WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA) released its schedule and speakers for this year’s convention, set for April 14-17 in Scottsdale, AZ.
From education sessions to NextGenBaker and more, the industry event offers an assortment of insights for a range of attendees. Take a look at some of the 2024 programming.
April 14
New Attendee and NextGenBaker Brunch – Energy Inspired Leadership | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The NextGenBaker Brunch brings together industry novices and veterans to learn about inspiring leadership in the modern workspace. During this session, attendees will hear from Andrew Deutscher, founder of Regenerate, and Bradley Cain and Lili Economakis, co-chairs of NextGenBaker; about the value of energy as a resource.
First-time ABA Convention attendees can attend this event as complimentary guests and have an opportunity to connect with other new attendees and gain further insight into the event.
Welcome Address and Opening Keynote | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
To formally kick off the convention, Erik Qualman, founder of Equalman, will cover how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way people live and work; how technology can drive innovation; how to overcome difficulties with new technologies; and how to find a balance with AI.
Executive Roundtables | 3 – 4 p.m.
These topic-focused discussions let attendees select a topic of interest and engage in conversation with other industry members about challenges and best practices.
One of the roundtables offered, Accelerating Category Growth, is moderated by Joanie Spencer, editor-in-chief of Commercial Baking, and sponsored by Puratos. This discussion features panelists Chimene Ross, president and CCO of The Killer Brownie Co., and Josh Becker, bakery and confection product manager of Harpak-Ulma.
In this session, Spencer will guide participants in discussing how the industry can effectively promote the role baked goods play in public and policymaker consciousness.
April 15
The Gist Breakfast: Federal Policy Impacting the Baking Industry | 8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
In this short event, Rasma Zvaners, VP of government relations for ABA, and the association’s government relations team will brief attendees on key federal legislative and regulatory matters impacting the baking industry. This session will also be held at the same time on April 16.
Business Session | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
During this time block, attendees can attend one of two sessions.
“Bakery Playbook: Translating Consumer Expectations” will be led by Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics and will cover the latest insights to help bakers create goods that resonate with present and future consumers.
“The Good in Grains: Promoting Grain Nutrition to Consumers” will be a panel moderated by Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) co-chairs Angie Goldberg and Lorraine Hale about how fact-based resources on the role grain foods plain in healthy diets are reaching consumers. Panelists include Scientific Advisory Board members Michelle Kijek, Siddhartha Angadi and Glenn Gaesser.
ATBI Leadership Session | 3 – 4 p.m.
This session focuses on effective leadership and its impact on a team. Led by Ben Nemtin, co-founder of The Buried Life Movement, attendees will learn about how leaders can go deeper to connect with their team members and build a culture of belonging.
American Bakers PAC Dinner | 7 – 9:30 p.m.
During this ticketed event, former Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and former Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) will address critical issues facing the US in a point-counterpoint conversation.
April 16
Closing Keynote | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The third and final keynote speaker of ABA Convention 2024, soon to be announced, will close out this year’s event.
Visit the ABA Convention 2024 website for the full schedule and list of speakers.
