The Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) organization has been around for more than a century, offering industry professionals an array of resources geared toward helping them thrive. Much has changed in the baking business since George E. Dean and his colleagues convened in Chicago back in September 1918—for one, the group’s 2025 Convention is a much larger and more ambitious event. One thing that remains the same, however, is the goal of ensuring the future success of the baking business. 

The 2025 edition of BEMA Convention—scheduled June 25-28 at Hyatt Grand Reserve Puerto Rico—is designed to be a comprehensive business-building event for industry professionals. Under the theme “Building Bridges,” organizers hope to gather association members and leaders from across the industry to build connections through powerful programming, networking opportunities, and other dynamic content. 

Insights and energy

The programming on the 2025 BEMA Convention agenda has been put together with a focus on the challenges impacting bakery suppliers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Important issues on the table include workforce concerns, how to effectively harness artificial intelligence, building solid leadership skills, what the upcoming behemoth International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) event taking place in September holds, and more. While sessions address serious business, the agenda mixes in opportunities to kick back with colleagues in relaxed environments, and even have some fun.

Small Group Dinners: Wednesday, June 25; and Thursday, June 26

These laid-back gatherings enable suppliers to connect with customers in intimate settings. The BEMA team will play matchmakers with bakers and suppliers for a personal dinner experience—spouses and adult guests are invited to attend (registration is required), but the organization asks participants to kindly make alternative arrangements for their children.

Keynote address: Thursday, June 26

The 2025 BEMA Convention keynote promises a blend of life lessons, workplace knowledge, and some 1980s nostalgia. Chris Clews—speaker, pop culture expert, and author of books like his three-volume work The Ultimate Series on Essential Work & Life Lessons from ‘80s Pop Culture—will share insights from his former life as a corporate marketing leader with more than two decades of experience. Attendees of the address will walk away with innovative insights into workplace and personal development to apply to their professional life, as told through classics like The Princess Bride, The Goonies, and other favorites.

IBIE 2025: The Final Countdown: Thursday, June 26

The entire baking industry has been looking forward to the upcoming International Baking Industry Exposition event since the last iteration in 2022. During this overview, Allen Wright (president of Hansaloy and IBIE Executive Committee member) will deliver a countdown of the top features, innovations, and important moments coming to the show floor this September. From new experiences to insider tips, Wright will share an expert view of everything the show has to offer. 

The Talent to Compete: Workforce Solutions from the Manufacturing Institute: Thursday, June 26

During this luncheon session, Carolyn Lee (president and executive director of the Manufacturing Institute) will offer tales of how manufacturers are instituting programs designed to build sustainable workforce pipelines through partnerships with her group. Attendees will hear ways to address their headache-inducing labor challenges, and how to actively shape the future of their manufacturing talent pool.

Ask-A-Baker Networking Luncheon & Panel: Friday, June 27

After a buffet lunch, baker guests attending Convention will answer questions from BEMA members and other baker colleagues. The bakery will address how different equipment and solutions might help them optimize their production lines. Then, during the “Tasks to Transformation: AI Across the Production Spectrum” panel (backed by the Baking Industry Forum), seasoned experts will dive into real-world impacts of artificial intelligence, offering valuable insights, practical examples, and a look at what's possible when innovation meets production. 

Baking Industry Collaboration Breakfast and Breakout Sessions: Saturday, June 28

Attendees will gather at hosted tables to tackle key programs, initiatives, and opportunities shaping the future of the baking industry. Breakouts will tackle top-of-mind issues like AI in food manufacturing, cross-border trade issues, and more.

BEMA Connect: Saturday, June 28

This intensive event makes connections between bakers and suppliers who haven’t yet had a chance to work together, matching the baker’s unique needs with the supplier’s specialized solutions. Participants meet face to face in a speed-dating-style environment.

BEMA Cup Golf Tournament: Wednesday, June 25

The Hyatt Grand Reserve Golf Club is a championship-level course, designed by PGA Tour professional Tom Kite. The 18-hole course (host of the Puerto Rico Open) welcomes golfers of all abilities, with seashore paspalum grass, white silica sand bunkers, and challenging water hazards set against the picturesque backdrop of the El Yunque rainforest. Registration is required.

BEMA Gives Back Community Service Project: Friday, June 27

Attendees are invited to mix fun, networking, and charity to support Happy Givers, an organization that provides food and resources for the elderly, home construction, disaster relief funding, and a community garden that creates food and job opportunities for those in need in Puerto Rico. The event (courtesy of sponsor Lallemand) will provide all the supplies necessary to pack hundreds of hygiene kits.

Chairman’s Dinner & Dance: Journey to Pandora: Saturday, June 28 

Providing a fun, immersive evening to cap off the BEMA Convention for 2025, this evening event transforms one of the Hyatt Grand ballrooms into the lush world of the popular Avatar movies. Drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico’s rainforest, the night will feature lush greenery, dramatic lighting, and décor enhanced by black-light effects, with a DJ adding to the mood.

In addition to the onsite sessions and activities, BEMA will offer Workforce Edition Virtual Education Sessions for those unable to attend. For more information on these and other items on the agenda, visit the convention website.

Scenic tours

In addition to the informational sessions, networking opportunities, and other business-building programming, the 2025 BEMA Convention offers attendees a chance to have explore the San Juan area, get some exercise, and have fun with their peers. Only registered Convention attendees can sign up, during the registration process, and registration fees are required.

Following are some of the tour highlights. Visit the BEMA Convention site for a complete list.

Old San Juan Walking Tour: Wednesday, June 25

During the tour, to be led by a knowledgeable local guide, participants can discover landmarks like Fort San Cristóbal, La Rogativa sculpture, Cristo Chapel, and the historic Puerta de San Juan. The path will wind through hundreds of years of history, with an up-close-and-personal look at Puerto Rico’s culture, architecture, cuisine, and people.

Horseback Riding in the Foothills of the Rainforest: Thursday, June 26

This tour takes guests through the scenic Puerto Rico via horse, through the tropical foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest. Led by bilingual guides, attendees will take in the scenic Mameyes River and the natural landscape on Paso Fino horses, with a break at the river.

ATV Adventure in the Foothills of the Rainforest: Thursday, June 26

This event treats attendees to a double-passenger ATV ride through the foothills of Puerto Rico’s rainforest mountains. Sights include lush landscapes, towering trees, and rugged terrain, with scenic trails and views of the island’s east coast.

El Yunque National Rainforest Tour: Friday, June 27

The tour begins at the newly renovated visitor center, then offers a guided nature trail walk. Participants can expect to see lush greenery, the picturesque Coca Falls waterfall, panoramic views from Yokahú Tower, and the serene beauty of the rainforest.