The Retail Bakers of America is hitting the road! Join us in Atlanta for a unique opportunity to explore the future of the baking industry through networking, bakery tours, and cutting-edge business programming. This year’s theme, “Emergency Preparedness and Future-Proofing for the Baking Industry,” focuses on strategies to help bakeries thrive in uncertain times, ensuring long-term success and adaptability. Whether you’re a bakery owner, pastry chef, or bakery professional, this event is designed to inspire and equip you with the tools to future-proof your business.
Sponsored by Dawn Foods, this Roadshow will be held at Dawn's Atlanta Distribution Center.
Event Highlights:
- Business Programming: Learn from industry experts during dynamic demos and presentations focused on emergency preparedness and future-proofing on July 21.
- Exclusive Bakery Tours: Visit 3 of Atlanta’s finest bakeries and gain behind-the-scenes insights into their operations on July 22.
- Vendor Networking: Meet 6 leading suppliers in the baking industry and explore the latest products and services designed to enhance your business operations.
Pricing:
- RBA Members: $175
- Non-Members: $250
- Students: $100
This event is limited to just 30 attendees—secure your place now and join us for two days of industry insights, networking, and exclusive bakery tours.
Lunch on the Roadshow day is sponsored by P&H Cake deco.
Keynote Speakers:
Alene Paulk
A highly acclaimed sugar artist and the owner of Zuckerie Confections, Alene Paulk has built a reputation for her exquisite cake artistry and business acumen. With a career spanning years of dedication to the craft, she has not only mastered sugar work but also navigated the evolving landscape of the custom cake industry. In her session, “The Future of the Custom Cakes Industry,” Alene will provide an in-depth look at the shifting trends, consumer expectations, and business challenges facing cake artists today. She will discuss practical strategies for maintaining a thriving custom cake business in an era of changing demands, offering attendees key insights into sustainability, pricing, marketing, and long-term growth.
Kimberly Houston
A seasoned pastry chef and the Events & Engagement Manager at RBA, Chef Kimberly Houston will lead a session on “The Great Baking Burnout: Why We’re Losing Talent and How to Fix It.” With the baking industry facing a growing retention crisis, this session will explore the root causes of burnout and offer practical strategies to create a healthier, more sustainable work culture. Attendees will learn about the hidden costs of burnout, how to build an engaging bakery environment, and why community, education, and leadership are key to retaining passionate talent.
Cydni Mitchell Hodges
As the CFO of the Sugar Geek Show and an experienced food business coach, Cydni Mitchell Hodges specializes in helping bakery owners and cake decorators streamline their operations and embrace innovation. In her session, “Leveraging AI to Transform Your Retail Bakery,” she will delve into the ways artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the baking industry. From AI-assisted cake design tools to automated marketing solutions, Cydni will showcase how technology can enhance efficiency, creativity, and customer engagement. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how to integrate AI into their workflow to improve productivity, increase profitability, and stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
Roger Trahin
Founder of Trahin Miller Insurance Services, Roger Trahin is a seasoned expert in risk management and business insurance, specializing in the food and hospitality industries. With years of experience helping bakery owners protect their businesses, Roger understands the critical need for proactive planning. His session, “Emergency Preparedness from an Insurance Perspective,” will provide essential guidance on safeguarding bakeries from unexpected disruptions. He will cover key topics such as business continuity planning, liability protection, and the types of insurance coverage every bakery should consider. Whether it’s natural disasters, equipment failures, or legal claims, Roger will equip attendees with the knowledge needed to ensure their business remains secure and financially stable in the face of challenges.
Bakery Tours:
- Alon's Bakery & Market has been a pillar of Atlanta's culinary landscape since 1992, when classically-trained pastry chef Alon Balshan opened his first location with just $500 and a wealth of European baking expertise. The bakery tour will showcase Alon’s Bakery & Market’s impressive commissary kitchen where acclaimed artisanal breads and European-style pastries are crafted daily. This award-winning establishment—recognized by Creative Loafing as one of Atlanta's best bakeries multiple times—has expanded to three locations throughout the city. Experience how this beloved Atlanta institution combines Old World techniques with fresh, local ingredients to create their renowned baked goods and gourmet prepared foods that have made Alon's a wholesale supplier to restaurants across the Atlanta metro area.
- Henri's Bakery & Deli stands as an Atlanta culinary landmark since 1929, when French-born Henri Fiscus established his first bakery. Today, the fourth-generation family business operates six Atlanta-area locations, including an impressive 8,000-square-foot commissary kitchen in the Upper Westside neighborhood that tour attendees will explore. Recognized as one of the world's 10 best bakeries by W Magazine, Henri's continues to delight customers with inventive recipes, exceptional service, and the same attention to detail that has made it a beloved institution for nearly a century.
- Little Tart Bakeshop brings buttery, flaky pastries with Southern soul to Atlanta through its three charming locations. Founded by Ohio-native Sarah O'Brien in 2010, this beloved bakery began at local farmers markets before expanding to brick-and-mortar shops in Grant Park, Krog Street Market, and Summerhill. Each delicious creation showcases Little Tart's commitment to local partnerships with Georgia farmers and producers. O'Brien, who learned to bake from her grandmother and honed her skills in Paris, was recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist for "Outstanding Baker" in both 2016 and 2017, earning national attention from prestigious culinary organizations. The passionate team of bakers and baristas craft every French-inspired pastry with meticulous care, making this Atlanta institution a must-visit destination on your bakery tour.
Limited to 30 attendees, this intimate event offers a personalized experience for learning, networking, and making meaningful connections. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to strengthen your business, improve your processes, and meet industry leaders who are shaping the future of baking.
Register today to secure your spot!
Click "More information" below to register.