Fireside chats from ASB recharge Baking Expo-goers

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Fireside chats from ASB recharge Baking Expo-goers

9 Sep 2025

Annie Hollon

Annie Hollon is a journalist, copywriter and social media strategist from the Dallas, Texas area. She found a love for magazine writing during her time at the University of Alabama where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in public relations and English. Beyond writing, you can find her expanding her library, attempting to teach herself the guitar and trying new hobbies.

KANSAS CITY, MO — There’s plenty to take in at this year’s IBIE, and the American Society of Baking (ASB) is offering another way for attendees to engage with the event.

The association announced a series of Fireside Chats to be held at the ASB Recharge Lounge, located in the North Hall entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center. This area will also serve as a space for guests to take a break by recharging devices and grabbing refreshments. There will also be a section designed for IBIE attendees to revamp their headshots.

“ASB created the Fireside Chat series to give IBIE attendees a place to join meaningful conversations with experts across the baking industry,” said Kristen L. Spriggs, executive director of ASB. “The chats are designed to be informal and interactive, covering everything from consumer trends to food safety to career journeys. Our goal is to spark fresh ideas, share practical insights, and foster connections in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance to step away from the busy show floor, recharge, and walk away with new ideas and meaningful connections.”

There Fireside Chats will span four different sessions, each covering myriad topics relevant to today’s baking industry leadership and workforce.

Beyond the Breadline: Fireside Chat on Fresh Trends in Baking

Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.

Spriggs will sit down with Heather Prach, VP of education and industry relations for the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, for a look at the fresh bakery market. Prach will dive into how innovation is reshaping the category, using research and real-world applications to outline solutions for retailers, suppliers and bakers.

Lessons from the Line: 40+ Years of Food Safety and Hygienic Design Insights

Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.

During this Fireside Chat, Jon Anderson, managing consultant of BEAG, will share his decades of food safety wisdom through key lessons and case studies fitting for bakery operations. The conversation will include strategies for improving food safety and tips for leaders looking to build a better safety culture.

Hear What Consumers Are Saying About Grain Foods

Monday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.

This data-driven session will be led by NielsenIQ’s director of public sector, Jeff Gregori, and research director of consumer behavior & insights, Felicia Schiefer. The pair will dive into new research from the Grain Foods Foundation and NielsenIQ about how today’s shoppers perceive grain-based products. Data-driven insights will offer members of the baking industry a look at how to create products that not only drive growth but also meet the needs of today’s consumers.

From Dough to ‘Aha!’—The Journey to Joy at Work

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at noon

To round out the collection of conversations, Danny Williams, member of recruiting team The Bakery Bunch, will host an interactive session that encourages guests to share their career stories and offers guidance on ways for them to uncover strengths and passions.

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