The Entire Baking World Unites at IBIE 2016
IBIE 2016, which will take place once again in Las Vegas, October, 8-11, is expected to bring the entire professional baking community together in record numbers, connecting an anticipated 800 exhibiting companies with more than 20,000 baking professionals from all over the globe for four days of business-building interaction.
The Baking Expo, sponsored by the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), is recognized worldwide as the grain-based industry’s most comprehensive event, a “working show,” where millions of dollars of business is conducted daily.
New features at IBIE
IBIE has announced a host of exciting new and returning features focused on creating an even more engaging experience for attendees and exhibitors.
Sponsored by Corbion Caravan, Rehrig Pacific Company and Sosland, the All-American Tailgate Party serves as the official event kick-off on the opening night (Saturday, October 8, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.) and provides an incredible opportunity for networking with key colleagues and suppliers from around the globe. Held just off the show floor, tickets include unlimited drinks, tailgate-style food, music, interactive games and, of course, live sports on big screens—adding some true American flavor to the show experience.
Centrally located on the show floor, the Idea LAB serves as a hive for inspiration and out-of-the-box thinking with the Innovation Spotlight Theater featuring curated presentations of the industry’s latest advancements, as well as an “Ask the Experts” answer bar. Additionally, the new Networking Café within the Idea LAB provides a forum for dialogue with other attendees.
For more inspiration, attendees can also listen to “Fresh Take Talks”—20-minute TED Talk-like presentations covering provocative ideas and progressive solutions—presented on the Grain Foods Foundation stage in the North Hall.
Partnering with the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), IBIE has developed the Cold Storage Pavilion, a new area on the show floor dedicated to cold storage solutions and innovations. This will help connect baking professionals entering or expanding in the frozen foods market with warehouse, construction and transportation solutions to help them deliver the highest quality products.
“There will be a tangible shift this year to a more engaging and interactive experience for attendees and exhibitors alike, with new programs that better facilitate networking, hands-on learning and inspiration,” said Michael Cornelis, IBIE 2016 Chairman.
IBIE wouldn’t be the same without popular returning features including the B.E.S.T. in Baking Program, American Cake Decorating and Revent Demo Stages, The Great American Pie Festival, Innovation Showcase, PMQ’s World Pizza Challenge and the Groupon U.S. Pizza Team Trials, RBA’s 15th Annual Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Decorating Competition, RPIA’s Business of Baking for Beginners (BOB), the TIA Technical Conference, and the expanded and comprehensive education program featuring 90+ sessions.
Attendees can also use the new IBIE Connect platform to network with participating colleagues and suppliers. Through the online portal, they can search for companies and products, schedule appointments and make new contacts.
IBIE 2016 Education Program Expands Scope and Depth
IBIE has announced an expanded educational program highlighting the latest techniques and proven strategies for streamlining wholesale operations, improving product quality and increasing profits.
Seminars at IBIE 2016 are organized into targeted tracks: AIB Technical, Retail, Bread Bakers Guild of America, International, Management, Sales & Marketing, Ingredients & Processes, Food Safety & Sanitation, and Retail Hands-on (Cake & Pastry Decorating). Sessions are held daily from 8:30 a.m. to Noon and in the evening to give attendees plenty of time to explore the latest innovations exhibited on the Expo floor.
Highlighted topics include:
- Closing the Workforce Gap
- The Future of Wholesale Baking with Marijuana
- Baker’s Dilemma: PHO Free Toolbox for Fats and Oils
- Preparations for Product Recalls
- Clean Label: Meeting Consumer Expectations and Overcoming Baking Challenges
- Mid-Year Consumer Update with Todd Hale
- ABA Governmental Affairs Update
Registration for IBIE 2016 is open!
The educational programming will run the duration of the conference, October 8-11, starting at 8:30 AM each day. The TIA Technical Conference and several sessions begin on Friday, October 7.
Trade show hours:
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday through Monday, October 8-10, 2016
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday, October 11, 2016.