KANSAS CITY, MO — Bakery owners do it all. From building a menu and training team members to crafting quality baked goods and managing the business, running a brick-and-mortar operation is not for the faint of heart.
No two operations are alike, which can make it challenging for owners to find a business model that suits their needs. The modern baker is facing uncertainty in the shifting workforce, marketing their shops and rising operational costs. Additionally, they must set the foundation for a healthy work environment and find multiple streams of revenue to strengthen the business.
It can also be a lonely experience, with bakers not always having the opportunity to step back from the bench and learn from one another. Events such as the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) carve out a space for connection. Set for Sept. 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, IBIE will have a dedicated day for education — IBIEducate — on Sept. 13 with support from the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) for showgoers to learn from peers and suppliers who can help them fortify their businesses. With more than 250 sessions, demos and workshops covering a spectrum of topics, education will take place across the various stages in the RBA Bakers Center, as well as in the Artisan Village and Wholesale Bakers Center.
A look at bakers’ needs
The artisan craft is detail-oriented, and having the right ingredients is crucial. With supply chain disruptions and other cost challenges putting pressure on bakers, developing solid relationships with suppliers is beneficial when the going gets tough. Having IBIE’s cohort of exhibitors in one centralized location grants the opportunity for face-to-face connections.
Another way the Baking Expo caters to this demographic is through the Artisan Village show feature. Attendees can visit this area to watch live demonstrations from certified master bakers, acquire new techniques for the craft and connect with artisan experts.
On the education side, baking pros will present on a blend of topics ideal for artisan bakers, including tips for perfecting offerings such as rye bread or bagels, and guidance on integrating sustainable practices and ingredients.
Pastry and cake experts create flavorful yet eye-catching baked goods every day, from the quintessential sweet for customers who indulge in “little treat culture” to those celebrating occasions big and small.
While some staples never go out of fashion, trends fueled by social media consumers and influencers — such as the meteoric rise of the vintage-inspired Lambeth cake and continued interest in bringing flora into baked goods — can make their mark. While the retail side has the dexterity to pivot, referencing the right resources and techniques to execute them properly is essential.
With opportunities to find kinship and invest in their business’ future, IBIE is a can’t-miss for artisan bakers. Just a few days on the show floor and at IBIEducate sessions can bring the sea change that keeps bakeries at the core of their communities.
This story has been adapted from the June | Q2 2025 Craft to Crumb mini-mag. Read the digital issue here.
