LAS VEGAS — Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, questions regarding the future of the baking industry have remained prevalent and critical for all aspects of the baking industry. The triumphant return of the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) — held Sept. 18 – 21 in Las Vegas — represented the industry’s rebound from the pandemic’s impact. For the first time in years, seasoned industry vets, emerging professionals, equipment manufacturers and more gathered face-to-face to discuss the future.
John Schmitz, president of North America for Dawn Foods, was among the first-time attendees taking in the sights and insights Baking Expo had to offer. Under the lights of the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Dawn booth buzzed with employees and visitors, many who were connecting in person for the first time since the last iteration of IBIE.
“It’s been so great to be here to connect and reconnect with customers,” Schmitz said. “You can feel the energy, and I think it’s so great that we were able to have this event live and in person.”
Schmitz joined Dawn in January 2020, just before the start of the pandemic. IBIE was the first major industry event he attended in person since assuming the role. Throughout the past couple of years, one of Schmitz’s main learnings came from watching the company adapt to remote operations and the challenges presented with lockdowns, noting the “deeply embedded” partnerships between Dawn and its customers.