BEMA History

In September 1918, at the Hotel Sherman in Chicago, George E. Dean and others joined forces to organize BEMA to help with the WWI war effort.

The first Baking Expo took place in 1920 in Atlantic City, NJ.

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Its purpose was to showcase the products of bakery equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

BEMA purchased thousands of dollars in War Bonds and encouraged its members to purchase bonds and freeze equipment prices to support the war effort.

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Curious as to what else was going on during this time?

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Here’s a good resource that describes what life was like 100 years ago.

BEMA’s Technical Committee was created in 1948 to study federal, state and municipal sanitation regulations for baking machinery.

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Today, BEMA established the Baking Industry Forum.

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BIF is a small group of bakers and suppliers who come together to discuss topics and issues facing the commercial baking industry.

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Read more about BIF.

The Technical Committee established the first sanitation codes for BEMA members.

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In 1949 BEMA, along with allied organizations, helped form the Baking Industry Sanitation Standards Committee whose purpose is to develop and promote sanitation standards for bakery equipment.

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Read about the Z50.2 sanitation standards.

At the request of the U.S. Government, BEMA, representing the baking industry, formed along with other industries, the National Defense Preparedness Committee, to determine the nation’s metal requirements for every industry.

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BEMA was first to submit its report to the federal government.

The first Bakery Equipment Guide was distributed at the 1955 Bakery Expo, continued on in 1961, and 1967.

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Over 13,000 attendees viewed the first continuous mixing systems of bread production.

California Governor Ronald Reagan keynoted the Bakery Expo, where automation of production equipment and new packaging and labeling machines were featured.

BEMA threw its support behind the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

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These acts passed Congress, were signed by the President and are still in force today.

BEMA began donating funds to the industry.

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The first monetary contribution was made to the American Institute of Baking.

The Baking Expo was renamed the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE).

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The total number of foreign exhibitors doubled and foreign attendance comprised more than 20% of all attendees.

BEMA launched its “Warning Label” program featuring different labels equipment manufacturers could display on their products.

BEMA transferred the warning label program to the AIB and it was incorporated into their safety program.

BEMA’s membership exceeded 100 members.

BEMA launched BEMATech, an all-industry technology conference, and small trade show, in conjunction with NAFEM ’95.

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The show proved to be a success and was followed with an even bigger BEMATech 97.

BEMA opened up membership to all suppliers and changed its logo to reflect that decision.

By 2002, BEMA had grown its membership roster to more than 200 companies by hosting innovative industry events and helping member companies collaborate.

BEMA dissolved BEMATech in favor of holding the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) every three years.

BEMA’s offices moved from Chicago (Wilmette, IL) to Kansas City (Overland Park, KS.)

In 2009, BEMA worked with their partners and industry associations to develop the Sanitary Design Workshop.

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This groundbreaking program emphasizes the importance of sanitary equipment and process design.

In 2010, IBIE Expo returned to Las Vegas with record attendance.

BEMA joined forces with ABA and AIB to fund the rewrite of the BISSC/ANSI Z50.2 standards.

BEMA joined forces with American Bakers Association and AIB International to fund the rewrite of the BISSC/ANSI Z50.2.

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What an honor to support the continued growth of our industry and continued improvements to baking safety and sanitation.

In 2014, as a direct response to feedback from our members, BEMA launched BEMA-U.

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The goal of the program is to deliver impactful training opportunities for our members and those working in the baking industry.

In 2015, the first BEMA Connect was held at Convention, creating a new way for suppliers and bakers to connect.

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The first year yielded 120 business meetings in just two hours.

BEMA reveals a new look focusing on the many ways BEMA and its members add value to the industry.

BEMA celebrates its 100th anniversary at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL by hosting a black-tie Gala for members, industry partners and friends.

BEMA hosts its first Virtual Convention as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.