What’s Happening

Competitions, education and can’t-miss experiences across the show floor

Unbeatable Show Features

As the largest, most comprehensive baking industry event in the Western Hemisphere, there is never a dull moment with these can’t-miss show features at IBIE. At the Baking Expo™, the excitement of competition, compelling displays of creativity, industry awards and networking events are all around. These inspiring forums and events ignite conversations with peers and connections with new contacts. Check out the list below to find out what’s happening at IBIE 2028.

Coupe Du Monde De La Boulangerie

The Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie returns to IBIE for the Americas Selection. The competition will bring together international baking teams from across the Western Hemisphere to compete in three categories: Bakery, Viennoiserie, and Artistic Bread Showpiece. Two winning teams will earn the honor of representing the Americas at the World Cup of Baking in Paris, France.

Americas Selection (Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico & USA)

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The Rockin’ Pint Concert

Get ready for a blast from the past! The Rockin’ Pint offers you a chance to crank up the volume for an awesome 80s night filled with great music and networking over cold brews.

Join us for a nostalgic experience as the iconic chart-toppers, Wang Chung, take the stage. Then, the legendary baker and bass guitarist Duff Goldman and his band, Foie Grock, join the mix, serving up an after-party set of your favorite 80s covers. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day on the show floor!

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IBIEDUCATE

At IBIE, you’ll access the most comprehensive baking industry education event in the world—and get the expert insights you need to take your baking business to the next level. IBIEducate offers a cutting-edge program with something for everyone—regardless of your job function or industry segment. Choose from 250+ sessions addressing the hottest topics across the entire baking spectrum. Formats include classroom sessions, hands-on workshops, and demonstrations.

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Wholesale Bakers Center

Explore in-depth discussions led by expert speakers covering vital topics such as sustainability, workforce development, operational efficiencies and more. With carefully crafted programming, this space offers a tailored learning experience designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities for commercial bakers. Connect with peers, build your network, and join us at the Wholesale Bakers Center to unlock the knowledge that boosts performance.

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RBA Retail Bakers Center

Get creative ideas and practical tips at the show-stopping RBA Retail Bakers Center. Within this popular show feature, you’ll discover riveting baking competitions, inspiring stories, and live demonstrations from some of the biggest names in the industry! Experience it all for FREE in one convenient location.

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Chef Talks

New to IBIE, Chef Talks, presented by Mexipan, features top baking voices from Mexico and Latin America. This speaker series explores innovation, flavor trends, and entrepreneurship—presented in Spanish and open to all attendees on the show floor, with real-time translation in 60+ languages.

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Panettone World Cup

Don’t miss the Panettone World Cup debuting at IBIE 2028! This renowned competition showcases panettone’s history, technique and global appeal. Experience the excitement of this festive baking competition and see who will advance to the global grand championship. The Americas Selection is open to contestants throughout the Western Hemisphere*. The winners will represent their country in the world final.

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*Except Brazil and Peru, which have separate national competitions.

World Bread Awards USA

The World Bread Awards USA will once again take place at the Baking Expo™ to celebrate exceptional loaves. Judges will examine entries from over 13 product categories covering an array of bread products from baguettes and bagels to sourdough and flatbread.

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Creative Cake Decorating Competition

Creativity will take center stage as six teams of elite professional cake decorators challenge each other to a contest of imagination, artistry and skill during one of baking’s most prestigious competitions. The Creative Cake Decorating Competition consists of four categories: wedding cake, rolled fondant, sculpted cake, and buttercream.

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Best in Baking – Industry Awards

These industry awards recognize suppliers and bakeries committed to positive transformation in the industry through the BEST in Baking industry awards. Established in 2010, these award categories have expanded to honor leaders across several paramount topics, including sustainability, workforce development, sanitation, packaging innovation, plant efficiency, and automation/robotics.

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QuickBITES

QuickBITES are a series of 20-minute presentations from industry, health and trend experts. These sessions will be hosted over four days and topics will focus on grain-foods industry issues, consumer concerns and the future of food.

When: Sept. 14-1

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Innovation Showcase

The Innovation Showcase debuts the newest products and technology to enhance your operations, all on display in one convenient location. Entries include emerging Ingredients, Equipment, Packaging and Safety products never before seen at IBIE.

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Artisan Village

The Artisan Village is an interactive, innovative hub offering exceptional learning opportunities and exciting competitions. It’s a prime destination for bakers looking to hone their skills, make connections and walk away inspired for growth in every aspect of their business. With talks celebrating all things craft, whether it be bread, bagels or pastry— there’s no shortage of insights here.

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Great American Pie Festival

At the Great American Pie Festival, attendees can taste-test to their heart’s content at this show feature, where you’ll find a variety of ready-made pies crafted with different cutting, filling and baking equipment. Expo-goers are in for a treat, buyers for supermarkets or restaurants can shop around, and suppliers can assess the finished products made with particular ingredients or equipment.

The Recharge Lounge

The Recharge Lounge at IBIE—your go-to spot to connect, reset and refuel. Whether you’re looking to spark meaningful conversations, refresh your professional headshot, juice up your devices, or simply take a breather with a coffee in hand, The Recharge Lounge is your calm amidst the tradeshow buzz. Find your moment to recharge—mind, body, and tech—all in one place.

The International Trade Center

Your gateway to global business opportunities at IBIE 2028. Located inside the Expo Hall, this destination is designed to connect exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders from around the world, fostering international trade relationships and facilitating cross-border commerce. Translation services, complimentary meeting space and refreshments are offered during expo hours for attendees with international badges and their guest suppliers.