WHAT IS NEXUS?
The primary pillars of NEXUS focus on connecting bakers and suppliers, educating attendees and creating opportunities for industry collaboration, including NextGenBaker Leadership Forum. This event offers something for every member of your team, including executive leadership, business development, R&D human resources, and operations.
WHAT MAKES NEXUS DIFFERENT?
NEXUS is all about collaboration and being the solution to many of your business and professional development needs. NEXUS has something for everyone from your team from executive leadership and business development to R&D, sales, human resources, and operations.
A top differentiator of NEXUS is the personal connections it will provide. NEXUS will engage bakers and suppliers in team-to-team meetings called Spark Sessions. Spark Sessions are a secure, private meeting space where members of your team can collaborate with decision-making team members from other companies. Where everyone is together, providing information, discussing opportunities, and sharing experiences about the latest products, innovations, and services that could advance your company. Spark Sessions are where the business of baking gets done.
NEXUS will also provide time and space for your team to meet together sharing the ideas from multiple contributors in the creation of new innovations. We’ve tried to think of everything, so the NEXUS schedule has time built in to nurture current relationships, review projects, and discuss the needs from both sides of the industry.
SPARK SESSIONS
Spark sessions provide opportunities for team-to-team meetings for bakers and suppliers. During pre-scheduled 45-minute Spark sessions throughout NEXUS, bakers will host suppliers in dedicated conference rooms – which come equipped with audio-visual equipment and refreshments nearby.
The organizers of NEXUS will develop a bespoke meeting program, based on pre-event confidential questionnaires completed by individual baker and supplier teams. NEXUS organizers will maintain the pre-event questionnaires in confidence; responses will not be shared with any other participants. The questionnaires will ask bakers to outline projects that need attention now, sometime in the future, or even the-sky’s-the-limit brainstorming. Each Spark session will pair one baker company with one supplier company to review challenges, discuss solutions and best practices, and identify opportunities for today and the future. All Spark session registrants can request specific meetings with others who signed up to ‘spark’, and NEXUS will also help facilitate some out-of-the-blue introductions.
We invite you to join us at “Business After Hours” an exclusive, invite only event on Wednesday evening for our Spark session company attendees only! You’ve been in meetings and made great connections, now take some time to network and celebrate the week together.
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Analysts and experts will provide insight and education on a variety of current, relevant topics for the baking industry through both formal and interactive presentations.
A primary goal of the educational sessions is for attendees to leave with tangible take-aways that they can immediately apply in the workplace.
Thought-leadership is important to advance the baking industry as a whole, and will be a keynote focus of the Education Sessions.
Choose from four focus areas of education to improve your skillset alongside attendees with similar interests. Sessions focused on workforce, sanitation, automation, and business trends will rotate throughout NEXUS for multiple opportunities to attend. Each class will be 45 minutes and led by professionals from both inside and outside of the baking industry. Speaker names and individual sessions will be announced soon.
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
By definition, NEXUS is the central and most important point or place, and the possibilities for industry collaboration might just be why! BEMA and ABA are partnering to create an future-focused space for your company’s growth, both in people development and business development. The opportunities throughout the week for networking, collaboration and “sparks” are countless.
In addition to NEXUS programming and education sessions, ABA’s NextGenBaker Leadership Forum is on the agenda. By signing up for the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum when you register for NEXUS, you will get to experience curated programming for the industry’s rising leaders. Additionally, a keynote address presented by the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum, will be a highlight of the Wednesday networking luncheon which all NEXUS registered guests are invited to attend.
NEXUS is working closely with ATBI (Allied Trades of the Baking Industry) to provide yet another networking opportunity you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details!
The corporate meeting program is designed for collaboration – internal company time to prepare for the week and/or reflect on the time at NEXUS. These meeting spaces are limited and will be available for use at an additional charge for 1-hour increments. You’re bringing your team, might as well plan to gather as a company right there on site to maximize your business strategy, share what you have learned and download on all great connections have you made.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
NEXUS provides four days to foster important connections, to stay informed of industry happenings, and to advance the professional development of every member of your team. You and your team will benefit from the many opportunities to network and collaborate with others in the industry. NEXUS offers your team a format designed to strengthen existing relationships between bakers and suppliers and create new ones. NEXUS is the pinnacle of the future of the baking industry.
NEXUS DAILY AGENDAS
WHO SHOULD I BRING?
Bring your whole team –your leaders, your up-and-comers, your contributors, and definitely your team members that are new to the baking industry. NEXUS offers something for everyone.
Can’t leave the shop unattended? Consider bringing representatives from different areas of your company.
If you’re a baker, consider bringing members of your team from these areas:
PAULA, OPERATIONS MANAGER
You want solutions for your bakeries that work, and no one knows what actually works better than your operations team.
