Baking & Snack - February 2024 - 99

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview
a place in the sun
T
The scenic Arizona desert will provide the backdrop for
the 2024 American Bakers Association (ABA) Convention.
Scheduled for April 14-17 at the Westin Kierland Resort &
Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., the annual conference will include
business sessions, expert speakers, networking events and
leisure activities over the course of four days.
" The 2024 ABA Convention is set to redefine industry
gatherings with a second year of an enhanced schedule,
engaging sessions and a unique experience for executives
from all facets of the business, " said Eric Dell, president
and chief executive officer, ABA. " We are committed
to providing a platform for our members to build
strong business relationships, gain innovative insights
and shape the future of baking. "
Although there is no one specific theme for this year's
convention, ABA is hoping to capitalize on the success
of its 2023 event, said Samantha Moore, senior director,
meetings and education for ABA.
" The 2023 Convention was stellar in so many ways,
and we want 2024 to be just as memorable and successful
for our members and attendees, " Mrs. Moore said. " We
have increased the opportunities for keynote speakers
and added new small-group networking opportunities.
The convention will also focus on community engagement
and celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship
in the baking industry. "
Among this year's highlights is the annual New
Attendee and NextGenBaker Brunch, which takes place
on Sunday, April 14. The event lets first-time attendees
mingle with emerging leaders and established industry
professionals to learn more about the convention experience
before business sessions begin that afternoon.
" Whether an attendee is a first-timer or a seasoned
attendee, the New Attendee and NextGenBaker Brunch
ABA heads west to discuss the present and prepare for the future at its annual convention.
by Keith Moore
is a can't-miss event, " Mrs. Moore explained. " It's the
first official event of the convention, and it brings together
great networking, a short lesson and great
food. We also have added new opportunities for small
group networking. "
Other events include Dine Around Dinners, personalized
dining groups designed to enhance the networking
experience through shared interests, and the Bakers
Give Back: Community Service Event and Luncheon, a
shared meal focused entirely on networking. In addition,
to capitalize on the value of informal networking,
ABA has added more Nightcap receptions, which offer a
casual setting for attendees to connect.
For those in need of a respite from the roundtable
discussions and speaker engagements, ABA has scheduled
plenty of social events. Visitors can participate in
a golf tournament, an organized run or yoga classes
while early risers can enjoy a sunrise hike in the nearby
McDowell Mountains. New to this year's social calendar
is a pickleball tournament, which is available to players
of all skill levels.
The 2024 Convention concludes with One Night Only
Live with ABA, which takes place at Marshall's Outpost,
an open-air pavilion. Attendees can expect a relaxed
evening complete with live music and dancing.
" The convention is the perfect opportunity for baking
professionals to connect, learn and build lifelong
friendships and great business connections, " said Cordia
Harrington, ABA chair and CEO of Crown Bakeries,
Brentwood, Tenn. " We're excited to unveil new strategies
and fresh ideas to support bakery growth in domestic
and international markets. "
For more information on this year's event, including
how to register, please visit https://americanbakers.org/.
Scottsdale, Ariz.,
plays host to
the 2024 ABA
Convention.
©Jdross75-stock.adobe.com
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