Excitement Builds for IBIE 2022

It’s still more than a year away, but IBIE 2022 in Las Vegas is very much on the minds of baking industry professionals — and planning is moving into higher gear.

The latest Bake to the Future podcast from American Bakers Association (ABA) spotlights IBIE, the International Baking Industry Exposition. IBIE is the largest and most significant baking-focused event in the Western Hemisphere, and it only takes place every three years. The 2022 installment — set for September 17-21 of next year — may be the most important one yet. That’s because it comes in the wake of a pandemic that has been restricting in-person events for a long period of time.

“The IBIE timing will be perfect,” said Dennis Gunnell, IBIE 2022 Chair, and President of equipment and solutions company Formost Fuji. “IBIE is going to bring the industry together when it’s needed more than at any other time in my career.”

Gunnell was joined in the podcast by Jorge Zarate, IBIE 2022 Vice Chair and Global Vice President, Operations, at Grupo Bimbo. The executives were interviewed by Katie Juhl, ABA’s Director, Marketing and Communications, and Hailey Blumenreich, Marketing and Communications Manager.

Quick Facts about IBIE

• Attendance: IBIE drew some 22,000 baking professionals in its last edition in 2019, and even more are expected to attend next year.
• Key Offerings: Baking industry attendees are drawn to the event because of the large number of supplier exhibits showcasing the latest products and services; educational programs; networking opportunities; awards and competitions.
• Ownership: IBIE is owned by ABA and the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) — and is supported by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA).

New Features for 2022

One of the most exciting new elements of next year’s event will be the use of a new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in addition to the continued use of the North Hall. Attendees will be transported between halls by Tesla shuttles.

The new hall will feature new pavilions. A Cannabis Pavilion will showcase this emerging business category. A Sanitation Pavilion will spotlight the latest protocols and agents that help the industry improve food safety.

“The addition of the West Hall and the new pavilions will give the show a new look and feel,” said Zarate of Grupo Bimbo.

Popular Elements to Return

Speakers said many popular elements of the show will return for 2022. These include the following:

• RBA’s Creative Cake Decorating Competition
• Tiptree World Bread Awards Heroes USA
• The Great American Pie Festival, in partnership with the American Pie Council
• Innovation Showcase, in partnership with Sosland Publishing
• Artisan Marketplaces
• RBA Bakers Center
• BEST in Baking, in partnership with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery

Focus on Tech Experimentation

IBIE will showcase emerging technologies, including machine learning and virtual reality, which can help advance the baking industry. The use of many of these tools has accelerated in the wake of the pandemic.

“We’re all experimenting and learning how to use technology such as virtual reality,” Gunnell said. “We’re learning how to adapt technology for areas including training and collaboration — and the show will highlight all this.”

Big International Draw

In 2019, international attendees at IBIE represented more than 100 countries and some 30% of total attendance.

The industry is excited about enhancing the international component of the show, especially after restrictions on travel during much of the pandemic, said Zarate.

Progress on Planning

Show organizers are well along with planning out the exhibition, and this time exhibitors are generally taking more space, said Gunnell.

Planning for IBIEducate, the education component, is also underway with calls for speakers. The show will feature more than 100 sessions that address the hottest topics in the baking industry today.

IBIE and the Industry’s Future

Gunnell and Zarate relayed a passion for helping to guide IBIE’s success — to benefit the baking industry’s future.

“I want to give back to the industry, because if it continues to grow, there will be a future for all of us and our companies,” said Zarate.

Speaking of the future, Zarate said that even as he focuses on next year’s IBIE, he is starting to think about something else — IBIE 2025.