ABA Showcases Leadership, Innovation, and Workforce Development at IBIE 2025

The American Bakers Association (ABA), co-owner of the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), celebrated industry leadership and innovation as the global baking community gathered in Las Vegas for the largest trade event in the Western Hemisphere.

IBIE 2025, co-owned by ABA and BEMA and sponsored by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), welcomed more than 1,000 exhibitors from 96 countries, with international participants making up nearly 30% of attendees. The show marked a milestone with its largest-ever floor, spanning nearly 450,000 square feet, and a 5% increase in baking company participation compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Education was central to this year’s edition. IBIEducate, included with all registrations, featured the most extensive program to date, with over 250 sessions and demonstrations. Eleven ABA-led sessions covered consumer trends, workforce challenges, biotechnology, and regulatory updates, providing insights to prepare businesses for future growth.

NextGenBaker hosted its Global Leadership Forum, uniting rising executives, the ABA board, and members for networking and a panel discussion with leaders from Mausac Foods, Bridor North America, Ardent Mills, and Crown Bakeries. ABA and RBA also welcomed Major General James W. Lukeman (Ret.) for a program honoring the industry’s role in supporting the upcoming 250th Marine Corps Birthday celebrations.

For the first time, IBIE featured the Baking Works booth, developed with the CAPS Network to promote careers in commercial baking and provide employers with resources to attract and retain talent.

IBIE 2025 underscored the strength, creativity, and resilience of the baking industry, reinforcing ABA’s role in advocacy, research, and workforce development while highlighting the innovations shaping the sector’s future.