DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY — Knowledge-sharing, collaboration and community are hallmarks of the baking industry. While in-person events, such as iba 2025, set for May 18-22 in Dusseldorf, Germany, offer the best format to exchange ideas, digital connections can keep the conversation going over time.
That’s the strategy behind the new iba platform, which integrates iba.Universe with the trade fair’s website to offer members of the baking industry access to networking opportunities, industry news, bundled market interests, trade fair updates and more throughout the year.
iba.Universe launched in 2023 with goals of connecting participants virtually and bringing supply and demand together in a targeted way. The concept let visitors curate content around their most important topics and exhibitors relevant to their needs, and exhibitors could feature their profiles and products.
“Because the new way of preparing for and following up on the trade fair was used with great interest, we decided to create a contact point by integrating the website and iba.Universe,” said Susann Seidemann, director of iba. “The face-to-face event in the exhibition halls remains the centerpiece, while the iba platform serves as an extension. Our aim is to bring all industry participants together all year round before, during and after the trade fair, thereby creating maximum benefit for everyone.”
The iba platform offers networking opportunities and a space for exchanging ideas all year long. Companies can use the platform to present their innovations and serve target groups individually. Data analysis and AI match the interests with company offerings.
Benefits of the integrated platform include:
– Content and newsletters tailored to user preferences
– Targeted lead generation for companies and providers
– Search and filter functions for media representatives
– More streamlined trade fair preparation and easier on-site meeting planning
“The iba platform now connects the baking sector and the players all year round,” Seidemann said.
