What’s New for 2026

  • The event now focuses exclusively on guided tasting sessions—there is no traditional vendor marketplace.
  • Tickets are tasting passes only; every guest attends a pre-seated, timed tasting.

Tasting Sessions

  • Daytime Tastings (Saturday): Five seatings, 250 guests each
    • 45-minute presentation
    • Approximately 20-25 chocolate samples
    • Includes a palate-cleansing salt break and non-alcoholic chocolate beverages
  • After Dark Tastings (Friday & Saturday evenings): Four seatings, 250 guests each
    • Curated chocolate pairings with complementary alcoholic drinks
    • Approximately 4-6 chocolate samples
    • Approximately 4-6 drinks (alcoholic and non)
    • Adults-only (21+); ID required at entry

Partner Levels

  • Silver Partner
    • Provide 1,250 pre-packaged samples (1–2 oz each)
    • Supports all five Saturday daytime tastings
    • Set up Saturday morning; teardown before After Dark
  • Gold Partner
    • Provide 1,000 pre-packaged samples (2–4 oz each)
    • Supports all four After Dark tastings
    • May maintain a staffed display table during every tasting session—daytime and evening
  • Platinum Partner
    • Provide 1,250 daytime samples (1–2 oz) and 1,000 After Dark samples (2–4 oz)
    • Featured in every tasting session
    • Includes all Gold-level benefits plus premium logo placement, four VIP passes, venue banners, and a custom media/filming package

Sample Handling

  • Each sample must be individually portioned in food-safe packaging (logo branding encouraged).
  • Ingredient and allergen information is due two weeks before the event for program inclusion.
  • Samples are delivered to ChocolateFest staff by 2:00 PM on Friday, January 24 (vendor load-in). Late deliveries cannot be accepted.

Setup & Display

  • Silver Partners: tabletop exposure during Saturday daytime tastings.
  • Gold & Platinum Partners: staffed display tables may remain open for all sessions.
  • Each Partner receives one 8-foot skirted table, booth sign, waste bin, and two chairs.
  • Detailed load-in instructions will be provided six weeks before the event.

Why the New Format Benefits Partners

  • Guaranteed Reach: Every guest attends a seated tasting, so your samples are placed directly in front of all attendees—no reliance on walk-up traffic.
  • Larger Tasting Audience: Capacity has expanded, putting your product in front of hundreds more chocolate enthusiasts than before.
  • Far Less Competition: Instead of sharing floor space with well over a hundred mixed vendors, you’ll stand alongside only a select group of chocolate partners.
  • Dedicated Spotlight: Each product is introduced by our tasting host, providing focused, narrated exposure that a standard booth can’t match.
  • Integrated Branding: Your logo and product details appear on tasting-table materials, event signage, and digital promotions, reinforcing your brand at every touchpoint.

Guest Experience

Guests purchase seats in advance, are escorted to reserved tables, and enjoy a guided tasting. This format ensures every Partner’s product reaches every attendee in a focused, seated setting.

How to Apply

Complete the application form below and select your desired Partner level. Our team will review submissions and confirm placement. Sample commitments are locked once acceptance is confirmed.