Baking & Snack - March 2019 - 95

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview: IBIE

IBIE improves every three years by finding original ways to connect with attendees.
by Nico Roesler

Sure, new is great, but what's the use of new if nobody
notices? At the International Baking Industry Exposition
(IBIE) to be held Sept. 7-11 in Las Vegas, there's more
to what's new than just novelty. Everything added is designed to increase engagement.
"IBIE is held by the industry for the industry, so to ensure we're meeting the needs of our audience, we should
be out there listening and keeping a pulse on how we can
best add value," said Fred Springer, IBIE technology task
force chair. Co-owned by American Bakers Association,
BEMA and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), IBIE
has active volunteers networking at global events and
on all major social networks, Mr. Springer explained.
With a finger on that pulse, IBIE feeds attendees not
only new information and experiences but also ones that
they value.
For example, virtual reality (VR) emerged in 2016
as a powerful tool for attendees and exhibitors. VR and
augmented reality provide a new perspective and new
opportunities to connect with attendees and customers.
Mr. Springer anticipates that exhibitors will integrate
these engaging experiences more this year, and he said
IBIE will help highlight these experiences
"To showcase the technology, our team is planning to
develop a 'journey map' to help attendees locate VR on
the show floor," he said.
Additionally, IBIE is updating its mobile app, to be

unveiled this spring, after 2016 surveys indicated that
the app was so comprehensive that it was almost overwhelming. Mr. Springer said IBIE has a dedicated task
force focused on the technology that will work with the
show's app partner to streamline content in the most
user-friendly format.
One of the biggest changes to this year's event, and
one that will also alleviate any trouble with trying to
be two places at once during the busy show, is the education-only day on Sept. 7. The day is dedicated to the
IBIEducate program before the show floor opens on
Sept. 8. "We've curated sessions that address some of
the industry's top challenges and opportunities," said
Andrea Henderson, IBIE education task force chair and
vice-president of Rondo.
Half-day workshops include sessions covering employee and talent management, food safety best practices, consumer trends, robotics-based packaging systems
and improving bakery operations with visual analytics.
For retail and artisan bakers, the program offers handson cake decorator certification classes and workshops.
"This year's focus is really around content and creating more immersive experiences," Ms. Henderson said.
Historically, innovation runs through the veins of
IBIE, and showcasing everything new has always been a
key aspect of its reputation. 2019 will be no different. For
more information, visit www.ibie2019.com.

New technologies will
be easier to see and
interact with at IBIE
this year.
IBIE

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