Cocoa Symposiums – Design, Event Production, Experiential
Notable Early Engagement
Early in our work with corporate and academic partners, JDC supported collaborations between UC Davis and Mars, Incorporated, demonstrating our ability to bridge research, industry, and stakeholder engagement. This model continues to inform how we design global convenings that connect diverse stakeholders around complex ideas.
The Cocoa Symposium brought together scientists, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to explore advances in cocoa research and its potential impact on public health, nutrition, and sustainability. The program began in Washington, D.C., and later expanded internationally to deepen its impact and global relevance.
Objective
Design and deliver a multi-phase symposium that would convene academic, corporate, and global partners to explore emerging research in cocoa science and its broader impact on public health, agriculture, and sustainability.
The program was designed to elevate scientific credibility, foster collaboration across sectors, and advance understanding of cocoa’s role in improving both human health and the environments where it is grown.
Design
The design of the symposium began in Washington, D.C., leveraging the leadership of the scientific community and hosting the program at the National Academy of Sciences. This established a strong foundation for credibility and positioned the symposium as a platform for serious scientific exchange.
From the outset, the program was shaped by a global network of co-sponsors and research institutions across academia, government, and industry. The symposium convened leading scientists from organizations including UC Davis, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Mars, Incorporated, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew; Sustainable Tree Crops Program/International Institute for Tropical Agriculture; Union of German Academies of Sciences and Humanities; U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service; USDA Forest Service International Programs; and ICRAF, The World Agroforestry Centre among others, reflecting a highly collaborative, cross-sector approach.
As the program evolved, the design expanded internationally to extend the conversation beyond research and into the regions most connected to cocoa production. Ghana was selected due to its leadership in production, quality, and sustainability practices, as well as its significance to the global cocoa economy.
Recognizing the importance of cocoa to the country, JDC worked with the steering committee to formally introduce the symposium to Ghanaian leadership, including delivering a presentation to the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning. This step helped secure support, ensure regional participation, and create a program that reflected both global research and local expertise.
JDC led coordination across both locations, including program development, international travel and visas, government engagement, venue management, and full-scale event production. The design connected scientific research with policy, industry, and regional context, creating a cohesive and globally relevant experience.
Activation
Experiential elements of the symposium were designed to bring scientific research into a tangible, real-world context.
In Washington, D.C., the program featured presentations and discussions exploring cocoa’s role in cardiovascular health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural systems, along with curated experiences such as chocolate tastings and a special dinner at the Smithsonian Castle.
As the symposium expanded to Ghana, the experience deepened. Participants visited a cocoa farm, gaining firsthand insight into production practices, sustainability challenges, and the communities connected to the crop. This immersive component connected research directly to the environments where cocoa is grown and its broader socioeconomic impact.
Across both locations, the program was designed to encourage collaboration, dialogue, and shared understanding among global stakeholders.
Impact
The Cocoa Symposium helped position its partners as leaders in cacao science and contributed to a growing body of research exploring cocoa’s potential to improve public health and environmental outcomes.
By expanding from a U.S.-based scientific forum into an international, in-region experience, the program strengthened global collaboration and extended the conversation to include the communities most connected to the crop.
This early engagement established a foundation for how JDC Events approaches global convenings today, bringing together research, industry, and regional stakeholders to create experiences that drive insight, connection, and lasting impact.
