IBIE 2025 featured largest-ever show floor
September 30, 2025
IBIE 2025 featured largest-ever show floor
September 30, 2025On September 13–17 in Las Vegas, NV, the American Bakers Association (ABA), co-owner of the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), welcomed the global baking community to the largest industry event in the Western Hemisphere.
Co-owned by ABA and Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), and sponsored by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), IBIE 2025 featured more than 1,000 exhibiting companies from around the world. The number of baking companies represented increased by 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. IBIE also marked a historic milestone with its largest-ever show floor, spanning nearly 450,000 sq ft. Attendees represented 96 countries, with approximately 30% coming from international markets, underscoring IBIE’s role in driving industry growth and innovation.
ABA focused on maximizing member value at the event. For example, IBIEducate, now included with every registration, offered access to the largest educational program in IBIE history. With more than 250 sessions and demos tailored to all experience levels, attendees engaged with 11 ABA-sponsored sessions addressing key challenges and opportunities in commercial baking. Topics included consumer trends, workforce solutions, biotechnology, and regulatory updates, providing actionable insights for long-term business success.
NextGenBaker hosted its Global Leadership Forum, a signature event that brought together rising executive leaders, the ABA board of directors, and ABA members for an evening of connection and insight. The event began with a reception, followed by a panel discussion featuring senior executives from Mausac Foods, Bridor North America, Ardent Mills, and Crown Bakeries. Panelists shared perspectives on leadership, organizational excellence, and emerging trends shaping the future of baking.
ABA and RBA were honored to welcome Major General James W. Lukeman (Ret.), president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, for a special program recognizing the baking industry’s support of the upcoming 250th Marine Corps birthday celebrations. Lukeman delivered remarks honoring ABA and RBA members who are donating cakes for state events across the country.
For the first time, IBIE attendees experienced the Baking Works booth, a dedicated space focused on inspiring the next generation of baking talent. In collaboration with the CAPS Network, the booth highlighted career pathways for students and provided industry leaders with tools to attract and retain top talent. By positioning commercial baking as a purpose-driven career built on innovation and community impact, Baking Works equips employers with best practices to strengthen their workforce.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how IBIE came together this year,” says Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “From the world-class education sessions to the innovations on the show floor, it was clear that IBIE continues to be the premier forum for shaping the future of the baking industry. The energy from participants, whether first-time attendees or long-time leaders, was inspiring, and the global connections made will have a lasting impact on commercial baking. The show also reinforced ABA’s role in providing the resources, advocacy, and talent development our members need to thrive.”
“IBIE truly is my Super Bowl, and seeing it all come to life was nothing short of extraordinary,” says Samantha Moore, senior director of events and programming at ABA. “After years of planning, to watch over 1,000 exhibitors fill the halls with energy, ideas, and gratitude was incredibly rewarding. The show floor buzzed with innovation, our members reconnected in the ABA BEMA booth, and the sense of community across every segment of the baking industry was powerful. I am so proud of what we created together with our IBIE committee and staff partners, and it reaffirmed just how essential IBIE is for the global baking industry.”
Related: IBIE announces winners of 2025 BEST in Baking awards
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