Blending and bonding in new ways
While the Formulation Floor will look similar in terms of its physical layout (sans the columns in its previous home), it will be designed with features that help attendees navigate according to their specific, end-to-end R&D and operational needs or product applications. That includes a tagline encouraging bakers to “blend, bake and bond” at the tabletop exhibits.
It starts when attendees enter the space and experience Bakers Row. Think of it as an index of sorts: A row of panels designed for bakers to identify exhibitors that best fit their needs and easily navigate the floor in a more organized way.
“It’s an educational tool,” Arato said. “It will showcase how a few general products are made and how exhibitors fit into the production stages.”
Panels will display steps in specific processes, along with exhibitors whose products and services pertain to each step. Exhibitors will be listed with tabletop numbers and a QR code. This will allow attendees to identify which areas in the baking process — and suppliers that offer products and services in those areas — are most important to their needs.
“It’s also a way for them to quickly make the specific connections they need,” Arato noted. “And it’s a way for attendees who are new to the industry to quickly learn about the process.”
Previous feedback included feelings that Marketplace could be overwhelming, especially for younger professionals or those new to the industry. Bakers Row was developed to ease some of that trepidation.
“It could be hard to know how to navigate tabletops or know which exhibitors to visit,” Robertson said. “With the Formulation Floor, we hope to help attendees gain deeper insight into the process steps for the products they’re curious about and emphasize the contributions of all the various suppliers so they know exactly who they should connect with. For new attendees, that can eliminate a lot of that nervousness.”
This strategically aligns with ASB’s goal of bringing education and networking together at BakingTECH.
To deepen that experience, the Innovation Station is a new feature located at the heart of the floor, behind Bakers Row. This will be an exclusive area to showcase some of the conference’s most innovative and informative technologies, trends or services. Exhibitors must apply for a placement, and a select number of applicants will be chosen by a panel of bakers to be featured in the Innovation Station.
“These selections will be what the panel feels are innovations that are not only new but also meaningful for the industry,” Arato said. “The chosen companies will have the opportunity to present their solutions and offerings in a slightly more private space, where attendees can have a seat and visit with the selected vendors. They’ll also be able to give a presentation on a big-screen TV or provide deeper, one-on-one conversations without the bustle of nearby tabletops.”
The Innovation Station will be accessible during Formulation Floor hours, and the duration of presentations or conversations will be scheduled by the selected companies. All exhibitors are invited to apply when the application process begins in the coming weeks after registration opens.
In addition to new features on the Formulation Floor, attendees will also experience new hours they can access it.
While the former Marketplace was only open from 4-6 p.m. during BakingTECH, the Formulation Floor hours will be extended to include morning and afternoon sessions.
“By extending the hours, we can provide more flexibility and ensure there’s ample time for meaningful networking and connections throughout the day,” Robertson said. “So, if you make a connection on the Formulation Floor in the morning, it opens the door to interact at other points throughout the day, whether in the hotel’s atrium or during an education session. This will cater to diverse attendee schedules and also maximize those opportunities for collaboration and engagement.”
BakeTalks, which launched at BakingTECH in 2023, will remain an element of the Formulation Floor but with more prominence and easier access. The planning committee is currently recruiting bakers who can share their stories on the BakeTalks stage.