Cocoa Innovation & Derivatives Summit
CIDS 2027 — Where Cocoa Meets Global Innovation
Connecticut Convention Center | November 7–10, 2027
100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, USA — dates confirmed
The first North-East U.S. summit dedicated entirely to cocoa derivatives: cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, advanced nutrition, biomaterials, and the circular economy.
—days to go
Sunday, November 7, 2027 · Hartford
Participation requests are open. Your place will be confirmed by our team after reviewing your request.
Why CIDS?
Cocoa is one of the world's most versatile agricultural resources — yet its derivative potential remains largely untapped at industrial scale. While chocolate dominates public perception, cocoa derivatives hold immense promise across:
- Cosmetics & skincare
- Pharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals
- Functional nutrition
- Biomaterials & biopolymers
- Circular-economy applications
Despite this potential, no dedicated North-East U.S. event has ever brought together cocoa-derivative innovators, producers, researchers, and buyers under one roof. CIDS fills that gap.
Designed as a landmark multi-sector summit, CIDS connects West African producers with North American and European industry leaders, scientists, investors, and policymakers — at the intersection of science, sustainability, and commercial opportunity.
It is the first high-credibility platform exclusively focused on value-added cocoa derivatives.
Join the mailing list below to receive the latest CIDS 2027 program updates, speaker announcements, and partnership opportunities.
The Venue
Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
Opened in 2005 on the banks of the Connecticut River, in the heart of downtown Hartford's Front Street district, the venue is the largest convention center between New York and Boston — a fitting stage for the first summit dedicated to cocoa derivatives.
Official venue of the CIDS 2027 summit: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford.
- 540,000 sq ft
- Largest convention center between New York and Boston
- 140,000 sq ft
- Exhibition space for the thematic pavilions
- 40,000 sq ft
- Ballroom for plenary sessions
- 25,000 sq ft
- Flexible meeting rooms for private B2B sessions
On-site services include in-house catering, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and a large covered parking garage, with hotels, restaurants and Bradley International Airport close by.
Source: ctconventions.com
CIDS 2027 · Program
Four days in Hartford
Full program · PDF (French)Beyond Chocolate: The Future of Cocoa Starts Here
2027 theme : Unlocking the Full Potential of Cocoa-Derived Resources
November 7–10, 2027 · Connecticut Convention Center · All times are local to Hartford (EST, UTC−5).
Set-up, operational preparation & protocol welcome
Set-up, operational preparation & protocol welcome
- 12:00–20:00
Exhibitor set-up, pavilion installation, signage, technical tests, inspections and final preparations
Ballroom B - 14:00–16:00
Early welcome for international delegations
Rooms 21–23 - 16:00–17:00
Meeting of moderators, rapporteurs and scientific coordinators
Rooms 21–23 - 16:00–18:00
Opening ceremony rehearsal and audiovisual tests
Ballroom A - 17:00–18:00
Institutional and protocol coordination
Rooms 21–23 - 18:00–19:00
Final technical checks and session preparation
Rooms 21–23
Local processing, sustainability & quality
Local processing, sustainability & quality
- 08:00–09:00
Welcome, accreditation and badge collection
Ballroom Prefunction - 09:00–10:00
Official opening ceremony and institutional addresses
Ballroom A - 09:00–17:00
Delegation meetings, institutional consultations and bilateral meetings
Rooms 21–23 - 09:00–17:00
International exhibition, pavilions, technical demonstrations, scientific posters, institutional presentations and educational spaces
Ballroom B - 10:00–10:30
Presentation of Cocoa Bridge Alliance Inc., CIDS, the Beyond Chocolate vision and the official 2027 theme
Ballroom A - 10:30–11:00
Official coffee break and inaugural exhibition visit
Ballroom Prefunction - 11:00–12:00
Panel 1 — Local Processing & Cocoa Derivatives
Ballroom A - 11:00–12:00
Technical workshops: processing, industrial technologies, quality standards and technical cooperation
Rooms 24–27 - 12:00–13:00
Official networking lunch
Ballroom C - 13:00–14:30
Panel 2 — Sustainability & Traceability
Ballroom A - 14:30–15:00
Official coffee break
Ballroom Prefunction - 15:00–17:00
Panel 3 — Premium & Quality
Ballroom A - 15:00–17:00
Specialist sessions: fermentation, quality, terroirs, premium standards and sensory evaluation
Rooms 24–27 - 17:00–18:00
Official welcome reception
Ballroom B
Research, innovation & high-value applications
Research, innovation & high-value applications
- 09:00–10:30
