Must-know info on BEMA 2026 programming

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Must-know info on BEMA 2026 programming

9 Jun 2026

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.

OVERLAND PARK, KS — Each year, BEMA unites its membership at the annual Convention, offering networking and learning opportunities alike. The programming lineup for this year’s event, to be held June 25-29 in Waimea, HI, sustains that initiative, offering expert insights on the most pressing topics across the baking industry.

“Every aspect of Convention programming is developed with one question in mind: How does this create value for our members?” said Brandon Woods, BEMA board member and Convention and programs committee leader. “By aligning our content with the priorities outlined in BEMA’s strategic plan, we’re helping members navigate today’s business environment while positioning their organizations for future growth and success.”

The lineup for Convention 2026 touches on a bit of everything, ranging from leadership and organizational culture to AI, commercialization and more.

“I always leave Convention with pages of notes and ideas I can take back to my team,” said Sergio Caballero, BEMA board member and Convention and programs committee leader. “The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, and the speakers are willing to share both successes and lessons learned.”

“By aligning our content with the priorities outlined in BEMA's strategic plan, we're helping members navigate today's business environment while positioning their organizations for future growth and success.” — Brandon Woods | board member, Convention and programs committee leader | BEMA

In addition to a presentation from keynote speaker Seb Terry, BEMA attendees will also glean learnings from Jon Lakefish, an AI and branding expert. His presentation, Adapt Today with Practical Tools for Immediate Impact, will provide insights on AI, the platforms available that can support business challenges, and how the tools can support an organization. This topic has become of increasing importance to BEMA, with its Baking Industry Forum group focusing on AI over the past year.

During Plan Now, Win Later – Rethinking Your Trade Show Strategy for IBIE and Beyond, Allen Wright, chair for the 2028 Baking Expo, and Kimberly Hardcastle, chief strategist with Freeman Co., will share trends in exhibiting strategies to help BEMA members plan for the next edition of the triennial event.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to listen to two panel discussions. Safety & Hygienic Design in Commercial Bakery Equipment will feature a conversation between Jeff Shura, senior VP of engineering and technology at Flowers Foods; Chad Larson, CEO of Mel-O-Cream Donuts; Nick Magistrelli, VP of sales at Rademaker USA; and Matt Zielsdorf, VP of sales for Middleby Bakery, regarding the future of hygienic design, safety guarding, and cleanability standards in commercial baking equipment.

For the second panel, a cohort of bakers and suppliers will sit down for a candid conversation about how leading organizations align innovation with manufacturing execution to bring new products to store shelves. Panel members will include Esteban Gomez, senior VP of engineering at Roskam Foods; Paul Trujillo, VP of engineering at Rise Baking Co.; Kathy Sargent, VP of baking technology and commercialization at Bimbo Bakeries USA; and Sarah Tsocanos, associate director of business quality at The Campbell’s Co.

Visit the BEMA website for the full itinerary for this year’s Convention.

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