and sample) new still-life possibilities. Therapy and writing conferences might be stimulating, but they can’t compete. Held in Chicago at McCormick Place, May 20 - 23, 08, ACE also gave me a chance to spend more time in the US’s friendliest city. (A blog entry, "Chicago, My Kind of Town," coming next!)
All types of goodies were represented at ACE, and my favorite exhibitors (in no specific order) included:
Jelly Belly (beans)
Necco (hearts)
Pure Fun (candies)
Mama Mellace’s Naturals (nuts)
Melville Candy (lollipops)
Choclatique (organic hand-painted chocolate)
MarebluNaturals (crunch cubes)
Little i (mints)
Jelly Belly’s 110th Anniversary Party, hosted by Herm Rowland (Chairman of the Board), topped the list of most unusual entertainments and show hightlight. David Garibaldi, whose father happens to work for the company, put on an outstanding performance.
Garibaldi paints, dances, delights and amazes with his stunning portraiture. He’s also fun to talk to! At the end of the evening, guests went home with a Waterford Crystal commemorative Jelly Bean (that I’ll treasure)!
Despite ACE’s festive atmosphere, more serious political divides still weighed on some attendees’ minds…
