Baking & Snack - February 2022 - 15

SPECIAL REPORT
Meet the IBIE Committee
Meet
Dennis Gunnell
The IBIE 2022 chairman looks forward to bringing the baking industry together again.
by Charlotte Atchley
D
Dennis Gunnell is the president of Formost Fuji and the
chairman of the International Baking Industry Expo
(IBIE) 2022. He has worked in the baking industry for
36 years, and IBIE 2022 will be his 12th
Baking Expo.
How will this IBIE be different from 2019?
We've had to embrace new and different ways to communicate,
and that's accelerated the adoption of communication
technology for training, troubleshooting and other
applications. Though these technologies have been available
for some time, their utilization has become engrained
in our daily lives. For example, if you're troubleshooting
a problem with equipment on the production floor, the
supplier can provide support virtually or assess the issue
in-depth before sending support in person. Using these
technologies isn't just convenient. It allows for real-time
responsiveness, fosters collaboration, and it's cost-efficient
for businesses. I believe we'll see the impacts of this
evolution playing out at the Baking Expo from more refined
ways of providing training or customer service and
even expanding on alternative applications.
Another aspect that has evolved since the last IBIE is a
greater appreciation for each other and the baking ecosystem.
Our interconnectedness and the symbiotic relationship
between bakers and suppliers are more apparent than
ever. In addition to those essential B2B relationships, there's
more awareness around how vital each individual is, too.
Above all else, I expect a tangible sense of pride for
how resilient and agile our industry has been throughout
this time. IBIE 2022 will be a moment for us all to
celebrate the lessons learned and the challenges we've
overcome in recent years.
What can attendees expect at IBIE 2022?
The Las Vegas Convention Center renovations will provide
a wow factor from the moment attendees arrive.
Returning features include the very popular RBA Bakers
Center, the Artisan Marketplace, BEST in Baking industry
awards, the Creative Cake Decorating Competition,
Great American Pie Festival, Innovation Showcase, the
Pizza Information Center and, of course,
the largest baking industry event education
program in the world, IBIEducate. Inaugural
show features for 2022 include two new pavilions:
Cannabis Central, a pavilion and
education destination focused on the business
of cannabis baked goods, and the Sanitation
Pavilion. We are also excited to add the 2022 World
Bread Awards USA to our action-packed lineup.
How do you hope this year's IBIE fills the gap
left by virtual meetings?
Aside from the in-person experience, IBIE will be a
welcomed opportunity for professional development,
hands-on training and certifications. We expect a record-setting
level of activity in the expo halls. With reduced
labor, automation and productivity being key initiatives
for almost all bakers, there's substantial pent-up
demand for new products, equipment and technology.
How do you anticipate the current industry
challenges will impact people's goals for IBIE?
First, buyers will be focused and eager to shop. Due to
the pandemic impacts and consumer behavior, capital
expenditures are on the rise. Second, planning even further
ahead has become a necessity. With supply chain
issues and labor shortages, the lead time on equipment
and installations is noticeably longer. Not to mention
that the labor shortage has been an ongoing topic of concern
and signals the need for more long-term solutions.
What's the top reason people come to IBIE?
The beauty of IBIE is that you can address every aspect
of your operation from start to finish. Attendees consistently
report their primary motivation is to see the latest
products, equipment and technology. This is followed
by meeting with suppliers face-to-face to discuss specific
questions. Whether you want to compare vendors
for a targeted solution or reimagine your entire system
- it's all baked in.
www.bakingbusiness.com / February 2022 Baking & Snack 15
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Baking & Snack - February 2022

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