Countdown to the first global baking industry meeting of the year has begun, with the organiser of iba – the world's leading bakery sector trade fair – creating an additional innovative virtual format, iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS, set to run from 15–17 March 2021.

With the new iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS virtual event, organiser GHM (Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH) provides an effective, efficient and safe platform for the first industry meeting of the year. 

 

The aim is to enable companies in the baking industry to network globally, create new business contacts, and present their innovations and products to the international community of professionals. Exhibitors can interact with customers, as well as maintain long-term relationships and generate new leads virtually and on a high technical level. 

The iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS virtual event will allow the industry to re-engage, while GHM will also oversee the return of iba – the world's leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry – in its physical form in Munich in October. 

Number and quality of participants reflects high demand

 
The new virtual format set to go from 15–17 March is already closing the gap in spring for the urgent need to create new business contacts and to exchange innovations, among participants on both sides. 

“The concept of the industry's first virtual networking event in March meets with great approval,” commented Head of iba, Cathleen Kabashi, speaking on the current state of planning. “Above all, the current number of registered participants from more than a hundred countries, and their quality, shows that the need for networking and the demand for a global industry platform are enormous. We are delighted that the iba brand enjoys such a high level of trust, even during these exceptional times.”

Strong partners for a strong supporting programme


In addition to global networking and product presentations, iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS will also focus on specialist talks. For this purpose, the organisers will co-operate with partners such as the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), the strategy consultancy for the food industry Munich Strategy, and the Tortilla Industry Association, which has been promoting and supporting the tortilla industry since 1989.


While the supporting programme in its entirety will be announced shortly, one thing is already certain: consulting agency Munich Strategy will be looking ahead to the ‘new normal’ in the baking industry and will be showing how companies can strategically position themselves for it now. “Even after the pandemic, there is no going back to the 'pre-corona' status for the baking industry, because all key areas of the business have changed – from the supply chain to the product range to distribution,” commented Dr Werner Motyka, head of Munich Strategy's Food division. “That's why I'm excited to share our insights and vision for the industry at iba.CONNECTING EXPERTS. Here, for the first time, we will show the impact of Covid-19 on key areas of action in the baking industry and provide concrete recommendations for companies based on this.”


In addition to their presence on the platform, exhibitors will also contribute with online presentations to the supporting programme. Speaking on the array of possibilities presented by the virtual event, Head of iba, Cathleen Kabashi, concluded: “Networking is our top priority and we look forward to exciting discussions, qualitative impulses and interactive infotainment together with the industry – by the industry and for the industry.”


For further information on registration for exhibitors and visitors, alongside a list of those exhibitors already registered for March 2021, visit: https://connecting.iba.de/