As it marks its 125th anniversary, American Bakers Association is gearing up for another year of connecting the industry through its conventions and other meetings.
This role is even more important now, as the association welcomed the industry to the 2022 ABA Convention, the first in-person version since the start of the pandemic.
“It’s been such an important part of ABA over the years, and we need it now more than ever,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President.
Rich History of Conventions
ABA was founded in 1897 at the first National Convention of the Master Bakers in Boston, and incorporated in 1916 in Chicago. The association held its conventions in Chicago for many years when it was based in that city.
“You’d hear stories of how attendees would get on a train to Chicago for two or three days, spend a week in Chicago, and then take the train home,” MacKie said. “The sense of community has always been strong.”
ABA moved its headquarters to Washington DC in the 1970s to be closer to the center of national government. In recent years the ABA Convention has been held in a variety of locations, including in Florida and Arizona.
Building Community
ABA celebrated its centennial year at its 1997 Convention in Scottsdale, welcoming a wide variety of veterans and retired members to emphasize the community aspect of the industry.
ABA’s merger with Biscuits and Cracker Manufacturer’s Association in 2017 has led to even larger ABA gatherings since that time. ABA goes out of its way to ensure newcomers feel welcome by helping to link them with veteran attendees.
Showcasing Exciting Speakers
ABA Conventions are known for headlining exciting speakers, from industry thought leaders to politicians. Among the many well-known political speakers was President George H. W. Bush, who attended two ABA Conventions and even played in the golf tournament.
ABA has presented important industry research at its conventions. In a notable recent example, the 2019 Convention was marked by thought leaders unveiling two research studies — The Power of Bakery and Attracting Gen Z and Millennial Customers.
Engaging with Key Partners
ABA enjoys close partnerships with other industry organizations that help to support the convention. These include:
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ATBI (Allied Trades of the Baking Industry), which sponsors the convention’s Leadership Breakfast.
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BEMA (Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds), which is also ABA’s partner in producing IBIE (International Baking Industry Exposition), and
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The North American Millers Association (NAMA), that traditionally sponsors the convention’s Millers’ Welcome Reception.
Tom McCurry, ATBI Past President, who is CEO/partner at Cain Food Industries, said the engagement between ABA and ATBI is a year-round experience. “We engage closely with ABA’s member base and the partnerships have strengthened,” he said.
Samantha Moore, ABA’s Senior Director, Meetings and Education, said the industry comes together at the conventions in a noncompetitive way. “It’s about the advancement of the industry as a whole and supporting each other,” she said.
Highlighting Professional Groups
ABA’s Professional Groups represent another way the association supports business connections, addresses key priorities and forges consensus solutions. These groups focus on topics including commodity and agricultural policy, energy and environment, food technical regulatory affairs, human resources and safety, legal issues, logistics and state affairs.
“A lot of the important work is done by these professional groups, as competitors roll up their sleeves and consider how to unite behind policy positions that position industry in the best position,” said Lee Sanders, ABA’s Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs.
Celebrating Bakery at 2022 Convention
This year’s ABA Convention, held March 27-30 in Palm Springs, California, once again connected the industry as it commemorated the association’s 125th anniversary. The gathering was themed “Celebrate Bakery.”
