Exhibit space reservations for the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) 2013 are tracking well ahead of sales when compared to the same time period leading up to the Baking Expo 2010, according to trade show organizers.

During the first and second round assignments, which gave priority to members of the American Bakers Association (ABA), BEMA, Retail Bakers of America (RBA) members and 2010 exhibitors, reservations increased 41% in square footage and 22% in the number of exhibiting companies. The sales team also reported success with recruiting new exhibitors to IBIE at iba, which was held in October in Germany.

Considering the brisk pace of exhibit sales thus far, IBIE leasing agents indicated they are well on their way to surpassing the 700-plus exhibitors at the 2010 show. Currently, nearly 400 companies from across the industry have signed up to exhibit at the 2013 event, which is sponsored by ABA, BEMA and RBA.

IBIE Chair Mike Beaty interpreted IBIE’s momentum as a reflection of the overall strength of the baking industry.

“The fact that we’re so far out in front of exhibit sales at this point is a testament to the value and impact of IBIE,” he noted. “Baking industry manufacturers and suppliers know what IBIE can do for their sales and profits, and they’re not hesitating to get on board.”

IBIE 2010 brought more than  20,000 baking professionals to Las Vegas, and its organizers said they intends to cast its net even wider in 2013. An aggressive, multichannel campaign, along with participation in the US Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program, is designed to increase the number of qualified buyers from core and ancillary markets. As a result, exhibitors should expect to see an increase in the number of baking industry professionals from South America, Asia and Europe.

Companies that have not yet secured their place at IBIE 2013 are encouraged to act quickly, as applications will be handled on a first come, first served basis.

Information on how to sign up for exhibit space is available at www.IBIE2013.com.