WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Baking Industry Exposition(IBIE), commonly referred to as the Baking Expo™, has officially launched its “Call for Speakers” campaign for the upcoming 2025 show. As the most comprehensive educational program in the baking industry worldwide, IBIEducate offers a prime platform for chosen presenters to demonstrate their expertise, share best practices, and showcase emerging solutions, trends, and technologies to thousands of grain-based foods professionals. IBIE 2025 is scheduled from September 14-17, with a dedicated day of education sessions on September 13, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
IBIE will feature more than 100 learning opportunities catering to the specific needs of attendees across all job roles and sectors of the baking industry. Presented by esteemed business and baking industry professionals, the program will consist of specialized tracks addressing emerging trends and top-of-mind topics in the global baking landscape. Hot topics that could be ideal for the education program might include:
- Plant-Based Baking: With the increasing demand for plant-based products, there’s a significant focus on developing plant-based alternatives for traditional baking ingredients like eggs, dairy, and butter.
- Clean Label and Transparency: Consumers are increasingly seeking products with simple, recognizable ingredients and transparent labeling, driving the clean label trend in the baking industry.
- Sustainability: Sustainability practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing of ingredients, are becoming paramount as consumers prioritize eco-friendly products and businesses.
- Health and Wellness: There’s a growing emphasis on health and wellness in baked goods, leading to trends like gluten-free, low-sugar, and high-protein options to cater to various dietary preferences and requirements.
- Technology Integration: The integration of technology in baking processes, such as automation, smart ovens, and data analytics, is revolutionizing production efficiency, quality control, and inventory management.
- Artisanal and Artisanal-Inspired Products: Consumers are increasingly drawn to artisanal and handcrafted baked goods, driving demand for high-quality, artisan-inspired products with unique flavors, textures, and presentations.
- Diversification of Flavors and Ingredients: Bakers are experimenting with a wide range of flavors and ingredients to offer innovative and unique products that cater to diverse consumer preferences and tastes.
- Online and Direct-to-Consumer Sales: The rise of e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer sales channels is reshaping the baking industry, allowing businesses to reach consumers directly and offer personalized shopping experiences.
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny and consumer expectations, ensuring food safety and quality assurance throughout the supply chain is critical for bakeries to maintain consumer trust and compliance with standards.
- Innovative Packaging Solutions: Innovative packaging solutions, including sustainable and eco-friendly materials, convenience features, and enhanced shelf life, are gaining importance in the baking industry to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements.
Speaker candidates will have various session formats to leverage their unique perspectives and strategies, including classroom sessions, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and TED-esque talks on the show floor. IBIE welcomes session proposals covering a wide array of topics, targeting audiences ranging from wholesale bakers and retail management to ingredient and equipment suppliers. The 2025 program tracks encompass:
- Artisan Baking
- Automation
- Baking for Retail
- Business for Retail
- Cookie/Cake Decorating for Retail
- Digital Manufacturing
- Hot Topics: Products in Demand
- Marketing
- Sustainability
- Trends in Food Science
- Workforce: All About Attraction
Professionals interested in contributing are encouraged to submit proposals at www.BakingExpo.com/Call-for-Speakers by August 30, 2024.
For additional information on IBIE 2025 and IBIEducate, please visit www.BakingExpo.com.
About IBIE
IBIE, sponsored by the American Bakers Association (ABA), the Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), is recognized worldwide as the grain-based food industry’s largest, most comprehensive trade event in the Western Hemisphere. A “working show,” where millions of dollars of business is conducted daily, IBIE brings the entire professional baking community together, offering the complete range of equipment, supply and ingredient solutions and showcasing the newest baking technology in 1,000,000 gross square feet. The triennial event will next be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 14-17, 2025, with a full day of education on September 13.
