CHICAGO — BEMA will launch a new initiative targeting education at its Winter Summit, scheduled for March 1-2, in Chicago.

The first BEMA-U educational and connection opportunity includes a presentation by LeadersSpeak’s Jody Cross. The hands-on workshop, titled “Who are you talking to?” will give the attendees tools for tuning in any particular audience — be it a board of directors, customers or employees. Attendees also may enhance their leadership abilities during “New Perspectives on Leadership” by Henry Givray, president and chief executive officer of SmithBucklin Corp., and founder of the “Leadership Institute” and the “Leadership Institute Learning Forum.”

BEMA’s program also will include “Opportunities in Energy Efficiency,” a presentation by BIF, the Baking Industry Forum. The event will feature bakers from Aryzta, Kroger, Lewis Bakeries, Pepperidge Farm, Schwebel’s and Flowers Foods weighing in on the importance of energy efficiency as it relates to equipment and plant design.

BEMA also will present a review of the International Baking Industry Exposition 2013 survey results by Michael Cornelis, I.B.I.E. chairman, and Jacquelyn Wells of MDG, the marketing firm that conducted the survey.

The summit includes a welcome reception at the Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago on March 1 at 5:30 p.m. All members of the baking industry are invited to attend this free event. The BEMA luncheon will feature comedian Don Friesen, as well the presentation of BEMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased on site. For more information, visit www.BEMA.org.