Plan: 2011 Candy and Confectionery Conference

I've finally got dates pinned down for the upcoming conference - at least as far as the main attraction. Derrick Tu Tan Pho from Callebaut in Montreal has agreed to come and teach us for at least one day of our conference. I've still got to work out the rest of the logistics - but for now it looks like the weekend of May 14th is what we are going to shoot for.

I'm thinking we'll do the Friday, Saturday and Sunday (so the 13rd, 14th and 15th). Maybe for a side trip we could join all the bikers up in Port Dover for Friday the 13th - just kidding!

The profs at the college are already getting excited about making a meal for us again - hopefully we won't have any issues with the dates we have and their previous obligations.

How about some thoughts on what people are interested in doing and learning this year so we can start to come up with a plan.

Chris Hennes edited to add the following from Kerry:

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:

Location: in or around Niagara on the Lake, Ontario (Canada)

Dates: May 13–15, 2011 (tentative)

For the past 2 years we have run a DIY chocolate and confectionery conference for eG members and other interested folk. Everyone is welcome - no experience in chocolate or confectionery required - just a desire to learn and play.

Costs are shared between the participants so they are very reasonable. We put out a little breakfast and lunch on both the Saturday and Sunday. Generally on the Friday we have some sort of outing. Year one - we crossed the border and visited Tomric Plastics to play on the Selmi enrober and have an opportunity to buy equipment and supplies. Year two - we went to Albert Uster and attended an excellent class covering a variety of pastry and confection topics. Not sure what we will do this year - but I welcome suggestions.

On the Saturday evening we have a group meal - I'll be working on the prof's at the college to cook for us again this time.

Previous conferences:

2010 conference (Gaithersburg, MD)

2009 conference (Niagara on the Lake, ON)

Click here for the guidelines under which this event is listed at the eGullet Forums

I think my plus one and I will be there: I need some more practice!

Kerry, where is this being held, exactly?

Y'know, I just got the new Callebaut (Montreal)academy list of courses for this season, and I think it stinks.(professional courses starting on Feb. 14th, Anyone?!!!!) I've met Derrick and I think very highly of him.

Put me down for a maybe. I gotta find a decent B&B or something, but the dates for me work out for now.

I will be there -

Kerry, where is this being held, exactly?

The plan is at Niagara College - Niagara on the Lake Campus - but I'm going to have to firm that up.

What's the best airport to fly into?

What's the best airport to fly into?

I think most of us, if not all, flew into Buffalo. There is an airport shuttle that Erika and I took back to the airport for something like $40 pp.

Yup - Buffalo is closer than Toronto. Only issue might be car rental across the border.

I will be driving if anyone needs transportation

I am planning to attend. Was thinking about driving... but maybe I can ride with RobertM!

About how much will this cost?

About how much will this cost?

Well, there will be the cost of getting here and accommodation (I haven't gotten pricing for the hotel yet). Beyond that I think last time it was around $125 CDN each - and I suspect it will be the same or perhaps a tiny bit more this year. I've got a very busy August - but in September I'll start running around booking everything.

Hi, Kerry!

I was just wondering if this was for the 2011 version of the conference you held in the early part of this year, 2010. I've been speaking with Steve to see if there was going to be information soon and, here it is! Can anyone attend? I'm new to the field so, I'm looking at everything.

When you have more particulars, could you send them to me, please? I'm in L.A. so, it would be cutting into my pocketbook to make the trip and I just wanted to get more info to make sure it was a good fit for me.

Thanks!

Susan

Hi, Kerry!

I was just wondering if this was for the 2011 version of the conference you held in the early part of this year, 2010. I've been speaking with Steve to see if there was going to be information soon and, here it is! Can anyone attend? I'm new to the field so, I'm looking at everything.

When you have more particulars, could you send them to me, please? I'm in L.A. so, it would be cutting into my pocketbook to make the trip and I just wanted to get more info to make sure it was a good fit for me.

Thanks!

Susan

Indeed it is! Of course you are welcome to attend. The particulars will follow in this topic when I sort them all out - so just tune in to check.

We usually run some sort of basic class for those with less experience.

Great! I look forward to hearing the updates!

Thanks so much ~

Susan

Hey Kerry,

I will attend.

Also I can help you organize this if you need me to

Hey Kerry,

I will attend.

Also I can help you organize this if you need me to

You're on!

Hi Kerry - I would like to attend, so if you are starting a list, please put my name on it. I just went through the posts on the 2010 one and was very impressed. I took a chocolate course at Algonquin College (Ottawa) a few years back and have made a few since then, but fall squarely in the novice category with maybe a small + sign beside it. However, I believe beginners like us are welcome too? What happened to all the goodies that were made?

elsieD......we ate them :0) and oooooooooooooh was it good! everyone has such a different flair and palate and eyes for things others don't see...its amazing what happens when you get everyone together, its probably one of my favorite weekends of the yr

Guess I'd better start a list

Pretty Definite Attendees

Chris Hennes +1 (+1 states she is coming with or without him!)

Robert M

curls

dhardy123

ElsieD

Maybe

Edward J

Susan V

I'm in. For one thing, I promised ElsieD that if she went, I would go. Do give me some sort of job to do, Kerry.

Pretty Definite Attendees

Chris Hennes +1 (+1 states she is coming with or without him!)

Robert M

curls

dhardy123

ElsieD

Darianne

Maybe

Edward J

Susan V

ME! ME! ME!

Pretty Definite Attendees

Chris Hennes +1 (+1 states she is coming with or without him!)

Robert M

curls

dhardy123

ElsieD

Darianne

Marmish

Maybe

Edward J

Susan V

prasantrin