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 →

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 →

The global baking community will reconvene at IBIE 2022, the first international baking industry event to take place in-person since the pandemic. Regarded as the most comprehensive baking industry event in the Western Hemisphere, with 30% of attendees visiting from 109 countries outside of the United States, IBIE is a truly worldwide event not to be missed. “We can’t wait to welcome bakers and suppliers back for a reunion of epic proportions,” said Jorge Zarate, vice-chair of 2022 IBIE and global senior vice president of operations and engineering at Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Mexico City. “This year’s event is… Read more →

Dave Watson serves on the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2022 committee and is a subject matter expert and project manager with The Austin Co. He has been in the baking industry for 39 years, and IBIE 2022 will be his seventh Baking Expo as a committee member.   What are you looking forward to most about IBIE 2022? More than ever, I am looking forward to getting together and engaging in-person with the global baking community. I am excited about the new West Hall, the expanded education programs, and the opportunity to see the latest in new bakery equipment.… Read more →

  Michael Cornelis is vice president of international sales and development for American Pan, a Bundy Baking Solution, and has worked in the industry since 1985. He’s attended the International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) since 1989 and served as chairman in 2016.   During your time on the IBIE committee, what areas have you been most passionate about? The two things that have been near and dear to my heart from both my administration as chairman and now has been increasing international attendance and increasing educational offerings. Why? What’s the point of all that? The point is we study the… Read more →

Allen Wright serves on the IBIE 2022 committee and is vice president of sales and marketing at Hansaloy. He has been in the baking industry for 27 years. What are you looking forward to most about IBIE 2022?  Having the industry together in one location and engaging in person will be exciting as this has not happened globally on this scale since IBIE 2019. I think all participants, both attendees and exhibitors, will have a renewed appreciation for being face-to-face and connecting in that environment as opposed to virtual meetings.   How will this show be different from 2019?  The… Read more →