In the last show cycle alone, we’ve seen challenges that usually span decades. We have had to pivot, adapt and overcome a global pandemic, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, inflation and commodity shortages. During this time, our customers have also changed. They are more digitally savvy and discerning with their time. Which means quality and experience are critical.   When the planning committee set out to develop our 2022 education, we knew that we had to step up our game. There are so many new challenges – and opportunities – to address in today’s climate. Our underlying mission at IBIE… Read more →

Dale J. “DJ” LeCrone is chief executive officer of LeMatic, Inc., and serves on the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022 committee. He has worked in the baking industry for more than 40 years. What are you looking forward to most about IBIE 2022? IBIE 2022 is positioned to be the first major bakery trade show to welcome back an in-person experience. The anticipation and desire to re-tool and automate our industry adds an incredible amount of energy to an already exciting trade show. Why are in-person trade shows so important? The pandemic, working from home and an overabundance of… Read more →

Joe Turano is president of Turano Baking Co. in Berwyn, Ill, and serves on the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022 committee. He has worked in the baking industry for more than 25 years and has been involved with seven Expos, serving as chairman in 2019. You served as IBIE chairman in 2019. What will be different this year? This is going to be a different show coming out of the pandemic, and I think Dennis Gunnell has done a fabulous job of leading the committee and the planning efforts of the show. The Expo is going to be just… Read more →

Ken Newsome is chief executive officer of Markel Food Group in Richmond, Va. He serves on the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022 committee and has worked in the baking industry for more than 25 years. He is a 2022 inductee into the ASB Baking Hall of Fame. What are you looking forward to most about IBIE 2022? I’m most looking forward to being together as an industry to share new ideas. Since IBIE 2022 is one of the first international shows to take place in the last two years, the community is eager to reunite, get inspired and to discuss… Read more →

Kerwin Brown is president and chief executive officer of BEMA. He has worked in the baking industry for 33 years, and 2022 marks his 10th International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE). IBIE is owned by BEMA and the American Bakers Association (ABA). After a lengthy reliance on virtual meetings, how important is the in-person meeting to the industry? The in-person element is fundamentally important. I will even go so far as to say the joy and excitement of being together again will be one of the major takeaways from the show. Trade shows are essential for bringing people together, and I think a show like… Read more →

WASHINGTON (May 25, 2022)—After two years of recognizing the USA’s bread heroes virtually, Tiptree World Bread Awards are back to their bread and butter: celebrating the great loaves created by our nation’s bakers. For the first time since the Awards’ inception, the judging and awards reception will be held at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), held Sept. 17-22, 2022, in Las Vegas. “It’s such a joy to be holding the Awards in the real world,” said Caroline Kenyon, Founder/Director of the Awards. “We are so looking forward to that wonderful sight (and perfume) of hundreds of freshly baked loaves… Read more →

Baking is a science, an art — and a constantly evolving industry. Technology, shifting consumer preferences, trends, new challenges (like today’s staffing shortages) and a variety of other factors are changing the baking game. How can you make sure your operation is ready for what’s next? The answer might surprise you …   Attend the 2022 the National Restaurant Association Show, May 21-24 in Chicago. This event has been trusted by professionals from every facet of foodservice (bakers included!) for more than 100 years, because it offers all the key ingredients for lasting success —information, inspiration, connections, and quality products.… Read more →

Cake Decorating Professionals Invited to Apply Through April 30 WASHINGTON (March 8, 2022)—Imagination and artistry will take center stage during the Retail Bakers of America’s (RBA) 21st Annual Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Cake Decorating Competition. Held September 17-21, 2022, at IBIE (commonly known as the Baking Expo™ , the largest baking industry event in the Americas), this nationally renowned contest to shine a light on the world’s top professional cake decorators. “Beautiful cakes are made of much more than flour and sugar—they also require passion, ingenuity, attention to detail, and a wide range of technical abilities,” said Lynn Schurman, RBA… Read more →

As the Western Hemisphere’s most comprehensive event for the grain-based foods industry, IBIE is the best place to find what you need to achieve your professional goals. To help you prioritize and maximize your time, we’ve put together this list of five popular objectives that IBIE can help you accomplish in just a few days. Take a look and discover smart ways to enhance your experience in Las Vegas, September 17-21, 2021.   1. SOLIDIFY SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS Severe commodity price increases, inflation and supply chain hurdles have impacted bakers for much of 2021. These issues aren’t likely to disappear in… Read more →

Expanded Industry Award Categories Include Sustainability, Automation/Robotics and More WASHINGTON (January 6, 2022)—The application process for the 2022 BEST in Baking industry awards program is now open. Presented by the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), in partnership with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery (SF&WB), this esteemed program recognizes bakers and suppliers making an impact. As critical initiatives within the global baking industry have evolved, so have this year’s award categories. In 2022, IBIE and SF&WB will honor forward-thinking companies in the areas of sustainability, workforce development, sanitation, and product innovation, as well as two new award categories: plant efficiency and… Read more →