Member Benefits at a Glance

  • Member directory and website listing
  • Monthly newsletter and member communications
  • Discount registration for production conference
  • Ability to reserve a booth space for supplier exhibition
  • Ability to register for in-person short courses
  • Ability to register for a variety of virtual learning options many which are free to members
  • Unlimited access to proceedings database containing papers, videos and presentation slides on various confectionery topics
  • Networking opportunities
  • Job postings for your company
  • Contribution and recognition opportunities
  • Join a committee – learn, network and drive activity

Interested in learning more? Browse through our detailed lists of member facts and highlights.

  • The PMCA Annual Production Conference is the association’s signature event and is known as one of the premier technical conferences in the world.
  • The conference is attended by 700+ industry personnel both domestic and international.
  • The conference includes a half-day supplier exhibition including a hosted lunch and cocktail reception.
  • The conference features a half-day Basics and Beyond training series on varying technical processes which includes live demonstrations and tasting samples.
  • The PMCA Annual Golf Tournament is held each year prior to the start of the conference, weather permitting.
  • The Tuesday evening dinner includes a reception, award presentations and a dinner speaker.
  • PMCA distributes its highly-anticipated candy bag following the Tuesday dinner. The candy bag is a robust collection of packaged candy donations from many companies.
  • Full conference registrants receive access to conference proceedings (papers, videos, presentations) in our online database when published in the late summer/early fall.
  • PMCA short courses in confectionery technology provide a mix of classroom and practical, hands-on learning experiences.
  • The courses are usually two to three-and-a-half days in duration and are held at the facilities of a confectionery manufacturer or an approved university facility. They are conducted by well-qualified instructors who are recognized experts.
  • Students receive a certificate of completion and a set of comprehensive course materials.
  • Visit our short course page to learn more.
  • PMCA’s Research Committee oversees one of the association’s core areas. It provides grant-in-aid for confectionery-related research projects at leading universities with top food science and related programs. Results of the funded research are available free to PMCA members, and are often presented at the annual production conference.
  • This committee hosts a webinar series on topics of importance to the confectionery and related industries. Webinars are typically complimentary for member companies.
  • The Student Outreach Program was developed in 2007 during the PMCA centennial year. The program is designed to engage young participants in various industry activities through participation in the PMCA Annual Production Conference.
  • Student program offers include:
    • Complimentary attendance for the full conference
    • Copy of the Basics and Beyond Technical Resource Volume I
    • Networking opportunities with industry professionals
    • Mentor program
    • Certificate of program participation recognition from the PMCA president
    • Special student recognition during the conference
  • Many students have gained employment in the industry through the PMCA student program.