BEMA Convention 2023

General Information

Time Zone
During our Convention, Palmetto Bluff will be on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Name Badges
Name badges are provided for all registered attendees. Your name badge is required at all planned functions. Name badges will be included in your welcome packet.

Weather
While you never know what Mother Nature will bring, Palmetto Bluff averages a daily temperature for June between 90- and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  It will likely be a smidge hot and humid when enjoying activities outdoors, and a cool air-conditioned environment when attending events indoors.

KEY CONTACTS

For general questions regarding BEMA Convention 2023, please contact:

Emily Bowers, BEMA
Office: 913-338-1300
Cell: 816-805-9799
Email: ebowers@bema.org

For questions regarding first-time BEMA Member attendance or to reserve a suite, contact:

Kelly Allen, BEMA
Office: 913-338-1300
Cell: 913-424-0210
Email: kallen@bema.org

For registration questions, changes, or cancellations, contact:

Kelly Allen, BEMA
Office: 913-338-1300
Cell: 913-424-0210
Email: kallen@bema.org

Hotel Information

Montage Palmetto Bluff
477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: 1-843-706-6500

Montage Palmetto Bluff
Nestled along the scenic May River in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff is set within a vibrant 20,000-acre community between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. Providing guests access to all that Palmetto Bluff has to offer, the resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, two picturesque villages featuring an array of inspired dining options, a riverfront marina and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Daily Resort Fee Includes*

• Bicycles and Biking Equipment
• Fishing Equipment
• Croquet and Bocce Ball
• Morning Coffee and Newspaper in the Lobby
• Two Fitness Facilities
• Daily Exercise Class
• Afternoon “Porching”
• Nightly S’mores
• Gratuity for Concierge
• Property Shuttles
• Cadillac Ride and Drive Program
• High Speed WiFi

HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE:

If you are a BEMA member and have not already secured your hotel reservation, please contact Kelly Allen for assistance.

If you are a baker guest, Emily Bowers has already secured your hotel reservation. Please contact Emily with any questions or modifications.

Guaranteed Reservations
All reservations will require a non-refundable deposit equal to first night’s group room rate and tax at the time the reservation is confirmed.  Additionally, a non-refundable deposit equal to second night’s group room rate and tax will be charged to the credit card on file 60 days prior to reservation arrival date.  A final deposit equal to all remaining nights group room rate and tax will be charged to the credit card on file 30 days prior to reservation arrival date.

Baker & Speaker Guests
Bakers are guests of BEMA and do not need to book their own hotel room.  Emily Bowers  will assist you in securing your reservation, as well as making any modifications.

Room Types and Rates
BEMA has reserved various room types for our group. Prices are exclusive of tax, resort fee and parking fees.

Need more space? BEMA has secured a limited number of connecting rooms as well as a limited number of suites that will accommodate larger families. Please email Kelly Allen or call the BEMA office at 913-338-1300 for assistance booking suites or connecting rooms.

*Sleeping room rates are quoted in US Dollars exclusive of applicable taxes and resort fee. A resort fee of $22 per night plus 6% tax per room per night will be charged.

Parking is available for $25 per day, per car.

BEMA Deadlines And Cancellation Policy

HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE:

If you are a BEMA member and have not already secured your hotel reservation, please contact Kelly Allen for assistance.

If you are a baker guest, Emily Bowers has already secured your hotel reservation. Please contact Emily with any questions or modifications.

Cancellations for your BEMA Convention Registration received in writing by close of business on June 3rd, 2023 will be refunded less a 5% cancellation charge. Cancellations for your BEMA Convention Registration received in writing by close of business after June 3rd through close of business on June 17th will receive a 75% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after June 17th, 2023.

AGENDA

VIEW AGENDA

Baker Guests

SEE BAKER LIST

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a featured sponsor, your company will be prominently featured in front of key players in the industry, many of whom are customers or potential customers. We believe Convention 2023 is an outstanding opportunity to raise your brand’s awareness. To view available sponsorships click the button below. For questions or more information contact Kelly Allen.

