BEMA, the organization geared towards baking equipment manufacturers and suppliers, has released a snapshot of its Convention programming, intentionally designed to help members address today's realities while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities, the org says.

Built around the association's commitment to member value and guided by the objectives of BEMA's strategic plan, the Convention aims to offer a balanced mix of leadership development, operational excellence, emerging technology, industry collaboration, and future-focused business strategy. Whether attendees represent a commercial bakery, ingredient supplier, equipment manufacturer, or service provider, the program is designed to ensure every participant leaves with actionable insights and practical takeaways they can apply within their organizations.

"Every aspect of Convention programming is developed with one question in mind: how does this create value for our members? By aligning our content with the priorities outlined in BEMA's strategic plan, we're helping members navigate today's business environment while positioning their organizations for future growth and success," says Brandon Woods, board member, convention and programs committee leader

This year's program reflects the diverse needs of BEMA's membership by bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and peer practitioners to address topics that matter most to baking professionals, the org notes. Sessions explore everything from leadership and organizational culture to artificial intelligence, commercialization, hygienic design, industry standards, and strategic planning for future industry events and investments.

"I always leave Convention with pages of notes and ideas I can take back to my team. The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, and the speakers are willing to share both successes and lessons learned," shares Sergio Caballero, board member, convention and programs committee leader.

A selection of the keynotes and education at this year's Convention include:

• Leadership Spotlight – Keynote address, Sebastian Terry. Blending his Bucket List story with humor, heart, and practical insight, Terry will aim to deliver a powerful session that is equal parts entertaining, educational, and deeply human. From the stage, Terry reveals that the key to not only navigating challenge, but growing through it, lies in creating environments where individuals and teams feel empowered to claim agency, reconnect with purpose, and build meaningful connection. Because while we are strong alone, we are better together, Terry says.
• AI Spotlight - Adapt Today with Practical Tools for Immediate Impact and luncheon, Jon Lakefish. Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s a practical tool that leaders and teams can use today to improve efficiency, communication, and decision-making across their organizations, BEMA notes. In this high-energy, interactive session, Lakefish will strive to demonstrate how readily available AI platforms can be applied immediately to real-world business challenges. 
• IBIE Spotlight: Plan Now, Win Later - Rethinking Your Trade Show Strategy for IBIE and Beyond, Kimberly Hardcastle and Allen Wright. IBIE may feel far away, but a lot of organizations' important exhibiting decisions, like space selection and budget allocation, are likely happening this year, the org says. What BEMA is seeing across industries is a shift toward more intentional, performance-driven exhibiting strategies. This session is about helping BEMA members make the right early decisions, so by the time 2028 arrives, they’re positioned to win, BEMA adds.
• Membership Spotlight: BEMA General Membership Meeting. The annual General Membership Meeting will share important updates on association initiatives, member benefits, financials, and strategic priorities for the year ahead. The session will also include the election of officers and provide members with insight into the continued growth and direction of the associatio
• Standards Spotlight: Safety & Hygienic Design in Commercial Bakery Equipment, Jeff Shura, Chad Larson, Nick Magistrelli, and Matt Zielsdorf. Join industry leaders for a collaborative discussion on the future of hygienic design, safety guarding, and cleanability standards in commercial baking equipment. This session will explore opportunities for greater alignment across OEMs, bakeries, and sanitation and safety experts while identifying gaps between existing global standards and the practical realities of bakery operations. Together, participants will discuss potential paths forward for voluntary guidance, design principles, and best practices that improve safety and sanitation outcomes without limiting innovation.
• Operations Spotlight: Baker + Supplier Insight Panel, with Esteban Gomez, Paul Trujulio, Kathy Sargent, and Sarah Tsocanos. Successful product commercialization depends on strong collaboration between R&D, engineering, and operations. This panel discussion will explore how leading baking and food manufacturing organizations align innovation with manufacturing execution to bring new products from concept to full-scale production.

Registration for BEMA Convention 2026 is now open. For event details and registration information, visit bema.org.

Related: BEMA Convention strives to support baker growth