JACK, SALES DIRECTOR
Sales and business development will benefit both from meeting your suppliers and potential suppliers as well as the education and networking opportunities at NEXUS.
SARAH, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Learning about industry topics and collaborating with other human resources leaders can help your HR department gain ideas and tactics to continue improving the workforce and workplace within the industry.
PETER, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
Discovering cutting-edge technologies and how they will affect the baking industry of tomorrow can help push your innovation and product development teams in new directions.
If you’re a supplier, consider sending these team members to NEXUS:
JAMES, INNOVATION LEAD
Get a peek at the future through education sessions and enjoy plenty of time to discuss the future of the baking industry with like-minded professionals.
JANET, OPERATIONS MANAGER
Industry experts will educate attendees about industry trends and provide insights into consumer behavior that may open up new areas to explore. Networking and collaboration opportunities can improve your R&D knowledge base.
DMITRI, SALES MANAGER
Connect your salespeople with bakers who have decision-making power in a format that provides the time and space for meaningful conversations that are at the heart of business development.
LAUREN, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Engage with other HR professionals to understand the hiring picture for the industry while gaining key insights into relevant HR topics.
UNIQUE NETWORKING EVENTS
NEXUS FAQ
General Information
Date
September 25-28, 2023
Location
Omni Hotel, Dallas, TX | CST Time Zone
Location Details
Set in the heart of downtown Dallas, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and the Dallas Arts District. Enjoy fabulous views of downtown from the fitness center and pool deck and find glimpses of local history through art in your room, the spaces we’ll be meeting and restaurants.
Contact
For general questions regarding NEXUS 2023, please contact: info@nexusofbaking.com.
One of our NEXUS team will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible.
FAQ
Will there be a mobile app for the event?
Yes! We want NEXUS to be an easy experience for you and your team, we will have an app available. Be sure to monitor NEXUS social media and keep a lookout on your BEMA and ABA emails to ensure you receive communications and updates about the event.
NEXUS Pricing
Omni Hotel Group Rate: $209 + tax
ABA/BEMA Member Price: $795.00
Non-Member Price: $1,295.00
Guest Price: $495.00
NextGenBaker Leadership Forum: $300.00
Spark Sessions: $2,500 for 1 Spark Session
Non Member Information
Non Member cost to join NEXUS: $1,295
NEXUS is an experience for everyone in the baking industry. Non-member pricing is available for companies that are not currently BEMA and/or ABA members. Non-member supplier companies will be eligible to participate in Spark Sessions, although at a higher rate than member companies. Unfortunately, non-members will not be eligible for sponsorships. All attendees are invited to attend networking events, education sessions and keynote opportunities.
Interested in becoming a BEMA and/or ABA Member? Email info@nexusofbaking.com
Guest Policy
We do not recommend bringing a guest. NEXUS is an intensely business-focused event and attendees’ schedules will be packed with meetings, networking, and educational sessions. If you would like to bring an adult guest that is NOT part of or employed in the baking industry, limited-access guest registration is available. If your guest is employed in the baking industry, they will need to complete a full registration.
Venue / Hotel Info
NEXUS Venue Information
Omni Hotel Dallas 555 S. Lamar Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 744-6664
Omni Hotel Group Rate: $209 + tax
FAQ
Are there additional hotels in the area that we can stay at if we don’t want to stay at the Omni? Are there any NEXUS discounts for those hotels?
Dallas has hundreds of hotels within its city limits and at least 5 additional hotels within walking distance of the Omni that you can choose to stay at. However, there will not be room blocks or discounts for these hotels.
Cancellations & Deadlines Policy
Cancellations & Deadlines Policy
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2023.
Guaranteed Reservations
All reservations must be guaranteed by a valid major credit card, which will be supplied at the time of reservation. Checks and major credit cards are acceptable to establish prepayment. Any guaranteed reservation not canceled 72 hours prior to arrival will be subject to a one-night room and tax cancellation fee.
Room Types and Rates
NEXUS has reserved various room types for our group starting at $209 per night. Sleeping room rates are quoted in US Dollars exclusive of applicable taxes and fees.
There is a charge for both self and valet parking. The current self-parking rate is $22.00 per vehicle, per night, and the current overnight valet rate is $34.00.
Hotel Deadlines and Cancellation Policy:
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: 5:00 PM EST, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023.
- Cancellations for your NEXUS registration received in writing by close of business on September 1, 2023, will be refunded less a 5% cancellation charge.
- Cancellations for your NEXUS registration received in writing by close of business after September 1st through close of business on September 15th will receive a 75% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after September 15, 2023.
Spark Sessions
What, exactly, is a Spark session?
Spark sessions provide opportunities for team-to-team meetings for bakers and suppliers. During pre-scheduled 45-minute Spark sessions throughout NEXUS, bakers will host suppliers in dedicated conference rooms – which come equipped with audio visual equipment and refreshments nearby.
