Convention

Trade shows have always been about making connections. They bring together people, ideas, and innovations that help move the baking industry forward. As technology continues to change how people research and ultimately spend on capital resources, the role of events, like IBIE, is evolving as well.  During BEMA’s Convention 2026, Kimberly Hardcastle, Chief Strategist at Freeman, shared new research on how attendee expectations are changing and what that means for exhibitors.

Every bakery is different. Equipment, products, and processes vary. When it comes to food safety and hygienic design, everyone across the baking industry is working toward the same goal: delivering safe, high-quality products while taking care of the people who love making them. That shared purpose was at the heart of a thoughtful panel discussion featuring Jeff Shura, Chad Larson, Nick Magistrelli and Matt Zielsdorf.

BEMA’s Operations Spotlight panel at Convention 2026, moderated by Sergio Caballero, brought together leaders from across the commercial baking industry. The discussion explored how manufacturers and suppliers can work together to navigate commercialization challenges, accelerate innovation, and build more resilient operations.

Jon Lakefish walks the baking industry through practical AI strategies to implement with your team today.

Build momentum with Seb Terry's keynote delivered at BEMA Convention 2026 in Waimea, Hawaii. Forward his inspirational message onto your team.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the baking industry by streamlining production, enhancing efficiency, and reshaping workforce skills, as experts revealed during the “From Tasks to Transformation: AI Across the Product Spectrum” panel.

Efficiency and productivity improvements through standardized methods and real-time information are at the core of AI’s value in manufacturing.

At BEMA Convention's ever-popular Ask-A-Baker panel, five influential baking leaders - three of them first-time attendees - shared candid insights on topics ranging from equipment design and workforce challenges to adapting family business values in a modern industry.

As global trade policies shift rapidly under new leadership, manufacturers face mounting uncertainty. At BEMA Convention 2025, Shawn Marie Jarosz, Chief Trade Strategist at TradeMoves, led an in-depth session examining the current trade environment and what U.S. baking manufacturers should expect next.

At BEMA Convention 2025, Carolyn Lee of the Manufacturing Institute addressed the urgent labor shortage in manufacturing, highlighting the need to upskill current employees, engage future talent, and invest in second-chance hiring. From mentorship to workforce development, her message was clear: building a resilient talent pipeline starts from within and extends into the community.