LAS VEGAS — Increased international outreach, cost-effective booth pricing and enhanced programming helped the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) reach new heights in 2019. Held Sept. 7-11 in Las Vegas, the triennial show is the largest trade event in the Western Hemisphere for the grain-based foods industry.

More than 20,000 bakers attended IBIE, a nearly 10% increase from 2016. The trade show reported that a sizeable portion of the growth came from international markets. Attendees from more than 100 countries made up almost 30% of the total attendance, with the largest participation coming from Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Japan and Mexico.

To accommodate the attendance growth, IBIE hosted the largest show floor in its 100-year history. Approximately 1,000 exhibitors brought a range of cutting-edge equipment and ingredient innovations to the event. The trade show said new booth pricing encouraged exhibitors to showcase more equipment and machinery than ever before.

Enhanced programming also supported IBIE’s development. Through a newly introduced education day on Sept. 7, IBIEducate was able to present its largest lineup of education sessions. More than 100 classes explored a wide variety of challenges impacting bakers from every segment of the industry.

Displaying the latest advancements in equipment and ingredients, the Innovation Showcase, presented in partnership with Sosland Publishing Company, saw an 8% increase in entries over the 2016 event.

New interactive offerings such as the iba Virtual Bakery Tours and Artisan Marketplaces also supported the show’s growth.

“IBIE is focused on meeting the professional and business needs of every attendee,” said Joe Turano, president, Turano Baking Co., and IBIE committee chair. “We take pride in crafting content that is cutting edge, interactive, engaging and thought-provoking. With a sold-out show floor, we experienced innovations and exciting technology that will lead this industry into the future. I know that we are leaving feeling reenergized and recharged with fresh insights and new relationships to cultivate.”

IBIE returns to Las Vegas Sept. 17-21, 2022. Until then, visit www.IBIE2019.com to view the latest show updates.