Panel 4 — Nutrition & Functional Ingredients
Ballroom A - 09:00–10:30
Scientific sessions, academic presentations and research findings
Rooms 24–27 - 09:00–17:00
Institutional dialogues, technical consultations and bilateral meetings
Rooms 21–23 - 10:30–11:00
Official coffee break
Ballroom Prefunction - 11:00–12:00
Panel 5 — Cocoa Innovation & Bioactives
Ballroom A - 11:00–12:00
Technology demonstrations, innovation presentations and scientific posters
Rooms 24–27 - 12:00–13:00
Networking lunch
Ballroom C - 13:00–17:00
International exhibition, pavilions, guided tours, technical demonstrations and exhibitor presentations
Ballroom B - 13:00–17:00
International scientific forum, university–industry cooperation, scientific communication and collaborative innovation
Rooms 24–27 - 14:30–15:00
Official coffee break
Ballroom Prefunction - 15:00–17:00
International forum on innovation, applied research and cocoa-derived resources
Ballroom A
Biomaterials, institutional cooperation & outlook
Biomaterials, institutional cooperation & outlook
- 09:00–10:30
Panel 6 — Cocoa Biomaterials
Ballroom A - 09:00–10:30
Technical demonstrations, case studies and pilot projects
Rooms 24–27 - 10:30–11:00
Official coffee break
Ballroom Prefunction - 11:00–12:00
Panel 7 — Institutional Participation
Ballroom A - 11:00–12:00
Institutional workshops, cooperation initiatives and sharing of best practices
Rooms 24–27 - 12:00–13:00
Official lunch
Ballroom C - 13:00–14:30
Conclusions of the seven panels, adoption of institutional recommendations and CIDS 2027 strategic outlook
Ballroom A - 13:00–18:00
Public exhibition opening, educational demonstrations, pavilion activities and knowledge sharing
Ballroom B - 14:30–15:00
Final coffee break
Ballroom Prefunction - 15:00–15:45
Cooperation opportunities and educational, scientific and institutional initiatives arising from the summit
Ballroom A - 15:45–16:00
Formal adoption of CIDS 2027 final recommendations
Ballroom A - 16:00–16:45
Official closing ceremony
Ballroom A - 16:00–20:00
Exhibitor dismantling and departure
Ballroom B - 16:45–18:00
Final delegation meetings and gradual participant departure
Rooms 21–23
Source: organizer’s VERSION_V3_FINALE program. Parallel sessions are listed separately.
Practical information
Plan your visit
- Dates
- Sunday, November 7 – Wednesday, November 10, 2027
- Address
- Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
- Getting there
- Bradley International Airport (BDL) is about 20 minutes away; Hartford Union Station serves Amtrak and CTrail.
- Accommodation & visas
- Hotels are within walking distance of the venue. International delegates can request an invitation letter once registered.
Official Pavilions
Five official pavilions in Ballroom B, bringing together institutions, producing countries, research, sustainability and consumer applications.
Producing Countries Pavilion
Innovation & R&D Pavilion
Sustainability & Circular Economy Pavilion
Consumer Applications Pavilion
Exhibition stands & delegations
Cooperatives, manufacturers and institutions: express your interest in an exhibition or institutional stand within one of the five pavilions, a delegation, or bilateral consultations.
Expressions of interest only — no payment or confirmed reservation. Spaces, prices and cancellation terms are subject to validation; our team will follow up with the next steps.
Opportunities for Companies
CIDS offers four structured engagement pathways for companies seeking visibility, business development, and access to a high-value international audience.
Sponsorship
Naming rights, branded presence, delegate communications, pavilion branding.
Exhibition
Dedicated showcase stands on the derivative floor.
Speaking
Keynotes, panels, technical sessions — positioning your brand as a thought leader.
Business Matchmaking
Structured private sessions connecting exhibitors with pre-qualified buyers, researchers, and investors.
How to Participate
Joining CIDS is simple — whether you are exhibiting, presenting research, or attending as a delegate.
- 01
Submit Your Interest
Complete the interest form via our Contact page. Indicate your delegate category (company, researcher, institution, public) and track preference.
- 02
Receive Participation Package
Our team reviews your submission and sends a tailored package with pricing, program details, and available exhibition or speaking slots.
- 03
Confirm & Register
Secure your delegate pass, exhibition stand, or sponsorship agreement.
- 04
Prepare & Connect
Access pre-summit briefings, the delegate portal, and matchmaking tools to maximize your impact before arriving in Connecticut.
Newsletter
Stay informed about CIDS 2027
Subscribe to receive early program announcements, speaker reveals, registration openings, and exclusive delegate opportunities — in English or French.