Image Credit: ABA

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is proud to announce that Jon McNeill, CEO and Co-Founder of DVx Ventures, will serve as a keynote speaker for the 2026 ABA Annual Convention, taking place April 19–23, 2026, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO.

With a track record of founding and scaling six companies, McNeill has led teams that generated tens of thousands of jobs and delivered multi-billion dollar returns for investors. At DVx, McNeill and his team have launched 12 companies that are attracting broad opportunities in large markets. Previously, he served as President at Tesla, where revenue grew from $2B to $20B in just 30 months. Following Tesla, he joined Lyft as COO, where he played a pivotal role in doubling revenues and helping to take the company public.

The presentation will provide a hard-hitting masterclass on where AI truly creates value, especially for manufacturers navigating transformation and future thinking. McNeill will clarify what modern transformers excel at, where they can improve, and ground these insights in his experience elevating advanced manufacturing and advising leaders navigating similar transitions.

McNeill joins an exceptional lineup of Convention keynote speakers, including economist Andy Busch; Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor; and Jorge Rosas, CEO of WeWow USA. Together, these speakers will equip commercial baking industry leaders with strategic insights on global economics, leadership, cultural transformation, and the future of manufacturing and technology.

“ABA is committed to delivering programming that aligns with our Category Growth initiative,” said ABA President and CEO Eric Dell. “Jon’s message will support baking and supplier companies as they evaluate new technologies, strengthen their operations, and empower their teams to adapt and thrive.”

“Jon McNeill has helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands navigate transformation at an extraordinary scale,” said ABA Senior Director, Events and Programming Samantha Moore. “His insights on AI, manufacturing, and disciplined innovation will give ABA members the clarity and confidence to lead their companies into the next era of baking.”

For more information on the 2026 ABA Convention, please visit https://www.americanbakers.org/events/2026-aba-convention

About the American Bakers Association

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest, most established, and diverse trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 375 member companies representing over 1,200 commercial baking facilities and the extensive industry supply chain.

Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering compelling advocacy, insightful thought leadership, and comprehensive research on industry trends. ABA members also benefit from extensive business services including premier networking events, impactful knowledge sharing, and effective workforce development programs and training resources. ABA is committed to enhancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as the destination workplace. In 2025, ABA earned the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification, underscoring its commitment to delivering on the Higher Level Impact strategic objective by fostering a strong internal culture that drives excellence for the commercial baking industry.