Attending in-person? Join us in South Carolina at the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff, June 20th – 24th for industry insight sessions, BEMA Connect, and a variety of opportunities to network and build valuable connections. Our goal is for Convention to leave you with an inspired and positive outlook on the future of the baking industry.
More comfortable where you are? Take part in the Workforce Edition, being held Wednesday, June 21st, then continue along with BEMA Live being shared virtually on the 22nd and 23rd, all from the solace of your home or office. Wednesday’s programming will bring unique and interactive professional development workshops with opportunities to learn skills that you can utilize immediately, all designed specifically for the baking industry workforce.
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
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*
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.
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.
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 26th to be featured on the All Sponsor signs*
VIEW SPONSORSHIPS
2023 BEMA Ascend Award Recipient
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!
CONVENTION CADET APPLICATION FORM
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.
Click the links below to learn more about the activities, tours, and airport transportation for BEMA Convention 2023.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
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.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
BEMA Cup Golf Tournament @ Hilton Head National *registration required
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Good-Morning Breakfast
Keynote Speaker & Workshop
Morning Refresher
Tours *registration required
Small Group Dinners *registration required
Friday, June 23, 2023
Tours *registration required
Ask-A-Baker Luncheon & Discussion
Afternoon Refresher
General Membership Meeting
Committee Meetings
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.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Breakfast Breakouts
BEMA Connect *registration required
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.
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.
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!
LEARN MORE