18 Apr CEO Insights: IBIE 2022 – Why it Pays to Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is not something many of us have had the luxury of doing over the past couple of years. In fact, these days doing so can feel like an absolute extravagance. If you’ve found yourself morphing into a take-it-as-it-comes kind of person, I encourage you to take a moment to consider if planning ahead could boost your ROI for IBIE before, during, and after the show.

Get Started Today

Don’t worry, it’s not too late to get your IBIE-related ducks in order for the most influential event in baking. March was the official kick-off of the IBIE timeline when many marketers in the industry began laying the groundwork for IBIE using the Online Exhibitor toolkit.

Provided by IBIE, these pre-show marketing tips, and toolkit can help strategize your presence at the show. The toolkit also provides access to downloadable resources including web banners, logos, email signatures, and social media graphics.

Data-Backed Reasoning

Not sure if such an investment is worth the time of your marketing team? Here’s something to consider. In a March 2022 BEMA Intel update, Marjorie Hellmer, president at Cypress Research Associates, cited 95% of equipment manufacturers shared a positive outlook on the U.S. industry in Q4 2021 and 64% of equipment manufacturers reported Q4 bookings were up. This paints a positive picture and shows significant positive momentum going into IBIE in September.

Event planners estimate IBIE will host close to 1,000 of the leading manufacturers from around the world. This includes a spectrum of offerings including production equipment and baking supplies, ingredients, packaging materials and systems, refrigerator systems, sanitation equipment, computerized technologies, and transportation, and distribution equipment.

Make Your Mark

While it still may feel early in the year, it’s important to consider that 90% of attendees pre-plan what they will see and who they will meet prior to entering the Expo floor. By getting your marketing show strategies in place now, you have the ability to start generating new leads and zeroing in on selling opportunities as you gear up to drive traffic to your IBIE booth in September.

Sponsorship is yet another way to increase IBIE booth efficiency – up an incredible 104%. On-site sponsorships and media promotions before, during, and after the show increase awareness of your company and its offerings in addition to building a platform for leads and generating sales development. To learn more, email sponsorships@BakingExpo.com or call (913) 338-1300.

And don’t forget to nominate your company for the IBIE Best in Baking Industry award program. The award, presented in conjunction with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, recognizes inspiring suppliers and bakers who are making a positive impact on the industry. In addition to prior categories of Product Innovation, Sanitation, Sustainability, and Workforce Development, the 2022 show will feature new categories of Automation & Robotics and Plant Efficiency. Applications are only accepted until April 30, so don’t delay.

Best IBIE to Date

Over the last couple of years, most of us have been focused on keeping up with the day-to-day with little time to connect in the way many of us were used to or hoped to do so. IBIE 2022 is an incredible opportunity to kickstart visibility and bring your company and its offerings back into the spotlight.

Showcase what makes your organization special and let others know why you’re excited to exhibit at IBIE. Don’t hold back. Start the conversation today (@BakingExpo and #IBIE2022) and put marketing to work for you.

Stay tuned for more information on IBIE marketing in upcoming monthly BEMA CEO notes.