18 Jul CEO Insights: Convention Reflection

If you’re still finding plenty of stories to tell about Convention 2022 you’re not alone. The beautiful and historic Hotel Del Coronado did not disappoint and neither did this year’s line-up. This was BEMA’s biggest convention to date, and it was incredible to have so many of you in-person this year.

BEMA’s Convention offers a unique opportunity to bring suppliers and bakers together, but the family element is one of my favorites. A comment that has stayed with me is how Convention offers not only professional connections, but that it also connects families with the baking industry. Throughout this month’s blog, I’ll be sharing some of the comments about Convention we’ve received so far.

“BEMA allows families to connect with the industry we love, and it adds to the value. Our industry has been a part of my entire life and the entire life of my children, so bringing them to meet other industry families is the best way to give back.”

“It was a perfect experience for entire families to enjoy. I really believe by having children attend it helps engrain in them at a young age that the baking industry is an extremely amazing industry.”

New and Familiar Faces

This year, we had the great pleasure of hosting a record number of bakers and introduced new up and coming leaders to the industry through the Ascend Scholarship initiative. A big thank you to Sheryl Bryan, Amy Estrada, Mitch Lund and Corey Wagner for attending and for sharing your excitement and expertise with the industry.

“Being relatively new to the baking industry, BEMA Convention was a great opportunity to make in-person connections with suppliers and learn more about the industry in an informal setting. I made connections at BEMA that I will leverage for current and future equipment needs.”

“Convention gives you a chance to get to know members from the allied trades and bakers in the industry far beyond the ‘work bubble.’ It allows you to build meaningful relationships with your customers and industry colleagues alike. It’s also a very special opportunity to be able to bring your family to spend time with and get to know the wonderful people in our industry.”

Feedback Requested

We hope Convention provided some critical food for thought both now and in the future. I’m looking forward to hearing how you’re applying the ideas you heard and seeing how the connections you’ve made help move your business forward.

As always, Convention is meant to be a learning experience for all and that’s why it’s important we hear from you. Some of the feedback we’ve received includes future requests for more speed dating (BEMA Connect) , speakers focused on DEI and sustainability, sessions on labor, training and new product trends along with opportunities to learn from other industries.

Vegas Bound

With Convention in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to focus on IBIE. Education runs Sept. 17-20 and the Expo Hall Sept. 18-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Thank you again for attending Convention 2022 and we can’t wait to reconnect with you in September.