Our Events In The News
Convention Buzz
IBIE 2028: Planning Beyond The Booth
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.
Building Safer Bakeries; Producing Safer Food
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.
From Ideas to Execution: How The Commercial Baking Industry Can Build Stronger Commercialization Strategies
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.
The Commercial Baking Industry Guide To AI
Jon Lakefish walks the baking industry through practical AI strategies to implement with your team today.
Stronger Together: How Purpose, Connection, and Shared Goals Transform Our Organizations
Build momentum with Seb Terry's keynote delivered at BEMA Convention 2026 in Waimea, Hawaii. Forward his inspirational message onto your team.
Convention 2025 Reflection: How AI is Reshaping the Future of the Baking Industry
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.
Convention 2025 Reflection: AI In The Real World Of Manufacturing
Efficiency and productivity improvements through standardized methods and real-time information are at the core of AI’s value in manufacturing.
Convention 2025 Reflection: Ask-A-Baker
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.
Convention 2025 Reflection: Navigating Cross-border Trade in Uncertain Times
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.
Convention 2025 Reflection: Talent to Compete
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.
Convention 2025 Reflection: Taste of the Tropics
At BEMA Convention 2025, panelists from Puerto Rico and Jamaica shared firsthand insights into the Caribbean baking market, from the popularity of Pan Sobao and dense white loaves to labor challenges and equipment logistics. Their stories highlighted regional resilience, export growth, and the power of elevating the profession of baking across borders.
Convention 2025 Reflection: Keynote Speaker
BEMA Convention 2025 keynote speaker Chris Clews used iconic ’80s pop culture moments, from The Karate Kid to The Goonies, to share powerful, relevant leadership lessons. With humor and heart, he reminded attendees to breathe, show kindness, embrace change, and leave a lasting legacy, one handwritten note or Baby Ruth at a time.
