National Technical Seminar Registration
AACT’s National Technical Seminar will take place September 28-30, 2026 at the Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook, Illinois.
Schedule and Information
Visit our Schedule page for the detailed program. In addition to educational presentations, the 2026 seminar will include:
Optional Candy Demonstration
An optional candy demonstration will take place at the hotel Monday afternoon, beginning at 1:00 pm. Experts will demonstrate techniques and best practices, giving participants practical tips to take with them. The session will include time for participant Q&A. An extra fee is required; please choose “demo” option to select this add-on.
Iron Confectioner Competition will take place at the hotel on Wednesday afternoon. Two three-member teams will each create three different types of confections in one hour based on a secret ingredient. The confections will then be evaluated by a three-member panel of judges for originality, flavor and appearance.
Supplier tabletops will take place on Tuesday afternoon and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All supplier personnel must be registered for the conference and paid in full. Electricity is available by prior arrangement; please note your electricity needs when registering for the tabletop. Shipping information is available by clicking here.
Hotel reservations must be made directly with the Hyatt Lodge. Click here to reserve your room now, or call +1 (630) 568 1234 and ask for the AACT 2026 National Technical Seminar room block to receive the group rate. Staying in the group room block helps us keep your seminar costs low — we appreciate your support.
Grants Available
The Allured Fund for Confectionery Education provides grants to those who would like to attend but are unable due to financial hardships. Grants are open to any individual residing in the United States. For information on applying for the grants or for contributing to the fund: www.gomc.com/AlluredFund
Pricing
Registration Fees: Earlybird price (before Aug. 21) / Paid after Aug. 21
Regular (non-member) registration fee: $690 / $740
National Chapter Member reduced fee: $580 / $630
Student fee (accredited, post secondary): $200 / $250
Supplier Table: $315 / $415
Optional Demo: $50 / $75
No refunds will be given on registration cancellations made after Aug. 21, 2026. Registrations cancelled prior to Aug. 21st will be refunded the full amount paid, minus a $50 administrative fee.