For the 2024 edition of its annual food industry exposition and conference, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) is headed to Houston for a Texas-sized affair, scheduled June 9–11.

“In celebration of the association’s 60th year, the team has worked tirelessly to create an experience attendees won’t soon forget,” says Heather Prach, IDDBA vice president of education and industry relations. “While a lot of work, we challenged the team to create this sneak peek into how Food Influences Life.”

The agenda features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their innovations (food products, technology, and other notable solutions). A special retail tour on June 8 invites attendees to take a closer look at famed Houston locales (sites may include Bucc-ee’s, H-Mart, H-E-B, and others). In addition, the program offers educational sessions, informative presentations, and a more than a few big names known even to people outside the food field.

Star speakers
Many might say everyone in the food industry is a star in their own right. To that end, IDDBA 2024 organizers have come up with a roster that features a number of big-name speakers, including personalities that even people outside the food field would recognize.

Chef José Andrés

People not in the bakery or deli business might know the Spanish-American Andrés from a number of places—the popular Top Chef cooking competition show, multiple Michelin-starred eateries, and a slew of cookbooks and children’s book. He’s also a fierce advocate for world hunger—his work feeding people in need with his World Central Kitchen and other humanitarian work got him on Time’s “100 Most Influential People” list in both 2012 and 2018, and landed him the 2015 National Humanities Medal.

“We are ecstatic to bring chef, restaurateur, humanitarian José Andrés to this year’s show to share his experiences with IDDBA 2024 attendees,” says Jeremy Johnson, IDDBA vice president of events.

Chip and Joanna Gaines

This power couple consists of the founders of Magnolia, a Waco, TX-based company started in 2003. For Originally a modest home décor shop, Magnolia has grown into a massive lifestyle brand, with multiple product lines, presence in Target and other national retailers, its own television network, and no fewer than 10 New York Times bestsellers.

“Having Chip and Joanna Gaines take stage at IDDBA 2024 to share their story of success epitomizes the heart and passion of our industry,” says Johnson.

Learning lessons
New to this year’s agenda is IDDBA’s Tuesday Forums. These focused sessions are intended to give attendees tips and tools to address common challenges. Scheduled on June 11, each of the one-hour sessions is led by a renowned expert offering a wealth of expert advice.

Leading an Intergenerational Workforce: 8 a.m.

As young workers join the staff of a snack or bakery business, the older people on the payroll often struggle to figure out how to best make them feel welcome and keep employee relations running smoothly. During this session, facilitator and speaker Matt Dunsmoor will encourage open discussions about common obstacles faced in multi-generational environments, and how to ensure everyone in the room is speaking the same language.

Get Your Sweet Insights: Serving Up AI Innovations for the IDDBA Community: 9 a.m.

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, but industry professionals struggle with understanding exactly what it is and how it can be best put to use at various levels. AI expert Terry Brock will lead this session on how to harness AI in market research, trend analysis, customer engagement, training, and other useful areas, so companies can put the tech to work and progress rather than be left behind competitors who grasp the technology.

Building on FSMA 204 traceability in the Food Supply Chain: A Collaborative Approach: 10 a.m.

In the globally interconnected food supply chain, traceability is not just a helpful way to prevent incidents and quickly pinpoint problems when incidents occur, it is a regulatory requirement. Understanding the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, FSMA 204, as well as the ins and outs of worldwide traceability standards is paramount. Andrew W. Kennedy will share his food traceability knowledge and experience to attendees, so they can apply the knowledge in their own operations.

What’s In Store Live workshops
Cake-decorating competitions are a popular genre of programs for television viewers, who enjoy watching the artistry and dramas of expert bakers in action. IDDBA is bringing back its popular cake decorating contest, Cake’d, which is open to all retail members of the association. Part of IDDBA’s What’s In Store Live (WISL) workshops, the first Cake’d round takes place in the What’s in Store Live Workshop Monday June 10, starting at 12 noon; the four competitors will each create a three-tier cake celebrating the IDDBA’s 60th anniversary. The next day, decorators will be asked to create three different seasonal or special-occasion creations. Then, a panel of sponsors will judge the cakes, and attendees will get to vote on the Fan Favorite cake via the IDDBA app.

“I have been baking and cake decorating for Rosauers for over 25 years,” says Cake’d competitor Carrie Hansen. “I have always enjoyed the creative outlet of making cakes. I like the challenge of creating a cake for a customer on their special day. I enjoy learning new techniques and being able to express myself through cake decorating."

Other WISL workshops include:

• Snacking & Special Occasions
• Breaking Bread with Cheese
• Don’t Fear the Reaper: Intro to Spice
• CPG’s Shifting Landscape: A Generational View
• Prepare Your Business for These Sustainable Packaging Trends

Looking ahead
After six decades of service to the industry, IDDBA strives to provide members and event attendees with modern solutions that fit current needs and conditions.

“The way IDDBA delivers the upcoming years’ trends to our members today is quite different than during the last six decades,” remarks Prach. “Today’s marketplace changes and evolves at lightning speed.” SF&WB

This year’s roster of exhibitors features hundreds of producers and suppliers. Below is a selection of the companies of interest to the professionals in the baking business, including producers, packaging firms, and various suppliers.

Ajinomoto Foods North America

Alpha Baking Co.

Aspire Bakeries LLC

Aunt Millie's Bakeries

Bakerman GmbH & Co. KG

Barry Callebaut

Beatrice Bakery Company

Cherry Marketing Institute

Cheryl's Cookies

Clyde's Donuts

Crown Bakeries

Dakota MB

Easypak, LLC

Eli’s Cheesecake

Flax4Life

Fortis Solutions Group

General Mills

Hormel Foods

Inno-Pak, LLC

JTM Foods, LLC

McClancy Foods & Flavors

Muffin Town

Nestlé

Ozery Family Bakery

Rich Products Corporation

Rise Baking Company

Rocky Mountain Pies

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Stan's Donuts & Coffee

Stellar Snacks, LLC

Sugar Bowl Bakery

Table Talk Pies

Unifiller Systems Inc.

Unilever Food Solutions

Willamette Valley Pie Company