*Sponsorship must be purchased before May 26^th to be featured on the All Sponsor signs*

BEMA Ascend

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We're excited to announce the recipient of the 2023 BEMA Ascend Award

2023 BEMA Ascend Award Recipient

Read the Press Release announcing the 2023 BEMA Ascend Award Recipients

Read Press Release

BEMA Ascend Scholarship Provides:

• Complimentary registration to BEMA Convention – valued at $1895.00
• A special reception for award recipients during BEMA Convention
• Recognition and award during General Membership Meeting at BEMA Convention

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BEMA Ascend Workforce Edition Scholarship Provides:

• Complimentary access to BEMA Convention Workforce Edition for the recipient and their entire company – valued at $595.00
• Recognition during General Membership Meeting at BEMA Convention *recipient to attend virtually
• Award/gift to be mailed to the recipient

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Criteria To Nominate:

• Nominee has never attended BEMA Convention or BEMA Summit
• Nominee’s company must be in good standing with their BEMA membership
• Nominee has demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong desire to gain industry knowledge and education

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BEMA Ascend Does Not Cover:

• Hotel
• Airfare
• Food and beverage outside of BEMA sponsored events
• Registration costs for guest of recipients

Convention Cadet

Convention Cadets is a student program for high-school teens that would like a more involved level of participation at BEMA’s Convention. The Convention Cadets program will provide a professional learning experience where students will develop new skills, learn about the baking industry, and assist with the practical work of hosting a BEMA Convention. The Cadets will gain real-time work experience and have the opportunity will benefit from what BEMA does best, networking!

Unique Networking Events

SMALL GROUP DINNERS WITH BAKERS
Connect with customers in a small-group setting. We’ll organize small groups of bakers and suppliers – spouses/guests included – to enjoy local restaurants.*

BEMA CONNECT: ONE MEMBER, ONE BAKER, CONNECTING
BEMA Connect introduces bakers to suppliers they aren’t currently working with and matches the baker’s needs with your specific solutions. Meet one-on-one with baker guests, speed dating style.

*An email with registration details for BEMA Connect and Small Group Dinners will be sent to registered Convention attendees on May 12, 2023.

BEMA CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT, sponsored by Bundy Baking Solutions

*Transportation provided, departing hotel lobby at 7:30 AM.

*Breakfast and lunch provided.

Hilton Head National Golf Course is the setting for the BEMA Cup. Located in Bluffton, SC is just one mile from the bridges to Hilton Head Island and a half hour’s drive from historic downtown Savannah, GA. The course itself is a golfing gem. It has been acclaimed for more than 30 years as “the best-conditioned layout in the region.” Moreover, it’s routinely rated among the top public courses in South Carolina.

Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player and course architecture award winner Bobby Weed each contributed their distinctive design philosophies here in ways that make every club in your bag important. Experienced golfers are quick to point out: “Hilton Head National is a course that’s challenging but not punishing. It’s a joy to play!”

Hilton Head National boasts immaculately groomed TifEagle Ultra greens that run fast and true. The opening holes offer several strategic risk-reward challenges: in particular, the Signature 6th, a par 4, bordered its entire fairway by a treacherously close lagoon on the right with dangerous pot bunkers on the left. The back nine is tighter and rewards players with a good short game. Most memorable for many, however, is the abundance of wildlife, but no houses overlooking the fairways or greens. The course has a private club atmosphere but is accessible to all.

As Gary Player says: “Hilton Head National is my promise to you of an exceptional golf experience!”

MORNING KAYAKING *registration required

Not a golfer, but still want to get active and enjoy some time with Convention friends new and old on Wednesday morning? Experience the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry salt marsh estuaries with a close-up view from the seat of a kayak. No experience is necessary for this laid-back excursion. A brief paddling clinic will introduce guests to the basics of kayaking and get them comfortable in the boat. Then explore the May River waterways teeming with wildlife. Herons, osprey and other bird life are abundant, and guests may even have the opportunity to spot the local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. The naturalist guide will discuss the fascinating salt marsh ecosystem and the organisms that surround them. This excursion is a relaxed and informative journey that moves at the guest’s pace and provides a good introduction to kayaking.

