“Postponing the live event to 2023 was the right decision,” said Susann Seidemann, exhibition director for iba. “As the world’s leading trade fair, we will soon provide the baking industry with a global offer and an iba in its full strength, dimension and quality.”
Historically, iba touts high attendance as well as engagement, with the 2018 event showcasing more than 1,300 exhibitors and more than 75,000 attendees representing nearly 170 countries. Of those attendees, more than 82% were decision makers, according to iba data.
The two iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS events allowed for this large global community to exchange ideas and discuss innovations during a time when in-person shows were postponed and international travel restrictions prevented even routine business meetings from happening. While virtual events posed challenges for tradeshows of all types, iba used the interaction as a platform to maintain momentum until the on-site show resumes in 2023.
“When we postponed in 2021, COVID required us to be more flexible in ways we never knew before,” Seidemann said. “Of course, many factors such as travel restrictions, the uncertain development of the pandemic, feedback from the market and a busy international trade fair schedule for 2022 played a role. Having the next show in 2023 gave us and the market a planning security all parties will benefit from.”
During IBIE, iba’s leadership shared details for the 2023 event, including a new structure called iba.topics, which organizes the show by specific areas of interest. They reflect the hall structure and include four main categories: production technology and equipment, raw materials and ingredients, artisan bakery, and packaging technology. Additionally, iba.focus topics will address megatrends and market developments such as sustainability, artisan bakery, health, food trends, industry 4.0, turnkey solutions and quality management. With the supply chain and current energy crisis on the minds of all bakers, iba is emphasizing the technology available for efficiency in every aspect of those areas.