ABA 2024 Convention Wraps Up with Resounding Success
April 18 2024 - 9:21AM
The recently-concluded American Bakers Association's 2024
Convention in Scottsdale, AZ, was its most successful to date,
drawing in nearly 500 industry professionals, bakers, and
suppliers.
"As the curtains close on the annual Convention, we celebrate
not just the success of this event, but the collective triumph of
the commercial baking industry,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s President
and CEO. “Our Convention served as a dynamic platform for business
connections, innovation, and executive thought leadership. Through
insightful discussions and invaluable networking opportunities, we
have paved the way for a future defined by innovation and growth.
With the new strategic plan charting the course, ABA remains
steadfast in our commitment to empowering and championing the
baking industry, and this year’s Convention was another step in
that direction."
One of the standout features of the Convention was its
unwavering focus to serve as a trusted conduit for business
connections. The number of first-time attendees more than doubled
from previous years, a testament to the power of collaboration and
community building. "Networking is a lifeblood for our
industry. It fosters innovation and builds the community needed to
tackle our challenges together," emphasized Bill Quigg, newly
appointed ABA Chair, who is President and CEO of Richmond
Baking.
In addition to the leadership transition, information-packed
business sessions, and networking events like golf and pickleball,
this year's Convention reiterated the industry’s commitment to
community service. The ‘Bakers Give Back’ initiative, in
partnership with Phoenix Rescue Mission, was a highlight, resulting
in more than 1,000 hope totes packed and donated to the local
unhoused community. "From the thought-provoking sessions and
the productive networking events to our community service efforts,
everything we've done was to empower our members and advance our
industry," said Samantha Moore, Senior Director of Meetings and
Education. "We look forward to reconvening with the baking
community in 2025 at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Florida from
March 23-26."
The 2024 Fly-In and Policy Summit will take place June 11
to 14 in Washington, DC, scheduled alongside FTRAC and
NextGenBaker.
For more information on the ABA's work and future events, please
visit https://web.cvent.com/event/7fc169ac-73e3-4f8c-9aed-f87a35012978/summary.
Jordan Harzynski
American Bakers Association
202-525-4872 x139
jharzynski@craftdc.com