BEMA Convention 2026
BEMA Convention Speakers
Allen Wright, President of Hansaloy
Allen Wright is President of Hansaloy in Davenport, Iowa, a leading supplier to the baking industry and a long-standing exhibitor at IBIE. With more than 30 years at Hansaloy, Allen has built a distinguished career supporting commercial bakers and advancing industry innovation.
A respected industry leader, Allen served as Chair of the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) from 2016–2017 and was a member of the BEMA Board of Directors from 2008–2018. He has also contributed extensively to industry education and leadership through his service on the American Society of Baking (ASB) Board of Directors and as a former ASB session chairman.
Allen is a graduate of Iowa State University and remains actively engaged in the baking community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Felicia, and their two children, Owen and Ellie.
Chad Larson, Vice President/COO – Mel-O-Cream Donuts
Esteban Gomez, SVO of Engineering – Roskam Foods
As Senior Vice President of Engineering, Esteban Gomez leads engineering, reliability, facilities, automation, and capital project execution across a multi-site food manufacturing network. With more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and project leadership, he has successfully delivered over $300 million in capital investments, including facility expansions, new production lines, and operational transformation initiatives.
Esteban specializes in aligning engineering strategy with business growth by improving asset reliability, increasing manufacturing capacity, and implementing innovative technologies. He is passionate about developing high-performing teams, advancing operational excellence, and creating scalable solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and long-term competitiveness within the food manufacturing industry.
Jeff Shura, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology – Flowers Foods
Jeff Shura is SVP of Engineering & Technology at Flowers Foods where he leads the capital project management, bakery maintenance support, continuous improvement, controls, and digital manufacturing teams. Jeff’s career spans 35 years working with leading consumer packaged goods companies with leadership roles in engineering, operations, and strategy. Outside of work Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife Heather cooking, practicing yoga, gardening, and traveling with their two children.
Marketing & Brand Expert – Jon Lakefish
Jon Lakefish is a seasoned marketing and branding expert with over two decades of industry experience along with an MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Renowned for his deep insights into consumer behavior and a fervent passion for innovation, Jon has spearheaded marketing initiatives across various sectors, significantly enhancing brand presence and engagement.
Kathy Sargent, VP Baking Technology and Commercialization – Bimbo Bakeries USA
Kathy Sargent is the VP of Baking Technology and Commercialization for Bimbo Bakeries USA.
A dynamic, highly accomplished professional with a proven history in business, technical delivery, and sale support. A collaborative business owner who identifies and executes solutions that meet both business and customer objectives. Outstanding blend of organization, prioritization, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to lead and supervise team members, manage a wide range of duties simultaneously and coordinate multi-level directives.
In her current role, Ms. Sargent and her team work in close partnership with R&D, marketing, and business partners in development and execution of technology and innovation. Responsibilities include operations scale-up and execution of new product launches, technology conversions, and quality support. Kathy’s responsibilities include operations driven strategic technology to transform modern manufacturing for a competitive advantage.
She is a proud graduate of Kansas State University, with a master’s degree in food science and technology and a bachelor’s degree in cereal chemistry and bakery science.
Kimberly Hardcastle, Chief Strategist at Freeman
As Chief Strategist at Freeman, Kimberly drives participation, elevates experiences and future-proofs events for Freeman clients. With a Master of Science in Business Administration, over two decades of industry experience (including several as the lead marketer for IBIE), and a unique ability to shift between analytical and creative thinking, she brings both discipline and imagination to solving complex challenges.
Her expertise in event marketing, strategic planning, tactical execution and organizational design was shaped during her 24-year tenure at mdg, the agency she helped build before eventually selling to Freeman. Kimberly is a CEM faculty member, a Krakoff Leadership Institute alumna and has been named by IAEE as an Educator of the Year and a Woman of Achievement. She has a monthly column in PCMA’s Convene magazine and is a frequent presenter at SISO, PCMA Convening Leaders, Expo! Expo! and Lippman Connects events.
She’s also the mom of a TCU Horned Frog, wife of a retired Navy pilot, Peloton addict, reader, runner and unapologetic lover of bread and baked goods.
Matt Zielsdorf, Vice President of Sales – Stewart Systems & Baker Thermal
Matt Zielsdorf is Vice President of Sales at Stewart & Baker Thermal Solutions and a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in the baking industry. Throughout his career, he has partnered with commercial bakeries across the globe to drive operational excellence, improve product quality, and implement innovative processing technologies.
Known for his deep industry knowledge and practical approach, Zielsdorf has worked closely with bakery manufacturers on equipment solutions, process optimization, thermal technologies, and strategic growth initiatives. His expertise spans a wide range of bakery segments, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s baking industry.
A passionate advocate for innovation and continuous improvement, Zielsdorf is recognized for connecting technical solutions with real business outcomes. His presentations combine decades of hands-on industry experience with actionable insights that help bakery professionals navigate evolving market demands, workforce challenges, and emerging technologies.
Nick Magistrelli, Vice President of Sales – Rademaker USA, LLC
Paul Trujillo, Vice President Engineering – Rise Baking Company
Paul is a baking industry veteran with 40 years of hands-on expertise spanning engineering, plant operations, and product development.
Since being acquired in 2015, he has served as Vice President of Engineering for Rise Baking Company, where he oversees capital expenditures (CAPEX), asset lifecycle management, and infrastructure governance across a multi-site manufacturing network. A passionate advocate for the bakery business, Paul specializes in driving operational excellence through industrial automation, process optimization, and the design of world-class, highly efficient production environments. His strategic focus ensures that large-scale capital investments – from high-volume automated lines to critical facility upgrades – align seamlessly with rigorous financial governance and long-term corporate growth.
Prior to his executive role at Rise, Paul built a comprehensive foundation through senior plant management and R&D leadership roles at global food industry leaders, including Unilever, Heinz, and PepsiCo. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to proving that the highest standards of engineering efficiency go hand-in-hand with producing exceptional bakery products.
Sarah Tsocanos, Associate Director, Business Quality – The Campbell’s Company
Sarah Tsocanos is a commercial baker with over 12 years of experience in the bakery industry, specializing in research and development and business quality. She has led cross-functional initiatives across new product development, cost optimization, and business continuity, delivering results in a wide range of categories including fresh and frozen bakery, cookies, and crackers.
Known for her practical, solutions-driven approach, Sarah brings deep technical expertise alongside a passion for people, collaboration, and the craft of baking. She is committed to advancing both product quality and team capability within the food industry.
Keynote Speaker – Seb Terry
BEMA is pleased to announce that Seb Terry, internationally recognized keynote speaker and expert on personal transformation, peak performance, and creating environments for success, will deliver a keynote address at BEMA's Convention 2026. Seb will take the stage on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Based in Venice, California, Seb Terry is an Australian-born speaker known for his engaging storytelling, humor, and interactive style. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations unlock potential, embrace change, and align passion with purpose to drive meaningful results.
Today, Seb brings a refined framework and methodology to his presentations, equipping leaders and teams with practical tools to build resilience, strengthen culture, and create environments where people and performance thrive.
Sergio Caballero, Sales Manager / Marketing – FoodTools Inc.
Sergio Caballero is a seasoned baking industry professional with over two decades of experience, having built his career since 1998. He leads sales efforts across Western North America while also contributing to key marketing strategies. Sergio serves on the BEMA Board of Directors and was actively involved with BIF from 2017 to 2024.
Outside the office, he values family time with his wife, Deanna, and enjoys traveling to Boston and Texas to visit their children.