April 23, 2026 – The 2026 ABA Convention at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, drew more than 550 registered attendees. The much-anticipated event welcomed nearly 60 commercial baking companies, reinforcing its position as the premier gathering for baking manufacturing in North America.
This participation from industry leaders drove meaningful progress for the baking sector by strengthening advocacy initiatives, fostering valuable business connections, delivering critical expert insights, and advancing collaboration across the industry. Among this dynamic mix of established leaders and new participants, the ABA Convention brought together first-time attendees who contributed fresh perspectives and a diverse portfolio of expertise.
“The level of engagement and collaboration at this year’s Convention reflects the significance of this pivotal moment for commercial baking,” said Eric Dell, President and CEO of ABA. “It is more important than ever that the ABA membership takes an active role in the organization as we work together to champion the industry and advance our strategic initiatives.”
The Convention opened with Colorado Governor Polis officially welcoming the commercial baking community and issuing a proclamation recognizing the industry’s vital contributions to the state. In Colorado alone, the baking industry generates a $6.7 billion economic impact and directly supports more than 12,000 jobs, delivering nearly $600 million in wages.
The four-day program delivered targeted and timely insights from a dynamic lineup of speakers who addressed the current economic, public policy, operational, and leadership forces shaping the future of the baking industry. Andy Busch opened the program with a timely session on Geopolitics in the Economy, exploring how “Globalization 2.0,” shifting trade dynamics, and emerging technologies such as Generative and Agentic AI are creating both challenges and new opportunities for business growth. At the NextGenBaker Brunch, Jorge Rosas delivered an engaging keynote on Accountagility, equipping leaders with strategies to balance accountability and agility while leading organizations through rapid change and the evolving AI landscape. Jon McNeill, former President of Tesla and former COO of Lyft, provided a practical masterclass on innovation and scalability, sharing real-world insights on where artificial intelligence is delivering measurable value for manufacturers and how leaders can prioritize and govern AI adoption effectively. Rounding out the keynote lineup, Colonel Dan Rooney, fighter pilot and founder of Folds of Honor, inspired attendees with his leadership keynote on CAVU, Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited, offering a powerful framework for navigating uncertainty with purpose, resilience, and servant leadership. Together, the business sessions equipped attendees with actionable insights to strengthen leadership, harness emerging technologies, and position their organizations for long-term success.
Celebrating the positive impact of the commercial baking industry, ABA proudly hosted the second year of the Champions for a Better Tomorrow Awards, recognizing 6 member companies for outstanding contributions to their communities, workplaces, and the planet. Building on the strong momentum of the inaugural program, the awards once again highlighted the industry’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. Additionally, the ABA Safety Recognition Awards honored a record-breaking 28 member companies across 181 facilities for their effective and successful safety programs in 2025, underscoring the industry’s ongoing dedication to being a destination workplace for its employees.
“It’s an honor to be elected as ABA Chair at a time when our industry is coming together with such strong engagement and purpose,” said Brian LeComte, 2026-28 ABA Chair and President and COO of Gold Medal Bakery. “The record participation at this year’s Convention reflects the commitment across the baking sector to strengthen advocacy and gain timely business insights and connections that propel us forward.”
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 350 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.
