Registration Opens for 2026 Candy Hall of Fame

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For More Information:

Tamara Davis
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tdavis@priceweber.com

Registration Opens for 2026 Candy Hall of Fame

The three-day event, including the Saturday induction ceremony, will take place October 22–24 in Orlando, Florida

CLEVELAND, Ohio (June 22, 2026) – The NCSA has opened registration for the 55th Candy Hall of Fame, a prestigious event that celebrates and honors 11 industry leaders whose careers have helped shape the confectionery industry. This distinguished class will be formally inducted during the NCSA’s annual gathering, taking place October 22–24 in Orlando, Florida, at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, with the official induction ceremony held on Saturday, October 24.

“The Candy Hall of Fame is about more than recognizing career achievements; it’s about celebrating the people who have helped shape the future of our industry,” said Byard Ebling, NCSA President. “The Class of 2026 represents decades of leadership, innovation and service, and we’re excited to bring together colleagues, friends and family from across the confectionery community to honor their remarkable contributions this October in Orlando.”

The Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2026 consists of Allison Miazga-Bedrick, Mars Snacking; Dale Buys, The Walt Disney Company; Michael Flynn, Stribbons, Inc.; Juan Gallicchio, Thayer Distribution (posthumous); Tim Galloway, Galloway Company; Debra Harris, Shankman & Associates, Inc.; R. “Taz” Murray, Murray Asset Management; Katherine Phegley, Brown & Haley; Kaye Marie Powell, S. Abraham & Sons, Inc.; Michael Sitarz, Elmer Chocolate; and Alan Yarmaloff, CVS Health.

In addition to honoring the Class of 2026, the NCSA will present its Distinguished Service Award to Michael Rosenberg, President & CEO of PIM Brands, Inc., recognizing his decades of leadership, service and commitment to the association.

The weekend will feature a variety of networking, educational and celebratory events, including the Poolside Kickoff Party on Thursday evening, the Leadership Innovation Program and NCSA General Members Meeting on Friday and Saturday’s Candy Hall of Fame festivities, including the Reception, Dinner & Induction Ceremony and Afterparty.

“The Candy Hall of Fame has always been about recognizing extraordinary careers and the relationships that make this industry so unique,” said Teresa Tarantino, Executive Director of NCSA. “We look forward to welcoming attendees to Orlando as we honor the Class of 2026, recognize Michael Rosenberg and celebrate the shared passion and commitment that continue to drive the confectionery industry forward.”

Attendees who register for the Candy Hall of Fame by Friday, September 11, can take advantage of Early Bird rates.

To explore the full weekend agenda, discover sponsorship opportunities, register for this year’s event or submit an inductee congratulations message in the event program, visit www.candyhalloffame.org.

For more details about the NCSA and the Candy Hall of Fame, visit www.candyhalloffame.org.

To download graphics of the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and photos from previous Candy Hall of Fame weekends, click here.

About the NCSA
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA), formed in 1899, is dedicated to Recognition, Fellowship, Education and Mentoring. The NCSA administers the Candy Hall of Fame, the Kettle Awards, and the IMPACT Award. The Candy Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 and recognizes lifetime career achievements in the confectionery industry, with induction based on dedication to the overall betterment of the industry. Established in 1946 by industry publisher Don Gussow, the Kettle Awards annually recognize a deserving individual working within the U.S. confectionery manufacturing industry, while the IMPACT Award honors an individual who has made a recent notable and specific contribution in operations, R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, or similar fields in the confectionery industry.