Industry

Like many college students, I graduated with a clear idea of what I thought my career would look like. I earned degrees in hospitality management and human resources and naturally expected my future to revolve around those fields. I didn’t expect to be building sponsorship experiences or helping make conventions feel less like a conference and more like a community, yet those have become some of my favorite parts of my job. My guess would be that many young professionals don’t even know association management is a career pathway.  

If someone had told me as a student that I’d genuinely enjoy creative project work, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. It wasn’t something I had considered pursuing, but when given the opportunity to try – I said yes! When reflecting on those moments, I notice how growth rarely begins with certainty. It begins with a willingness to say yes!

Kerwin Brown interviews Adam Ungashick, Key Account Manager at Lesaffre, as he shares his life experience in the baking industry and the importance of connections and mentors in his career.

After attending nearly 30 BEMA Conventions throughout my career as a member and staff member, this year's Convention looked a little different for me. While Texas wasn't quite the Big Island, family came first, and I experienced Convention remotely for the first time in decades. Surprisingly, that distance was a gift.

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.

Built on strength. Focused on the future. Driven by member value. BEMA’s Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap—it’s a commitment to our members. BEMA is building on what makes this community strong while evolving how we deliver value across every touchpoint.

Kerwin Brown interviews Rick Oleshak, Vice President of Marketing at AB Mauri North America, as he shares his path to the baking industry from other industries such as NASCAR racing and beverage marketing.