This will take place during the BEMA Cup Golf Tournament. All non-golfers are invited to participate.

KIDS & TEENS WELCOME EVENT, sponsored by Corbion

First day of Convention jitters? Hoping the kids make some friends this week?  Send the kids and teens to the Chapel Lawn to meet up with the group.  Lawn games will be a‘plenty! We will also be introducing the Montage Merits program for those kids and teens that want to participate in a series of special challenges throughout the week.

What are Montage Merits? Catch a fish, roast a s’more, hike a trail, spot some local wildlife. This unique program gives kids an opportunity to be the masters of their own experiences and, with the help of their take-home merit badges, relish those memories long after leaving Montage Palmetto Bluff.  Of course, BEMA added a few Convention-specific challenges to the list!

WELCOME JAMBOREE, sponsored by Fritsch – A MULTIVAC Group Company & Dunbar

Head over to Grace Dock to catch a “one cocktail cruise” relaxing boat ride to Moreland Landing for the Welcome Jamboree festivities

Moreland Landing, where the marsh meets the sky! Enjoy dinner, drinks and live entertainment while mingling with friends and making new connections.  Opportunities for networking and fun will be all around with a variety of games, live entertainment, interactive food stations and the huge treehouse attraction (A photo-op you’ll want to capture!).  The whole family is encouraged to attend.

BEMA BLOCK PARTY & GIVEBACK, sponsored by Shick Esteve

Enjoy the beauty of oaks and the glow of the sunset during the BEMA Block Party.  Festival-favorite games will be on the lawn, with competitive and non-competitive fun for all ages.  Causal dinner fare and drinks will be provided, and the firepits and smores stations will open at dusk.  As an added bonus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in this year’s giveback, which supports Hopeful Horizons. Hopeful Horizons mission is to provide safety, hope and healing to survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault through evidence-based practices and lead in ending abuse through primary prevention and education.  Giveback sponsored by Lallemand.

CHAIRMAN'S RECEPTION

Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails prior to the Chairman’s dinner and dance.  Photographers will be onsite for photos!

CHAIRMAN’S DINNER & DANCE

Celebrate another great year of BEMA, and a wonderful week of Convention. The whole family is invited to this event to dance the night away. Cocktail, semi-formal attire is suggested.

Tours & Transportation

Click the links below to learn more about the activities, tours, and airport transportation for BEMA Convention 2023.

Event Playbook: What To Wear & Who Should Attend

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Board of Directors Meeting *invitation only

Board of Directors and Baking Industry Forum Luncheon *invitation only

Baking Industry Forum Meeting *invitation only

Board of Directors Event *invitation only

Past Chairman’s Dinner *invitation only

Small Group Dinners (pre-arranged) *registration required *transportation provided

An email with registration details, time and location will be sent directly to attendees the week prior to Convention.

• What to Wear: Refer to restaurant dress code

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

BEMA Cup Golf Tournament @ Hilton Head National *registration required

• What to Wear: Traditional golf attire
• Who Attends: Registered golfers only

Morning Kayaking *registration required

Not a golfer, but still want to get active and enjoy some time with Convention friends new and old on Wednesday morning? Experience the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry salt marsh estuaries with a close-up view from the seat of a kayak.

This will take place during the BEMA Cup Golf Tournament. All non-golfers are invited to participate.

• What to Wear: Activewear
• Who Attends: Registered kayakers only

Past Chairman’s Meeting *invitation only

Kids & Teens Welcome Event

First day of Convention jitters? Hoping the kids make some friends this week?  Send the kids and teens to the Chapel Lawn to meet up with the group.  Lawn games will be a‘plenty! We will also be introducing the Montage Merits program for those kids and teens that want to participate in a series of special challenges throughout the week.

• What to Wear: Resort-fun attire
• Who Attends: Kids and teens; Supervision required for kids under the age of 13.

