Industry News
Thought Leadership, Insights
and More From BEMA
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.
Press Release: BEMA Convention Delivers Strategic Insights, Practical Solutions, and Meaningful Member Value
As the baking industry continues to navigate evolving market demands, workforce challenges, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations, BEMA's Convention programming is intentionally designed to help members address today's realities while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities.
Press Release: Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award
The Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) is proud to announce that Kurt Miller of J&K Ingredients has been named the 2026 recipient of the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor.
What’s Next For BEMA: Our Strategic Plan
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.
On A Roll Episode 20: A Career From NASCAR To Brewing To Baking
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.
On A Roll Episode 19: Building A Career From Family Bakery To Executive In The Baking Industry
Kerwin Brown interviews Jill Stang, Vice President of Sales at Lesaffre, as she shares her path through the baking industry, her experience with product development, and her involvement in various organizations in the baking industry.
Thought Leadership: What’s Behind The System Matters
You may have noticed that BEMA’s website has a new look — and we’re proud of it. But this update wasn’t just about improving what you see. It was about rebuilding what you don’t. As we evaluated our systems, we realized something important: even when the front end works well enough, the backend processes can quietly limit your effectiveness. That realization led us to step back, assess how we were collecting and using data, and ultimately redesign our internal systems to better serve our members. The experience reinforced a lesson that applies far beyond BEMA.
Press Release: BEMA, In Collaboration With ASB & BEAG, Launches Sanitary Design Workshop
BEMA, in collaboration with the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the Baking Equipment Assessment Group (BEAG), is pleased to announce the Sanitary Design Workshop, a two-day, in-depth educational program focused on practical, real-world approaches to sanitation, food safety, and sanitary design.
