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.