BEMA, the leading association in the baking industry, has a rich history of pioneering and connecting industry professionals. With a mission to connect, educate, and provide resources to its members, BEMA celebrates another successful year of milestones and accomplishments. As a membership organization, BEMA is committed to fostering relationships and unity within the baking industry by organizing programs and events that engage and connect its workforce.
One of the ways BEMA effectively enhances member engagement is through its Regional Dinners, where a smaller group of members gather in various cities for dinner to facilitate industry connections and meaningful conversations. These dinners have proven to be highly valuable, with members now traveling to attend each regional dinner due to the positive networking opportunities they offer. Emily Bowers, VP of education and operations at BEMA, emphasizes the importance of connecting people beyond the annual convention to enhance membership engagement.
BEMA’s Baking Industry Forum (BIF) also plays a crucial role in promoting small-group interactions and discussions among bakers and suppliers to address industry challenges and foster open communication. Kerwin Brown, president and CEO of BEMA, highlights that BIF focuses on the future by working on solutions that bring value to the industry and its members.
To further engage industry professionals, BEMA hosts two podcasts, “On a Roll with Kerwin Brown” and “In the Kitchen with Kelly & Emily,” where industry topics and event details are discussed while offering opportunities for networking and information sharing. These podcasts aim to inform attendees about upcoming events and provide insights into the evolving business landscape of the commercial baking industry.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing aspiring professionals, BEMA has established the BEMA Ascend Scholarship program, which offers recipients the chance to attend industry events, gain exposure to educational resources, and connect with various facets of the baking industry. The scholarship aims to involve younger individuals who have not previously attended industry events, providing them with networking opportunities and a platform to kickstart their careers in the baking industry.
NEXUS, a collaborative event powered by the American Bakers Association (ABA) and BEMA, serves as a platform for connecting bakers and suppliers, providing educational programs, and fostering industry collaboration. The event offers participants firsthand experience in business interactions, trends, and networking opportunities, contributing to their professional development and industry knowledge.
In addition to NEXUS, BEMA actively participates in the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), a triennial event that brings together all segments of the supply chain and professional community to support the global baking ecosystem. IBIE serves as a crucial gathering for industry professionals, with BEMA playing a pivotal role in providing attendees with valuable resources and networking opportunities.
As the largest event for the grain-based foods industry in the Western Hemisphere, IBIE is jointly owned and produced by BEMA and ABA to drive the industry’s economic growth and support the next generation of bakers. BEMA reinvests all proceeds from IBIE back into the industry, showcasing the latest innovations and products from equipment manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers to benefit bakers and ensure the industry’s future growth.
Overall, BEMA has successfully struck a balance between tradition and innovation, leading the baking industry into a new era of growth and advancement. Through its commitment to education, networking, and industry collaboration, BEMA continues to serve as a vital resource for industry professionals and a driving force behind the industry’s evolution.