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:

Andrew Garrelts, BEMA
Office: 913-338-1300
Cell: 757-675-2117
Email: agarrelts@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: MAY 12, 2023; as long as rooms are available. After this date, BEMA cannot guarantee availability and rates.

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: 5:00 PM EST, MAY 12, 2023; as long as rooms are available

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Board of Director’s Meeting *invitation only

Baking Industry Forum Meeting *invitation only

Past Chairman’s Dinner *invitation only

Small Group Dinners *registration required

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

BEMA Cup Golf Tournament @ Hilton Head National *registration required

Workforce Wednesday Virtual Programming

Past Chairman’s Meeting *invitation only

Kid’s Welcome Event

Welcome Jamboree

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Good Morning Breakfast

Keynote Speaker & Industry Insight Discussions

General Membership Meeting

Committee Meetings

Tours *registration required

Small Group Dinners *registration required

Friday, June 23, 2023

Tours *registration required

Ask-A-Baker Luncheon & Discussion

Industry Insight Session

BEMA Block Party

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Breakfast Breakout Sessions

BEMA Connect

Chairman’s Dinner & Dance

Baker Guests

COMING MARCH 20TH, 2023!

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. For questions or more information contact Kelly Allen.

BEMA Ascend

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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

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Unique Networking Events

WELCOME JAMBOREE – LOW COUNTRY BOIL
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the bluff over to Moreland Island for a relaxed and comfortable evening. You’ll enjoy delicious eats, refreshing drinks, and the music of a local band.

BEMA BLOCK PARTY
An outdoor, old-fashioned good time for everyone! Guests of all ages will enjoy backyard BBQ, competitive games (both for athletic and less-athletic folks), s’mores around the campfire as evening falls, and the company of wonderful friends.

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
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!”

CHAIRMAN’S DINNER
Celebrate a great year as we pass the gavel to the next chairman, then dance the night away. The whole family is invited to this event! Please plan on festive, semi-formal cocktail party attire for the Chairman’s events.

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 Director’s Meeting *invitation only

Baking Industry Forum Meeting *invitation only

Past Chairman’s Dinner *invitation only

Small Group Dinners *registration required

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

BEMA Cup Golf Tournament @ Hilton Head National *registration required

• Traditional golf attire
• Registered golfers only

Past Chairman’s Meeting *invitation only

Kid’s Welcome Event

• Resort-fun attire
• Kids and teens; Supervision required for kids under the age of 13.

Welcome Jamboree

• Resort casual attire
• All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Good Morning Breakfast

• Resort casual
• Registered members and Baker Guests

Keynote Speaker & Industry Insight Discussions

• Resort casual
• Registered members and Baker Guests

General Membership Meeting

• Resort Casual
• Members and Baker Guests

Committee Meetings

• Resort Casual
• Members and Baker Guests

Tours *registration required

Small Group Dinners *registration required

• Refer to restaurant dress code
• 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

• Resort Casual
• Members and Baker Guests

Industry Insight Session

• Resort Casual
• Members and Baker Guests

BEMA Block Party

• Comfortable outdoor attire
• All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Breakfast Breakout Sessions

• Resort Casual
• Members and Baker Guests

BEMA Connect *registration required

• Resort Casual
• Pre-Registered Members and Baker Guests (Confirmations will be sent in advance.)

Chairman’s Dinner & Dance

• Festive, semi-formal cocktail attire is the dress code of the evening for the Chairman’s events.
• All registered Members, Guests and Baker Guests (including children) are invited to attend.

Keynote Speaker

We are so excited to announce Convention 2022's Keynote Speaker sponsored by Kwik Lok is Stephanie Stuckey!

Stephanie Stuckey is the CEO of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls. The company was founded by Stephanie’s grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr., as a pecan stand in Eastman, GA in 1937 and grew to over 350 stores across the country. The company was sold in 1964 but is now back in family hands and making a comeback.

Stephanie took over the company in November of 2019 and, under her leadership, Stuckey’s has rebranded its products and website, added four new franchised stores, expanded its B2B retail customer base, and increased online sales 550% — all while weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workforce Wednesday

BEMA CONVENTION 2022 WORKFORCE EDITION

BEMA Convention 2022 Workforce Edition is designed to ensure that those who are unable to attend BEMA Convention 2022 in person can participate and engage from the comfort of their workplace conference room, home office, or the local coffee shop.

PLEASE NOTE: Workforce Edition cost is already included in the Convention 2022 registration for any company that has a representative attending in-person. In other words, if an employee of your company is attending Convention in California, all employees of that company can attend Workforce Edition at no additional cost. If you have an employee attending in-person, please contact Emily Bowers for a discount code before you register.

ADDITIONALLY: To ensure that we have an accurate count of those who plan to attend, please complete this checkout and registration process for each person who plans to attend Workforce sessions.