(Cake competition at International Baking Industry Exposition, photo courtesy of IBIE)
by Debbie Hall
The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) is returning to Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Sept. 13-17, bringing an estimated 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries, along with more than 1,000 leading manufacturers and suppliers.
This event unites the brightest minds in the baking industry, innovative manufacturers and passionate artisans under one roof. Designed by industry professionals for the sector, IBIE’s mission is to provide attendees with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to advance. The exposition showcases the entire supply chain for baking and food manufacturing, including cutting-edge technology and equipment, as well as ingredients and packaging solutions. IBIE has been created for attendees to discover the latest advancements shaping the future of baking.
Since IBIE is focused on baked goods, those involved with the creation of the exposition have set up the following:
Transport to Another World
Wholesale Bakers Center: With carefully crafted programming, this space offers a tailored learning experience designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities for commercial bakers.
The Artisan Village: An interactive hub offering exceptional learning opportunities and exciting competitions focused on artisan and specialty baked goods.
Two Specialty Pavilions: introducing dedicated pavilions showcasing the Snack Food and Pet Food sectors within the baking industry.
Competitions
For the first time at IBIE, the Americas Selection of the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie will bring together international baking teams from across the Western Hemisphere to compete in three categories: Bakery, Viennoiserie and Artistic Bread Showpiece. Two winning teams will earn the honor of representing the Western Hemisphere at the World Cup of Baking in Paris.
Making its debut at IBIE 2025, the Panettone World Cup highlights the craft, heritage, and international appeal of this iconic product. Entries from across the Western Hemisphere will compete for the chance to represent their country at the world finals in Milan in 2026. Live judging will take place on Sept. 16.
Creative Cake Decorating Competition: Six elite teams will compete in artistry and skill, showcasing wedding cakes, rolled fondant, sculpted cakes, and buttercream creations.
Innovation Showcase: This showcase debuts the newest products and technology to enhance your operations, all on display in one convenient location. Entries include emerging Ingredients, Equipment, Packaging and Safety products never before seen at IBIE.
The World Bread Awards USA returns for IBIE 2025 with 13 categories—from baguettes and bagels to sourdough and showstoppers. This premier competition celebrates nearly every style of baked goods, with live judging in the Artisan Village on Sept. 15.
Themes
The Rockin’ Pint Concert: Rock out at this ‘80s-themed networking event featuring performances by Wang Chung and renowned baker, Duff Goldman, with his band, Foie Grock. Get ready for a blast from the past. The Rockin’ Pint offers attendees a chance to crank up the volume for a fantastic ‘80s night filled with great music and networking over cold brews.
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day on the show floor.
Demos
Hear from artisan leaders on topics like fermentation and gut health, scaling with local grains, pizza and bagel trends, bread sommeliers, and how bakers of every size—from micro-bakeries to major wholesale producers are approaching artisanal-style products today.
Engagement
Retail Bakers Center: Live demonstrations, competitions, and inspiring stories from some of the biggest names in baking, including Buddy Valastro, Paulina Abascal, Iginio Massari, Romain Dufour, Duff Goldman and more.
Awards
Best in Baking Industry Awards: Recognizing suppliers and bakeries dedicated to positive transformation in the industry on essential topics like sustainability, workforce development, sanitation, packaging innovation, plant efficiency, and automation/robotics.
The IBIE is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive trade event for the grain-based food industry in the Western Hemisphere. As a “working show,” IBIE facilitates millions of dollars in business transactions every day. It brings together the entire professional baking community, offering a complete range of equipment, supplies, and ingredient solutions while showcasing the latest baking technology—all in one location.
IBIE is owned by the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), with support from the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). All profits from this non-profit event are reinvested into the industry. For more information, visit bakingexpo.com.
