The 2024 Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) Convention, informally known as “Convention,” promises to bring bakery industry professionals together for four days of both business and fun. Convention will take place June 27–July 1 at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The event should also be scenic: the resort is located along 102 oceanfront acres of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

About the show
“As an organization, BEMA represents the manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, ingredients, and services used in the baking industry. Each year, BEMA's Convention brings together both bakers and suppliers from various sectors of the baking industry to serve as a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration,” says Emily Bowers, vice president, education and operations, BEMA. “In addition to keynote speakers and industry insight sessions focused on trends, innovations, and problem-solving, attendees will also enjoy unique and intentional opportunities to connect with colleagues and peers. It is often said that BEMA has its own brand of networking that one can only experience by attending Convention.”

Throughout the event, Bowers concludes, the forces transforming the baking industry—the people, the processes, and the products—will take center stage.

New this year
Several new programs part of last year's Convention will be back and even better for 2024, says Kelly Allen, senior manager, events and engagement, BEMA. “BEMA's Convention has always been a family affair, so ensuring there is something special for everyone in attendance is an important part of the event planning.”

The new programs include:

• BEMA Scouts: This program gives children an opportunity to be the masters of their own experiences and, with the help of their take-home BEMA Scout badges, relish memories long after leaving BEMA Convention 2024.
• Convention Cadets: The Cadet Program will provide a professional learning experience where student participants ages 13-17 will develop new skills and participate in the practical work it takes to host a BEMA Convention. In addition to gaining valuable work experience, volunteers will have the opportunity for networking.
• Goat Yoga: Golf is for some, but not for all—attendees can network and make new friends at this "non-golf" activity held while others are off competing on the links. The class will be led by certified instructors while goats interact with each and every participant.

Virtual educational sessions
Even if bakery professionals can’t make it to the conference, BEMA is also holding virtual sessions. Any employee of a member company that has someone attending Convention in person can participate in Workforce Edition from the comfort of their home, free of charge.

“The Workforce Edition is an educational highlight being held Friday, June 28, then continuing along with BEMA Live being shared virtually on the 29th and 30th, all from the comfort of your home or office. Registration information is available on BEMA's website,” shares Bowers.

These courses will take place on Friday, June 28, beginning at 10:00 am. Educational sessions Bowers recommends from Workforce Edition includes:

Industrial Data Flow from Machine Assets:
A Key Enabler of Digital Twins in Manufacturing

Presenter: Prof. Binil Starly

This session will cover how data from machines are a critical infrastructure necessary to create digital twins of machines, including an overview of various methods of data communication from a physical machine asset to a factory's IT system. Current technology platforms will be highlighted—both hardware and software that are available in the context of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), that are critical towards the digital transformation of factories.

Knowledge Graphs: An Enabler of Supplier Discoverability and Enabling Digital Supply Chains

Presenter: Prof. Farhad Ameri

Knowledge graphs power some of the world's largest companies when user need to search for products, people or images. These can be extremely powerful to enable supplier discovery and enabling a digital supply chain. This session will cover the basics of Knowledge graphs, its internal structure, relation to Ontology, and how it enables a Digital Supply Chain from supplier sourcing and supplier discoverability.

Building Factory Dashboards for Industrial Internet of Things

Presenter: Prof. Binil Starly

This session will cover the integration of digital twins with factory dashboards in the context of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Learn how to visualize and analyze real-time data from your machinery and processes, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. This session will cover some common frameworks that can be used and sample factory dashboards built on industry scalable tools to implement advanced digital solutions that bridge the physical and digital worlds of modern manufacturing.

Other programming, fun events
Convention 2024's keynote speaker is Alex Weber, an award-winning leader and entertainer who has inspired millions to achieve breakthrough success, says Allen.

“Not only does Alex talk the talk as an in-demand international speaker, he’s walked the walk as an elite competitor on NBC’s Emmy-nominated series American Ninja Warrior. Alex’s greatest passion is championing your highest potential by helping you find your Edge, because success is about more than just knowing what to do, it’s knowing how to do it. Alex shows top professionals and leaders how to bring their very best every day. It's his sincere understanding of peak performance and peak challenges, mixed with inspiring stories and actionable strategies that makes Alex unforgettable,” she comments.

Other planned networking events include:

Small Group Dinners with Bakers

Friday, June 28, at 6:30 pm, and Sunday, June 30 at 6:00 pm

Connect with customers in a small-group setting. BEMA will organize groups of bakers and suppliers for a personal dinner experience. Spouses/adult guests are invited to attend small-group dinners, but BEMA does ask that attendees make other arrangements for children during the dinners.

BEMA Connect: One Member, One Baker, Connecting

Monday, July 1, at 10:00 am
BEMA Connect introduces bakers to suppliers they aren’t currently working with and matches the baker’s needs with supplier solutions. Meet one-on-one with baker guests, speed-dating style.

Advice for first-time attendees
“First-time attendees should take a good look at the agenda and plan to do all the things! That's really where they will find value from Convention—attend the programming, branch out at the networking events, and introduce yourself to other attendees at the pool or during your tour,” advises Allen.

“If you are a first timer and you already have questions, contact the BEMA staff now and get those answers! The schedule is packed with opportunities to grow your network deeper and wider within the baking industry,” she finishes. SF&WB