IDDBA 19 , sponsored by the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, was held June 2-4 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show had a record-breaking attendance consisting of companies, qualified buyers, merchandisers, executives, manufacturers, brokers, distributors and other industry professionals who gathered to connect and learn. The event offered educational experiences from actionable merchandising ideas and new products to presentations from influencers and experts.
The IDDBA 19 speakers included Rick Findlay, Kevin Ryan, Christina Tosi, Seth Godin, Dave Donnan, Terry Soto, Mike Eardley, Laila Ali, Michael J. Fox, Barb Stuckey and Rob Lowe.
The New Product Showcase was a destination for attendees looking for unique and innovative trends all in one place. Exhibitors had the opportunity to personally merchandise in this display. Attendees had an all-encompassing look at the newest cutting-edge products, packaging and services.
Another learning opportunity was “Expert Neighborhood,” where attendees had one-on-one consultations with experts from various industries. Questions about leadership, new retail, regulations and marketing were answered through these appointments. Experts included CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors and specialists who have the experience and knowledge of navigating through business challenges.
‘What’s in Store Live’ presented examples of how businesses can engage and appeal to customers through merchandising ideas, concepts and demonstrations. Trends and research were depicted through displays using real products from sponsors. Leading up to the show, teams of dedicated volunteers donated months of their time and talent to create the merchandising concepts displayed throughout ‘What’s in Store Live.’
In the ‘What’s in Store Live Workshop,’ live demonstrations from ‘What’s in Store Live’ teams and presentations from industry professionals offered attendees insight into a variety of topics. These workshops are geared to educate attendees and provide actionable ideas to grow businesses.
Cake decorating contest winner comes from Canada
Three top supermarket decorators competed in a three-day Cake Decorating Challenge where competitors created a variety of themed cakes. Attendees were able to vote for their favorite cake decorator each day for the People’s Choice Awards. The People’s Choice Award winner for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday was Dana Nygaard, Hy-Vee Inc., Robbinsdale, Minnesota.
This year, Barb Stuckey, president and chief of innovation officer of Mattson, judged for best tasting cake on Tuesday, June 3, and presented the award to Jess Tatham of Publix Super Markets, Gulf Breeze, Florida.
The winner of IDDBA’s 24th Annual Cake Decorating Challenge was Joni Graham of Carmen’s Independent City Market of Toronto, Ontario. Second place went to Tatham; third went to Nygaard.
This was the second year for the Fresh Careers program, which offers students that have interests in the food industry a chance to experience professional networking at IDDBA 19. With a career ambassador guiding them, the students got the chance to explore the trade show floor, see new product innovations, network and learn. This year, five universities participated in the program.
2019 Chairman’s Award presented
The 2019 Chairman’s Award recognizes a lifetime of service and contribution to the industry and honors those who have led with vision and dedication. Rick Findlay proudly presented the award to Rick Goodman, CMO/EVP of Eddy Packing, for the “invaluable work and commitment” he has put in towards the industry.
Findlay, chairman of the IDDBA, presented the award to Goodman during IDDBA 19. Goodman epitomizes leadership as he has donated countless hours to the IDDBA community helping manufacturers and retailers grow businesses. He has been involved in the food industry his entire career and held numerous positions with ConAgra, Smithfield, Monogram Foods and Eddy Packaging. He served on the board of directors at IDDBA and was the chairman in 2007.
Goodman’s passion and dedication towards making IDDBA into a successful organization has greatly shaped IDDBA into what it is today. For this reason, Goodman is an extremely deserving recipient of the 2019 Chairman’s Award.
IDDBA is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese and supermarket foodservice industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual tradeshow, research, training programs, management tools and an annual trends report.
IDDBA 20 will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 31-June 2.
Click below to see more photos from the 2019 show.
IDDBA 19, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, June 2-4
