West Coast confectioners and suppliers might think they’ve hit gold at the Retail Confectioners International (RCI) convention in San Francisco this month.

The 92nd Annual Convention and Industry Expo — which will be held June 11-15 at The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport — marks the start of a week-long schedule of convention events and special tours. Confectioners will be able to attend sessions discussing wine and chocolate pairings as well as the emerging importance of Colombian Cacao Fino de Aroma (fine-flavored cocoa).

Attendees also will have an opportunity to spend two days touring some of San Francisco’s many famed confectionery companies, including the Jelly Belly Candy Co. headquarters and manufacturing facility, the Ghirardelli outlet store, the Blommer Chocolate Co. plant and the Guittard Chocolate Co. factory among others.

“We make a point to be at the RCI convention each year,” says Doug Dressman of Esther Price Candies as well as RCI’s 2nd vice president and 2012 trade show chair. “It’s great to meet our suppliers and see their new products in person. Also, the connections we make through networking at RCI events are invaluable to our company. I encourage all confectionery industry professionals to make the RCI convention and tradeshow a priority.”

RCI hosts the free trade show in a different North American location each year, and RCI Executive Director Kelly Brinkmann says the Springfield, Mo.-based trade association is happy to bring this year’s event to the Golden State.

“We are excited to provide an opportunity for confectioners on the West Coast to meet face to face with industry suppliers and with each other,” Brinkmann says. “Chocolate and candy manufacturers on the West Coast are innovators and we’re looking forward to connecting with them and creating a forum for idea-sharing for members from across the country and into Canada.”

For tickets, registration information and the full convention schedule, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual.