Retail insights thought leader Todd Hale will take the stage at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Sunday, October 9, in Las Vegas to present his American Bakers Association (ABA) education session, Opportunities to Accelerate Growth.

The former Nielsen Senior Vice President of Consumer and Shopper Insights has presented his findings at ABA Annual Conventions, but this will be the first time he has brought his presentation to the wider audience of IBIE. During his session, Mr. Hale plans to take a deep dive into the baked goods category’s strength and growth opportunities that make it the number one retail driver. Attendees will also learn how he sees bakers winning with health and wellness and properly positioning indulgence products; leveraging e-commerce and traditional retail outlets; and how to win at the shelf.

"Todd has consistently presented ABA with a valuable in-depth look at the trends impacting the baking industry. Gauging the data he has shared with me thus far, I expect this year to be the most enlightening yet when he reveals the findings to the IBIE audience,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie.

Mr. Hale has more than 37 years of experience in the consumer research industry, including 30 years with Nielsen, where he held various marketing and sales management positions within advertising/product testing, advanced analytics, and consumer panel practice areas. He is a frequently sought-after industry and client speaker. Mr. Hale shares his insights on consumer shopping, buying and media consumption behaviors and attitudes to provide manufacturers and retailers with strategic visions to facilitate brand, category and retail sales growth. He earned an MBA and a BA in Business from Wright State University.