July 23, 2026 – Rising executive leaders from commercial baking and supplier companies are invited to attend the American Bakers Association’s much anticipated NextGenBaker Leadership Forum, September 15-17 in Washington, D.C. Today's business environment demands leaders who can do more than manage operations. They must think strategically, navigate change, collaborate across organizations, and develop the next generation of talent. NextGenBaker is designed to help companies build that leadership and networking pipeline.
As the premier leadership development program for the commercial baking industry, NextGenBaker equips emerging leaders from baker and supplier companies with the skills, relationships, and industry perspectives needed to lead the industry into the future. Designed for professionals with leadership potential, not defined by age or title, the program brings together managers, directors, vice presidents, senior leaders, and other high-performing employees from across every business function.
"Developing strong leaders isn't optional, it's essential to the future of every baking company and our industry as a whole," said Josh Bickford, NextGenBaker Co-Chair and President of Clyde's Donuts. "NextGenBaker gives future industry executives the opportunity to broaden their perspective, build meaningful relationships across the industry, and return to their companies with new ideas and greater confidence. Investing in your people today strengthens your organization for tomorrow."
The annual NextGenBaker Leadership Forum experience is built around four pillars that prepare participants to become more dynamic, future-focused leaders:
- Professional Development: Develop leadership skills with insights from experts both inside and outside the baking industry.
- Public Policy Engagement: Learn how current public policy decisions impact the baking industry and gain firsthand experience of the value of active participation in the political process.
- Relationship Building: Develop a strong network of career-long relationships with peers from baker and allied ABA Member companies.
- Industry Trends Education: Learn the latest baking industry trends to maintain an awareness of potential impacts on business innovation and growth.
"NextGenBaker is one of the best investments a company can make in its future leaders," said Jill Stang, NextGenBaker Co-Chair and Vice President of Sales and Business Development of Lesaffre. "Participants will leave with stronger leadership skills, a broader industry perspective, and relationships they'll rely on throughout their careers. When companies empower their emerging talent with opportunities like this, they strengthen not only their own organizations, but the entire baking community."
Co-located with the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, attendees will also experience the importance of public policy firsthand through exclusive policy sessions and opportunities to engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill. This unique perspective helps future leaders better understand the broader business environment and the role they play in shaping the industry's future.
To learn more about NextGenBaker: https://americanbakers.org/professional-development/leadership-training
Learn more and register for the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum at the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit: https://www.americanbakers.org/events/bakers-fly-and-policy-summit-and-nextgenbaker-leadership-forum
About the American Bakers Association
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest and most established trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 baker and allied member companies, representing thousands of commercial baking manufacturing locations across the nation.
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.
