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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.

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.

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.

BEMA Intel equips baking industry leaders with powerful business intelligence through quarterly trend reports, market data dashboards, and member insights. From validating sales trends to uncovering strategic blind spots, members shared how BEMA Intel helps them make smarter, more confident decisions in a shifting marketplace.

Learn more about BEMA member company TP Food Group North America as Wes Luczak interviews Nicola Menardo, President of the company.

Join Kelly Allen, Emily Bowers and BEMA Chairman Clay Miller in the kitchen as they discuss all things Convention! From unique networking events, sponsors, tours & more, you won't want to miss this episode.

BEMA proudly honors Dennis Gunnell with the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing over four decades of hands-on leadership, continuous improvement, and a visionary commitment to service, collaboration, and mentorship in the baking industry.

What started as a leap of faith in 2005 has become the most rewarding journey of my professional life. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching BEMA grow into a thriving, global community - rooted in purpose, powered by people, and guided by a shared passion for the baking industry.