Baking & Snack - February 2022 - 95

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview
CELEBRATE BAKERY
T
The 2022 ABA Convention will honor bakers' resiliency and prepare them for the future.
The convention will be held March 27-30 at the La
by Lucas Cuni-Mertz
The baking industry is facing unprecedented challenges,
including a pandemic, a nationwide labor shortage and
supply chain issues. In light of these obstacles, this year's
American Bakers Association (ABA) Convention will
help bakers navigate an ever-changing industry while
also celebrating their perseverance.
" Despite the pandemic and other challenges, nearly
800,000 people continue to create a rich and vibrant
community, " said Robb MacKie, president and chief executive
officer, American Bakers Association. " In 2022,
we are celebrating the resilience of the industry and its
accomplishments. "
With the ABA also celebrating its 125th
anniversary,
the convention theme is fittingly " Celebrate Bakery. "
The convention will feature business strategy experts,
customer panels and networking for bakers, suppliers
and industry partners, all to help members stay ahead of
rapidly evolving technologies and trends.
" Some highlights include the 'New Attendee and
NextGenBaker Brunch' with former NFL and NBA
business executive, leadership and culture expert Paul
Epstein, " Mr. MacKie said. " He will share some of the
guiding principles of living and leading on purpose.
Another can't-miss session is 'How to Build a Security
Program That Succeeds' with Michael Coates, former
chief information security officer at Twitter and
former head of security at Mozilla. Michael will talk
through controversial stances and hard realities, uncovering
a strategy for securing the future of technology
for businesses. "
The ABA
Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, Calif., bringing
together baking and supplier executives from across the
industry. It's also the first in-person ABA Convention
since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
and Mr. MacKie said the in-person connection is
what he's most looking forward to.
" While the virtual 2021 convention was successful, it
is not the same as being in the same place as colleagues,
shaking hands or bumping elbows, " Mr. MacKie said.
" We hope the 2022 convention will be like an industry
family reunion. So much happens organically in and
around the ABA Convention. There is no virtual space
that can replace the feeling of greeting industry colleagues
and building new relationships. "
The convention is also bringing back a popular session
from the 2021 convention: the Executive Roundtables.
" Executive Roundtables are topic-focused networking
sessions facilitated by guest hosts, " Mr. MacKie said.
" Attendees will connect with one another in these faceto-face
conversations to share best-practices, innovative
experiences and more. "
The roundtables will cover the most pressing issues
facing the industry, including Supply Chain Challenges,
Workforce Recruitment and Retention, and Leadership
on Purpose.
New attendees are also encouraged to attend the complimentary
NextGenBaker Brunch to learn more about
the convention experience and meet other attendees before
the main programming begins, Mr. MacKie said.
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www.bakingbusiness.com / February 2022 Baking & Snack 95
Convention will
feature more than
20 guest speakers
and 15 networking
events.
American Bakers Association
http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Baking & Snack - February 2022

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