Heritage Chocolate Society Meeting 2026

Mars Wrigley presents the Annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society in Washington, D.C.

Springboard: Industry Disruption + Future Proofing

We’re Gearing up for HCS 2026, and YOU’RE invited!
February 18-19, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

As our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we recognize it’s no time to rest on our laurels. Guests of our Heritage Chocolate Society annual gathering have told us they attend in equal measure for connection with fellow guests and to learn what is percolating on the horizon.

In that spirit, the 2026 meeting will feature a selection of speakers, panels, workshops and ways to learn about what’s next – from each other. With a bold title you can expect to glean valuable content from experts and your peers: what you need to know now. Disruption is reigning across sectors, and usable data and innovative ideas have never been more needed. So why not launch 2026 with us – let’s get equipped and inspired together!

Event Information

Registration Closed

Thank you for your interest in HCS 2026. At this time, registration is closed.

2026 Agenda

Explore the latest agenda!

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Key Topics

Springboard: a thing that lends impetus or assistance to a particular action, enterprise, or development.

  • Membership is a key pillar in every museum or living history site. Colleen Dilenschneider, the maven of data in the sector, will unpack membership-building insights to help crystalize your strategies for growth.
  • Fernande Raine Ph.D. will share on “History as a Disruptive Innovation: Unlocking Human Potential for Democracy for the Next 250 Years” – all from the POV of the ascendant Gen Alpha generation.
  • Need a bottom-line driver? Who doesn’t! Your peers and Mars executives will share valuable concepts on how to “Thrive in Enterprise,” from retail strategies to hospitality.
  • Made By Us will join us again to do what they do best – lead a workshop to design “The Future Museum, Made By Us.”
  • Rising star social media experts will help us all learn how to ditch overused, marketing-only programming and create “Social for Everyone.”

And there is so much more! HCS 2026 is shaping up to be an informative year – with lots of fun in the mix. We hope to see you there!

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2026 Speakers

Check out our roster of experts.

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Colleen Dilenschneider

Founder and Managing Member of IMPACTS Experience

Keynote Day 1
Looking Ahead: Membership Trends at History Organizations Executive Lunch Session
Zooming in on Zoomers: Shifting Trends

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Fernande Raine, Ph.D.

Founder and Co-Lead, the History Co:Lab

Keynote Day 2
History as a Disruptive Innovation: Unlocking Human Potential for Democracy for the Next 250 Years

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Caroline Bader

Vice President, Category Leadership, Mars Snacking

Session
Creating Impulse Moments to Drive Conversion and Meaningful Connections in a Disruptive World

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Kwasi Hope

Historian and Content Creator

Session
Historic Social Content Creator Speaks: Ask Me Anything

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Patrick Madden

Executive Director, National Archives Foundation

Session
Historic Social Content Creator Speaks: Ask Me Anything

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Louise Mirrer, Ph.D.

President & CEO, New York Historical

Session
Thriving in Enterprise: The Hospitality Edition

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Sheffield Hale

President & CEO, Atlanta History Center

Session
Thriving in Enterprise: The Hospitality Edition

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Jorge Zamanillo

Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino

Panel
In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

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Ann Burroughs

President & CEO, Japanese American National Museum

Panel
In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

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James Pepper Henry

President, Kanza Heritage Society

Session
Return of the Sacred Red Rock
Panel
In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

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Aliza Bran

Director of Media Relations, International Spy Museum

Panel
Social For Everyone

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Taylor Malone

Marketing Manager, Social and Engagement, National Geographic Society, Museum of Exploration

Panel
Social For Everyone

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Cameron Katz

Head of Content + Partnerships, Made By Us

Panel
Social For Everyone

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Caroline Klibanoff

Executive Director, Made By Us

Workshop
The Future Museum, Made By Us

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Nia Mosby

Head of Programs and Civic Season for Made By Us

Workshop
The Future Museum, Made By Us

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Alex Edgar

Youth250 Cofounder for Made By Us

Workshop
The Future Museum, Made By Us

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Ramin Ganeshram

Executive Director, Westport Museum for History & Culture

Culinary Experience
Radical Hospitality: How the Presidential Table Forged an Audacious Unity

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Justin Cherry

Owner/Baker/Chef Half Crown Bakehouse

Culinary Experience
Radical Hospitality: How the Presidential Table Forged an Audacious Unity

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Arriving Early? Plan Your Trip

FAQs

Top tips to help you navigate your trip.

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Things To Do in Washington D.C.

Explore the top sites and historical places.

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Meet the Team

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History of the Heritage Chocolate Society

For over two decades, Mars Wrigley has hosted an annual gathering of North American historical sites for you to explore innovative ways to engage, educate, and entertain visitors and reach new guests with the stories of history. The Heritage Chocolate Society, originally known as the Colonial Chocolate Society, was formed by Forrest E. Mars, Jr. in 2003 to unite history professionals passionate about chocolate’s role in colonial and post-revolutionary North America.

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About AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate

We are The Chocolate History People

The AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brand was developed in 2006 by Mars Chocolate North America (now Mars Wrigley) and is the only chocolate brand solely dedicated to sharing the history of chocolate through products inspired by authentic recipes from the 18th century. Backed by research and fueled by legacy, the brand calls itself “The Chocolate History People” for a reason! By offering unique, immersive products that both educate and entertain, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brings the rich and diverse story of chocolate to life. Check out our website for historic recipes and more information.