A Last-Minute Trip to the Baking Capital of the World (for a Weekend)

Sometimes the best business decisions come from spontaneous moments — like booking a last-minute flight to Las Vegas for the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), the world’s largest baking expo that only happens once every three years.

We didn’t know exactly what to expect, but we knew one thing: if the biggest names in baking were gathering under one roof, we needed to be there. From buttercream competitions to billion-dollar equipment displays, the IBIE had it all.

Day 1: The Baking Wonderland Begins

We landed in Vegas, checked into the stunning Fontainebleau Hotel, and quickly realized the expo center was massive. The North Hall alone took us an entire day to explore — and that was just the beginning.

Baking competitions were underway, the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air, and vendors were showcasing everything from cookie packaging solutions to industrial mixers worth nearly a million dollars.

The crowd? Everyone from bakery owners and pastry chefs to ingredient innovators and packaging pros — all geeking out over dough sheeters and chocolate tempering machines.

Day 2: Lessons from the Expo Floor

By the second morning (yes, we’re early risers — gym at 6 a.m., breakfast at 7), we had a clearer mission: learn as much as possible and connect with suppliers who could help us take our cookie business to the next level.

And honestly, we realized something big:

Attending expos might be the cheapest, most effective investment you can make for your business.

You can spend thousands hiring consultants — or you can attend an expo, pay for your flight and hotel, and get direct access to people who actually make the tools, ingredients, and machines you’ll use.

From packaging to production, expos let you see, touch, and test innovations you’d never find just by Googling.

Pro Tip for Small Food Businesses

If you run a cookie brand, bakery, or any food-based business, expos like IBIE are pure gold for:
🍪 Discovering new ingredients and suppliers
🧁 Building relationships directly with manufacturers
🎂 Getting inspiration for products and packaging
💡 Learning about trends before they hit mainstream

You don’t even need to stay all four days. We were in Vegas for only 36 hours, and it was still one of the most valuable trips we’ve ever made.

Why It’s Worth It

Even though the machines might have million-dollar price tags, the knowledge you gain is priceless. You’ll learn what tools the big brands use — and how you can scale smart without overspending.

Plus, networking face-to-face with other business owners? That’s something no Zoom call can replicate.

Back Home, Full of Ideas

As we boarded our redeye flight home, exhausted but inspired, one thought stood out:

Sometimes, the best way to grow your business isn’t through ads or analytics — it’s by showing up where your industry gathers.

If you’re serious about your cookie or baking business, put “attend a baking expo” on your 2026 goal list. It’ll be the best decision you make all year.