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:
- Exclusive Bakery Tours: Visit 3 of Atlanta’s finest bakeries and gain behind-the-scenes insights into their operations.
- Business Programming: Learn from industry experts during dynamic demos and presentations focused on emergency preparedness and future-proofing.
- Vendor Networking: Meet 6 leading suppliers in the baking industry and explore the latest products and services designed to enhance your business operations.
Register by April 30 to Save on Your Spot!
Take advantage of early bird pricing before rates go up:
- RBA Members: $150 (Regular: $175)
- Non-Members: $225 (Regular: $250)
- Students: $85 (Regular: $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.
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.
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.
Pricing:
- RBA Members: $175
- Non-Members: $250
- Students: $100
Early bird pricing available through April 30—see details above.
Register today to secure your spot!
Click "More information" below to register.