Discover the Stories Behind Chocolate in This Year's Chocolate Education Classroom

Chocolate is more than a sweet treat. It's a story of people, places, history, and craftsmanship. This year, the Chocolate Education Classroom returns with an inspiring lineup of seminars that explore the fascinating world of cacao from every angle.

Spend the weekend learning from award-winning chocolate makers, educators, authors, and industry experts as they share the journeys, traditions, and techniques behind some of the world's finest chocolate. Travel through cacao farms in Ecuador, uncover chocolate's rich cultural history, discover the science behind bean-to-bar craftsmanship, and even learn how to host your own chocolate tasting at home.

Whether you're a lifelong chocolate enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about your favorite indulgence, these engaging seminars offer something for every age and level of experience. Best of all, every session is included with your festival admission and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday October 24, 2026

10:30 AM - Back Home, Where Chocolate Begins: A Roadtrip Through Five Ecuadorian Farms and Their Stories by Leila Carvajal Erker of Cocoa Supply

12:00 PM - Serious Crafting for Casual Enjoyment by Liang Wang of Kessho Chocolate

1:30 PM - Hands on Chocolate History for Families by Nettie Atkisson, Author of The Chocolate Seed

3:00 PM - Chocolate and Coffee Festival Trivia

Sunday October 25, 2026

11:00 AM -The Culture of Chocolate: Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary Through Chocolate History by Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates

12:15 PM - Argencove Chocolate – Developing a Fine Chocolate Brand At Origin in Nicaragua by Sally McFadyen of Argencove Chocolate

1:30 PM - Hands on Chocolate History for Families by Nettie Atkisson, Author of The Chocolate Seed

2:30 PM - Chocolate Gatherings: Your Guide to Hosting Tasting Parties by Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates

Back Home, Where Chocolate Begins

A Road Trip Through Five Ecuadorian Farms and Their Stories

Presented by Leila Carvajal Erker of CocoaSupply

Every cacao bean tells a story, and every farm has its own unique character. Join Leila Carvajal Erker as she takes you on a remarkable journey across Ecuador, visiting five cacao farms nestled among cloud forests, historic towns, and the Amazon rainforest. Through the people, places, and traditions behind each harvest, you'll discover where chocolate truly begins

Serious Crafting for Casual Enjoyment

Presented by Liang Wang of KESSHŌ Craft Chocolate

Discover how tradition and innovation come together in every bar of KESSHŌ Craft Chocolate. Liang Wang shares the inspiration behind her award-winning bean-to-bar creations, revealing how Asian flavors, personal memories, and ethically sourced cacao combine to create chocolate that's both meaningful and unforgettable.

Hands-On Chocolate History for Families

Presented by Nettie Atkisson, Author of The Chocolate Seed

Chocolate has a history that's meant to be experienced, not just read about. In this interactive family session, author and chocolate educator Nettie Atkisson invites participants to roast, crack, grind, and transform cacao beans into a traditional chocolate drink while exploring the fascinating civilizations that first treasured cacao.

Chocolate & Coffee Festival Trivia

Hosted by the PA Chocolate & Coffee Festival Team

Think you know your chocolate and coffee? Put your knowledge to the test during this fun, interactive trivia session featuring fascinating facts, surprising history, and plenty of festival-themed questions. It's the perfect opportunity to learn something new while enjoying a little friendly competition.

The Culture of Chocolate

Honoring America's 250th Anniversary Through Chocolate History

Presented by Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary through the lens of chocolate. Chocolate sommelier Estelle Tracy explores centuries of chocolate traditions using historical recipes and images from the Winterthur Museum collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into how early Americans prepared, enjoyed, and experienced chocolate.

Developing a Fine Chocolate Brand at Origin

Presented by Sally McFadyen of Argencove Chocolate

What does it take to build an award-winning chocolate company at the source of cacao? Sally McFadyen shares the remarkable story of Argencove Chocolate, exploring how thoughtful farm design, sustainable growing practices, careful fermentation, and a relentless pursuit of flavor have helped shape one of the world's most celebrated bean-to-bar chocolate brands.

Chocolate Gatherings

Your Guide to Hosting Tasting Parties

Presented by Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates

Bring people together through chocolate. In this fun and practical workshop, Estelle Tracy shares simple tips for planning memorable chocolate tasting parties, from selecting the perfect bars to guiding guests through a delicious tasting experience. You'll even pick up wine and chocolate pairing basics to make your next gathering extra special.

Whether you're tasting chocolate with fresh curiosity or deepening a lifelong passion, the Chocolate Education Classroom invites you to see every bar in a whole new way. We can't wait to welcome you this October!