WASHINGTON, DC — As the world awaits widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the baking industry is looking to the future with hope as plans forge ahead for the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), set for Sept. 17-21 in Las Vegas.
During the American Bakers Association (ABA)’s annual meeting, held this year on a virtual platform March 22-23, Jorge Zarate, global senior VP of operations for Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo and IBIE vice-chairman, assured attendees that the IBIE planning committee “is moving forward at full-steam ahead.”
First round of booth sales will open in April for ABA, BEMA and Retail Bakers of America members with contracts due May 17. The second round will open this summer.
The floor plan will change significantly in 2022 after major upgrades to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show will move from the Central Hall into the new West Hall, while also remaining in the North Hall.
“The upgrades alone will elevate the show to a new level,” Zarate said.
“The North Hall will house the Cannabis Pavilion, a new show feature, along with the RBA Baker’s Center and the Great American Pie Festival. In the West Hall, IBIE will showcase the all-new Sanitation Pavilion and virtual bakery tours.”
The North Hall will house the Cannabis Pavilion, a new show feature, along with the RBA Baker’s Center and the Great American Pie Festival. In the West Hall, IBIE will showcase the all-new Sanitation Pavilion and virtual bakery tours.
Zarate also discussed IBIE’s partnership with iba, the triennial bakery show originally scheduled for October in Munich, which recently announced plans to postpone until 2023. “While the pandemic has certainly changed what the partnership may look like, we have been able to evolve our support for iba in key areas,” he said, noting IBIE’s participation in the iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS virtual event held March 15-17.
Additionally, the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA will be held during IBIE 2022, following two years of “Bread Heroes” awards.
For more information on IBIE, visit www.bakingexpo.com.