BEMA (Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds), established over a century ago, will hold its annual Convention again this year—a connection-driven event bringing together leaders from across the baking industry. The attendee list includes personnel from various equipment and ingredient supplier companies, plus producers and, of course, bakers. The group will gather to hear education, networking, and insights designed to ensure future success, while also enjoying some time in the sun, June 25–29 in Waimea, Hawaii.

Themes and sessions
Designed to foster meaningful relationships, the Convention creates a highly curated environment where bakers, suppliers, and industry partners can connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration, says Kerwin Brown, BEMA president and CEO. “There is a strong emphasis on building deeper relationships across the industry, while also equipping attendees with relevant perspectives on emerging trends, innovation, and the evolving business landscape. The overall goal is to create both immediate value through connections and long-term value through shared knowledge.”

Emily Bowers, executive vice president, BEMA, notes Convention is intentionally structured to prioritize quality interactions, strategic conversations, and shared experiences. She says that this year’s Convention centers around collaboration and forward-looking insights.

Hosting Convention in Hawaii adds a unique dimension, creating an environment that naturally supports connection and an “ohana” spirit that aligns closely with BEMA’s mission, shares Jay Hardy, BEMA’s chairman of the board and national sales director for J&K Ingredients.

The conference will feature a keynote by Seb Terry, an expert on personal transformation and creating environments for success. Terry will take the stage on Saturday, June 27.

“Seb’s message will resonate strongly with the BEMA community because it speaks directly to the people behind our businesses,” notes Hardy. “Our industry is built on collaboration, resilience, and continuous improvement, and Seb brings a powerful perspective on how individuals and teams can perform at a higher level while staying grounded in purpose and culture. His ability to connect personal transformation with real-world leadership makes him an excellent fit for our audience.”

Terry is an Australian-born speaker reportedly known for his engaging storytelling, humor, and interactive style. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations unlock potential, embrace change, and align passion with purpose to drive meaningful results. He aims to equip leaders and teams with practical tools to build resilience, strengthen culture, and create environments where people and performance thrive.

Additionally, on Saturday, June 27, 11 am–1 pm, Convention will offer an interactive workshop on artificial intelligence, hosted by marketing and brand expert Jon Lakefish, whom has over two decades of industry experience. Lakefish has spearheaded marketing initiatives across many sectors and is known for his insights into consumer behavior and his passion for innovation. He currently leads the Lakefish Group, which aims to integrate AI and data into branding initiatives.

This year’s Convention will also feature an expanded General Membership meeting, and panels reportedly featuring some of the industry's most talented professionals.

“BEMA’s Convention business sessions will deliver a dynamic blend of inspiration, innovation, and industry connection,” shares Bowers. “From a goal-oriented keynote to practical insights on AI in manufacturing, an engaging reimagined membership meeting, and candid baker-led panel discussions, the programming is designed to inform, energize, and equip attendees to tackle the most pressing challenges in commercial baking.”

On April 30, BEMA hosted a “know-before-you-go” webinar, and the recording is available on-demand on its website. The event was moderated by Wes Luczak, membership manager, BEMA. [JS1] The online event walked attendees through what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find important event information. Tenured BEMA members shared firsthand insights, tips, and perspectives to help conference participants navigate the conference with intention.

Networking events
This year’s Convention is stacked with social opportunities, including a welcome reception, golf tournament, and brunches. A handful of the events include:

• Welcome Reception: including beverages and island-inspired appetizers.
• BEMA Cup Golf Tournament (June 26, 8 am–2 pm, registration required): The 18-hole championship link-style course includes ocean and island views, including its famed 15th hole—one of the most photographed over-the-water golf holes in the world.
• Baker’s Toast Reception (June 26, 5–6 pm, invite only): a cocktail reception celebrating the conference’s baker guests.
• Small Group Dinners (June 26 and 28, 6–10 pm, registration required): attendees can connect with customers in a small-group setting. An email with registration details, time, and location will be sent directly to attendees the week prior to Convention, and transportation is provided.
• Good Morning Breakfast Buffet (June 27, 7:30–9 am): All are welcome at Brown’s Beach House to start their day and mingle with other conference attendees.
• Paddles with Purpose - BEMA Gives Back Pickleball Tournament (June 27, 2–4 pm, registration and fee required): This inaugural tournament is welcome to players of all skill levels, and all its proceeds will be donated to charity.
• Industry Collaboration Brunch (June 29, 10–11 am): Leading industry associations will invite attendees to join them at dedicated tables for discussing key programs, initiatives, and opportunities shaping the baking industry.
• BEMA Connect: A way to introduce bakers to suppliers they aren’t currently familiar with, and match their needs with supplier solutions, speed dating-style.
• Closing activities: The org will be hosting two activities to conclude the conference, both on June 29—a Chairman’s Reception (6–7:30 pm) and a Chairman’s Dinner and Dance (7:30 pm–12 am).

For attendees bringing their families to Convention, there are child-friendly activities every afternoon, from 1–3 pm on June 26 and 1–4 pm on June 27–29. Additionally, the Lava Flow Luau (June 27, 6–10 pm) is open to spouses and families.

“With the support of BEMA and the engaging events throughout the years, I can personally say I’ve had a significant ROI … my first BEMA, I met some new customers with just a handshake or a hello. My second BEMA, it was a ‘Hey, I remember you. We met in the buffet line at breakfast,’” enthuses Josh Becker, product manager, bakery/confection, Harpak-Ulma. “Each connection point adds upon the previous until eventually you chat during BEMA Connect and find there is an opportunity to partner on a solution. The connection growth becomes exponential the more you participate.”

Picturesque tours
With this year’s Convention being held in the Aloha State, the organization added a day of leisure to give attendees ample time to enjoy the island, including optional tours with registration fees.

The entire tour lineup can be found at the BEMA Convention website. A sampling is below:

Spirit of Aloha Catamaran Snorkel Sail (Thursday, June 25)
Attendees can explore the Waikoloa and Kohala-Kona coastline aboard a 54-foot sailing catamaran, where guests are likely to see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. The vessel is safe for all ages and includes an on-board freshwater shower and restrooms. Registration includes snacks, drinks, a safety vest and sanitized re-usable snorkel gear, and more.

Captain Zodiac Raft Expedition (Thursday, June 25)
Reportedly a personal and intimate tour, attendees will snorkel in the waters of Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, and get to see lava tubes, sea caves, and blow holes up close. Additionally, captains will tell stories of Hawaiian history and culture, island geology, and many marine species. Guests should be able to walk short distances of 2–3 miles on uneven terrain, and they must be eight years of age or older.

Custom Volcano Tour (Friday, June 26)
This event offers an 8-hour adventure exploring sites on the east side of Hawaii Island, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Fall, and Big Island Candies, a confection shop that sells chocolate-dipped cookies. According to the tour company, this is a great opportunity for conference-goers who want a quick intro to some of the highlights of the national park and Hilo Town in a truncated format.

Kona Sea Salt Experience (Saturday, June 27)
One of only two remaining salt farms in Hawaii, the farm is located on a 7-acre oceanfront area in Kona on the Natural Energy Lab Hawaii campus. The salts are hand-harvested from ocean water drawn from 2,200 feet below the surface. Salt in Hawaii is used in ceremonial blessings of voyages, homes, new ventures, babies, in purification rituals, and more. Note: this event takes place during the BEMA Cup Gold Tournament (therefore, attendees can’t participate in both activities).

Convention will showcase the opportunities above plus a host of many more, including an education slate. Click here to view the entire 2026 BEMA Convention schedule. SF&WB