Madison, WI — IDDBA’s Dairy-Deli-Bake 2011 was a record-breaking event and clearly, “The Show of Shows”. The 47th annual seminar and expo was held June 5-7 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Both attendance and exhibits hit all-time high numbers at 8,554 and 1,576, respectively. The conference was attended by top-ranked retail buyers, merchandisers, executives, food manufacturers, brokers, distributors, and other top industry professionals. The powerful, thought-provoking seminars, led by nationally-known speakers, created an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation that was felt in the seminars, special events and on the show floor. This positive buzz permeated discussions, transactions, and networking.
IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake 2011 registered attendees represented nearly 50 countries. The exhibit floor grew until there was no more room to expand. The booth space SOLD OUT and IDDBA had to turn away companies who wanted to exhibit. The positive energy created a domino effect that buoyed attendees as they sought out new products, ideas, and business partners. The show floor was busy with business. The exhibitors displayed their best products with many new item introductions. The buyers were there in force and they were ready and eager to buy!
The speaker line-up was top notch. Condoleezza Rice drew a standing-room-only crowd as she discussed her years as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, the power of ideas, compassion, and how our differences can be a strength. Guy Fieri entertained the audience with his humorous stories from behind the scenes of his television shows and of his rise to success as a chef, restaurateur, husband and father. The entire program was well received and lead to thought-provoking and informative discussions on and off stage.
The New Product Showcase was overflowing with exciting innovations. Located next to the Show & Sell Center, it was a popular destination on the show floor. There were many more new products than there was room for in the display cases. Attendees eagerly sought out the featured exhibitors so they could find and buy the latest products to tempt consumers. New product booth signs and buttons alerted attendees to the exhibitors who featured items in the Showcase.
The Show & Sell Center was a highlight again this year. Retailers crowded the display area and took thousands of photos to capture the new ideas and innovative merchandising themes created be the volunteers. Combined with the always important “Teach and Tell”, IDDBA promotes the Show & Sell Center as a way to teach, tell, show and “sell” the consumer. Whether it’s selling an idea or a product, the 10,000 sq. ft. model store is a magnet for retailers who are seeking new ways to reach customers. The merchandising teams were available each day to discuss the strategies used to design the various displays and to “teach” the concepts that were showcased.
IDDBA sponsored its 16th Annual Cake Decorating Challenge™. This year’s winner is Jodi Schweiss, Schnuck Markets Inc., St. Louis, MO. Second place went to: Stephanie Dillon, Hy-Vee Inc., Belton, MO. The third place winner was: Rose Adams, The Kroger Co., Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Mark Rudy, president of IDDBA and VP Sales, Hubert Company, presented the IDDBA President’s Award to Ray Burke, President, In-Store Bakery & FS Div., Rich Products Corporation. Burke was honored for his leadership and service to his community, his company, the industry, and the IDDBA. He has served on numerous committees, the IDDBA Board of Directors, and as president of the IDDBA in 2004 and 2009. The Awards Banquet was held at the close of the show on Tuesday, June 7.
Information on IDDBA’s research, education, and other industry activities is also available on its Web site, www.iddba.org, or by calling 608.310.5000. Now in its 47th year, IDDBA specializes in promoting the dairy, deli, cheese, and bakery industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual seminar and expo, leading-edge research, video and computer-based training programs, management tools, an annual trends report, and a member directory of key industry contacts.
Source: International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association
