ABA announces Baking Professionals' Technical Conference registration is open

The American Bakers Association is pleased to announce that registration for the 2018 Technical Conference is now open. The Technical Conference is the largest conference designed specifically for cookie, cracker and baking manufacturing professionals to participate in hands-on training, strengthen skills and knowledge, and engage in powerful industry networking. It will take place October 28-31 at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

“This isn’t just a conference; it’s where the leading cookie and cracker manufacturing professionals and suppliers come together to improve their skill sets and learn how to operate more effectively,” said Richmond Baking president and ABA Executive Committee member Bill Quigg. “Members of our team have been attending for years, and the value and content that the Technical Conference delivers is outstanding. It’s the most comprehensive training conference available to manufacturing professionals in the baking industry, while also enhancing professional networks and connections.”

A new Technical Conference feature includes IncuBAKER, an interactive audience experience, engineered to use the power of peers to discuss on-the-job challenges, incubate specific issues and generate baking solutions. This team-led activity will encourage collaborating with fellow industry peers to solve problems that matter to all industry professionals.

This year’s conference also features keynote speakers Erin Sharp, group vice president, Manufacturing for The Kroger Co. and ABA chair, and Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive vice president and practice leader,

Client Insights, IRI. Drawing on her extensive industry expertise, Sharp will discuss cultivating employee engagement and leadership within a food manufacturing organization. Lyons Wyatt will look at the role consumer lifestyle plays in selection of bakery items and will help attendees understand what types of bakery products for which consumers are willing to pay more versus others. She will also explore the influence of private brands in the bakery aisle and will compare national brand performance to retailer brands.

In addition to the Hands-On Training Workshop and the Kroger Bakery Tour, the Technical Conference will explore innovative concepts with 15 breakout sessions featuring industry experts focusing on areas such as technology, production, management and sustainability to address all manufacturing professionals’ niche expertise.

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This webinar will examine variables factoring into nutritionally improved candy sales, including ingredients, label claims, and alternative sugars. Better-for-you options remain top of mind for consumers who are searching for indulgences, but in a healthier format.