LAS VEGAS — With the approach of the International Baking Industry Exhibition (IBIE)’s 2022 show, one of the most comprehensive events for the grain-based foods industry , the organization has put together a new list of five objectives that it can help bakers accomplish in a few days. The show is set to be held Sept. 17-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Solidify supplier partnerships
Severe commodity price increases, inflation and supply chain hurdles impacted bakers throughout most of 2021. These issues aren’t likely to disappear this year either, and while there’s no simple solution, solidifying relationships with suppliers can help. As Hayden Wands, VP of global procurement at Grupo Bimbo, noted on an episode of ABA’s Bake to the Future podcast, “The most important thing I can say is to strengthen the relationship with your supply partners. […] Stronger relationships lead to more success.”
IBIE 2022 presents an opportunity to get valuable face time with current suppliers and discuss needs with potential partners. Make sure you make time for networking and discovery into your schedule.
Put professional development at the forefront
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, search for a new opportunity or retain top talent in a competitive market by investing in your employees’ professional development, IBIE’s offerings can help. The world-renowned IBIEducate program features nearly 100 live demonstrations, interactive training and insightful sessions. It will cover every industry segment and a wide variety of job functions, all within specialized tracks. Envision the skills and tactics you and your team would like to master and add education sessions to your registration as early as March 2022.
Focus on tech
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digitization, e-commerce, delivery on demand and contactless POS systems. It also showed how imperative it is to future-proof your business.
How are you preparing to capitalize on emerging technologies? Things like artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality will play important roles in the future of the baking industry, and you can get an up-close look at them at IBIE. Dennis Gunnell, IBIE 2022 chair and president of Formost Fuji, iterated that the Expo will be “an excellent showcase to learn about and compare a variety of innovations, see them in action, and engage in Q&A with the suppliers.”
Carve out time to learn about the latest applications for these technologies on the show floor and in specialized education sessions.
Go with the grain
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) are updated every five years, and the most recent version provides new opportunities to raise the profile of grains. IBIE offers insights into changing consumer preferences to help ensure that your company’s product offerings are in line with the latest dietary trends and capitalize on the momentum that these updated guidelines (as well as favorable attitudes toward grain-based foods) provide.
Move the industry forward
Every three years, IBIE gathers the baking community to fuel the next generation of professionals, promote economic growth and explore common challenges together. All proceeds from this non-profit event are invested back into the industry. That means, by purchasing your pass and sharing knowledge with the peers you meet at the show, you’re helping advance the future of baking.
No matter what your 2022 goals are, you’ll find the products, ideas and people you need to accomplish them at IBIE 2022. If you haven’t already, learn more about what’s in store this year and register by March 8 to receive early-bird rates.
