NCA opens nominations for 2026 industry awards
The nomination deadline is Friday, October 3.
Credit: Alexas Fotos / Pexels
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) is accepting nominations for its 2026 industry awards, which will be presented during the State of the Industry Conference, held March 8–10, 2026 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.
The nomination period for all awards closes Friday, October 3, 2025.
Two Confectionery Leadership Awards will recognize retail and wholesale professionals—including buyers, category managers, and executives—for excellence in business collaboration, category management, and in-store merchandising. Nominations may be submitted by employees of NCA member companies or fellow retailers.
The Woman of Influence Award, presented by NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, honors a woman in the confectionery industry who demonstrates leadership, mentorship, and a record of professional success. The award highlights individuals who support the advancement of women across the industry. Nominations are open to all members of the confectionery community.
The Candy Dish Awards celebrate collaboration between manufacturers and the broker/sales agent community.
The Golden Candy Dish Award recognizes a broker or sales agent who has made a lasting contribution to the confectionery category. Nominations may be submitted by brokers or manufacturers.
The Silver Candy Dish Award honors a broker or sales agency partner in a sales, marketing, or management role whose career reflects a commitment to category growth. Only employees of NCA broker member companies may submit nominations for this award.
Two Confectionery Leadership Awards will recognize retail and wholesale professionals—including buyers, category managers, and executives—for excellence in business collaboration, category management, and in-store merchandising. Nominations may be submitted by employees of NCA member companies or fellow retailers.
The Woman of Influence Award, presented by NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, honors a woman in the confectionery industry who demonstrates leadership, mentorship, and a record of professional success. The award highlights individuals who support the advancement of women across the industry. Nominations are open to all members of the confectionery community.
The Candy Dish Awards celebrate collaboration between manufacturers and the broker/sales agent community.
The Golden Candy Dish Award recognizes a broker or sales agent who has made a lasting contribution to the confectionery category. Nominations may be submitted by brokers or manufacturers.
The Silver Candy Dish Award honors a broker or sales agency partner in a sales, marketing, or management role whose career reflects a commitment to category growth. Only employees of NCA broker member companies may submit nominations for this award.
All awards will be presented on Sunday, March 8, during a recognition ceremony at the 2026 State of the Industry Conference. The event will also feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, the release of NCA’s proprietary State of Treating report, and retailer-hosted roundtables known as Treat & Greets.
More information can be found at www.CandyUSA.com/SOTIC.
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