As anticipation builds for the kickoff of the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) in Las Vegas, attendees can look forward to a little bit of extra fun on Day One.

The All-American Tailgate Party will return to the show floor on Sept. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This networking reception, sponsored by Sosland Publishing Company, Corbion and SPF, will bring show attendees together in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Following the success of the inaugural All-American Tailgate in 2016, Kerwin Brown, president and chief executive officer of BEMA, one of the cosponsors of IBIE, said this year’s event will be bigger and better.

“The first party was a huge success,” Mr. Brown said. “The attendees and exhibitors loved having an additional place to connect and have some fun after a full day of IBIE. Everyone was talking about it the next day, and that generated a lot of buzz. Now that we’re in our second tailgate, we’re expecting more people to join us.”

The event also plays an important role for international visitors. More than 30% of registered attendees will represent the 100-plus countries at this year’s expo, and the All-American Tailgate is a chance to immerse them in a much-loved American tradition.  

“It’s a great way for exhibitors to entertain customers and international guests to experience an all-American tailgate,” Mr. Brown said. “What’s more American than tailgating?”

And while the chance to relax or play traditional tailgating games is a fun way to connect with fellow IBIE attendees, the tailgate is most importantly a networking event.

“Networking is a big part of our show,” Mr. Brown said. “Our research showed that networking was a key benefit of IBIE and a big reason our industry attends, so we felt that it was important to help facilitate the connections in a casual and fun setting.”

Tailgate guests can look forward to more games, an enhanced layout and better food and drink options. They can also expect to see some tailgate staples like cornhole, football toss and beer pong. Those wishing to attend the All-American Tailgate should register through www.ibie2019.com. Tickets are $50.

IBIE can be intense, so having a place to play games, enjoy some food and grab a drink is a well-received break for attendees and exhibitors, Mr. Brown said.

“The tailgate really sets the tone for the show,” he said. “We’re all about business, but it’s great to mix in some fun, too. This brings together our community, generates excitement around the event and leaves participants feeling more connected.”