First Time Attendee Welcome Reception *invitation only

Welcome Jamboree

Head over to Grace Dock to catch a “one cocktail cruise” relaxing boat ride to Moreland Landing for the Welcome Jamboree festivities

Moreland Landing, where the marsh meets the sky! Enjoy dinner, drinks and live entertainment while mingling with friends and making new connections.  Opportunities for networking and fun will be all around with a variety of games, live entertainment, interactive food stations and the huge treehouse attraction (A photo-op you’ll want to capture!).  The whole family is encouraged to attend.

• What to Wear: Resort casual attire
• Who Attends: All Registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Good-Morning Breakfast

• What to Wear: Resort casual
• Who Attends: Registered Members and Baker Guests

Keynote Speaker & Workshop

• What to Wear: Resort casual
• Who Attends: Registered Members and Baker Guests

Morning Refresher

Tours *registration required

Small Group Dinners *registration required

• What to Wear: Refer to restaurant dress code
• Who Attends: Pre-registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (teens and children do not attend)

Friday, June 23, 2023

Tours *registration required

Ask-A-Baker Luncheon & Discussion

• What to Wear: Resort Casual
• Who Attends: Members and Baker Guests

Afternoon Refresher

General Membership Meeting

• What to Wear: Resort Casual
• Who Attends: Members and Baker Guests are invited to elect new Board members & participate in the business of BEMA.

Committee Meetings

• What to Wear: Resort Casual
• Who Attends: All attendees are invited to attend the committee meeting of their choice and contribute to the work of BEMA.

BEMA Block Party & Giveback

Enjoy the beauty of oaks and the glow of the sunset during the BEMA Block Party.  Festival-favorite games will be on the lawn, with competitive and non-competitive fun for all ages.  Causal dinner fare and drinks will be provided, and the firepits and smores stations will open at dusk.  As an added bonus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in this year’s giveback event.

• What to Wear: Comfortable outdoor attire
• Who Attends: All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Breakfast Breakouts

• What to Wear: Resort Casual
• Who Attends: Members and Baker Guests

BEMA Connect *registration required

• What to Wear: Resort Casual
• Who Attends: Pre-Registered Members and Baker Guests (Confirmations will be sent in advance.)

Chairman’s Reception

Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails prior to the Chairman’s dinner and dance.  Photographers will be onsite for photos!

• What to Wear: Cocktail, Semi-Formal attire
• Who Attends: All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited to attend.

Chairman’s Dinner & Dance

Celebrate another great year of BEMA, and a wonderful week of Convention. The whole family is invited to this event to dance the night away.

• What to Wear: Cocktail, Semi-Formal attire
• Who Attends: All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited to attend.

Keynote Speaker

We are so excited to announce Convention 2023's Keynote Speaker, sponsored by Kwik Lok, Jeff Havens!

Jeff Havens, a motivational business growth expert, will share his signature style of well-researched and relevant business insights wrapped in charismatic, comedic entertainment.

Jeff is the founder of the Jeff Havens Company. He is in demand as a corporate trainer for his unique blend of enterprise insights and use of motivational humor to provide actionable answers to today’s business challenges.

Uncrapify Your Future

If you’ve listened to anyone talk about innovation recently, you’ve probably heard something along these lines: “The world is changing faster than ever before. Everything you’re doing now is about to become obsolete. If you don’t come up with some amazing, industry-changing ideas in the next 18 seconds, your business is basically going to disappear. Have a nice day.” And if that’s the kind of doomsayer message that you love hearing, then you can stop reading now.

But if you’d like to discuss innovation as a simple process that literally everyone is capable of performing, then you might enjoy BEMA Convention’s 2023 keynote address, Uncrapify Your Future! Filled with the trademark wit that has made Jeff Havens one of the most in-demand speakers in North America, Uncrapify Your Future! will illustrate exactly how easy it is to develop new ideas, partnerships, and procedures, before taking a detailed look at the modern customer and how surprisingly easy it is to provide them with the things they’re looking for.

Your business is always changing, and so you will always need to anticipate and capitalize on those changes. Uncrapify Your Future! will convince you that you’re better prepared for that challenge than you might currently believe. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also hilarious? Well, it is. And imagine that – a keynote that’s both educational and enjoyable. How innovative!