The organizers of NEXUS will develop a bespoke meeting program, based on pre-event confidential questionnaires completed by individual baker and supplier teams. NEXUS organizers will maintain the pre-event questionnaires in confidence; responses will not be shared with any other participants. The questionnaires will ask bakers to outline projects that need attention now, sometime in the future, or even the-sky’s-the-limit brainstorming. Each Spark session will pair one baker with one supplier to review challenges, discuss solutions and best practices, and identify opportunities for today and the future. All Spark session registrants can request specific meetings with others who signed up to ‘spark’, and NEXUS will also help facilitate some out-of-the-blue introductions.
How long is a Spark session?
Each Spark session is 45 minutes.
How does the matching process work for the Spark sessions?
Suppliers and Bakers will receive a list of which companies have registered and provide their top 3 choices. Using these choices, the NEXUS team will match and schedule the meetings.
When will I know which bakers or suppliers I am meeting with?
We will notify you of your schedule in August 2023.
Will I be able to see who everyone else is meeting with?
No, for privacy reasons, we will not be publicly posting Spark sessions.
Business After Hours for Spark companies only:
We invite you to join us at an exclusive gathering “Business After Hours”. This event is on Wednesday evening for our Spark session company attendees only! You’ve been in meetings and made great connections, now take some time to network and celebrate the week together.
What A/V is included in the room for a Spark session?
Spark session rooms will offer a projector, screen, and laptop connector.
Spark session Time Policy:
It is very important that you are on time for your assigned Spark sessions. If you are running late, please let us know, but please understand that arriving on time and completing your Spark session is your responsibility. No extensions will be granted for late-starts for any reason.
Spark session Refund Policy:
Cancellations for Spark sessions received in writing by close of business prior to September 8th will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after September 15th.
Education Sessions
What is an education session?
Choose from four focus areas of education to improve your skillset alongside attendees with similar interests. Sessions focused on workforce, sanitation, automation, and business trends will rotate throughout NEXUS for multiple opportunities to attend. Each class will be 45 minutes and led by professionals from both inside and outside of the baking industry. Speaker names and individual sessions will be announced soon.
Will I be able to attend Spark sessions as well as education?
Yes. The NEXUS agenda is being designed to allow your team to participate in Spark sessions, education sessions, and various industry meetings.
Are education sessions included with NEXUS registration?
Yes. All education sessions are included in the price of a NEXUS registration.
If you would like to participate in the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum, it is a $300 add-on to the general NEXUS registration and attendance will be limited to ensure a high-value experience for the NextGenBaker audience.
Industry Collaborations
Will there be Keynote Speakers?
Yes, we will be announcing our Keynote speakers soon.
Will there be any offsite events?
Yes, an industry golf outing will be announced closer to the event date.
How do I sign up for a Corporate Meeting Program?
Check back to learn more information about another added element to NEXUS called “Corporate Meeting Program” where you will be able to secure a room for an additional charge to use as a dedicated space to meet as a team to discuss the business decisions and all that you’re learning.
These rooms are limited in availability and will be used starting at 1-hour increments.
NextGenBaker Leadership Forum
What is the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum option?
ABA’s NextGenBaker program is dedicated to developing the industry’s rising leaders. The NextGenBaker community ranges in all positions from Managers and Directors to Vice Presidents and Senior VPs, within all departments of baker and supplier companies. The Leadership Forum brings this community together annually to enhance their skillsets in the NextGenBaker core pillars of professional development, public policy engagement, relationship building, and industry trends education.
The 2023 NextGenBaker Leadership Forum consists of two half days of specialized programming, guest speakers, and networking – Tuesday, September 26th, 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Wednesday, September 27th, 8:30am to 12:30pm. NEXUS attendees can participate in the Leadership Forum by adding this ticketed event during the NEXUS registration process. The NextGenBaker Leadership Forum is a $300 add-on to the general NEXUS registration and attendance will be limited to ensure a high-value experience for the NextGenBaker audience.
Corporate Meeting Program
In NEXUS’s Corporate Meeting Program, companies can huddle with their team to game plan that day’s strategy, share learnings from the conference, or discuss business connections. Available throughout NEXUS, these spaces are limited and will be available in 1-hour increments for an additional charge. To note, the Corporate Meeting Program is for internal meetings, not team-to-team meetings.
Sponsorship Opportunities
NEXUS sponsorships will provide your company tremendous branding opportunities each year. All sponsor companies will receive abundant ROI through acknowledgement and brand awareness at the event.
Will there be a first right of refusal process?
Due to the projected growth of NEXUS over the next several years, NEXUS sponsorships will be available on a first come, first serve basis only. There will not be an ongoing first right of refusal process from event to event. We encourage companies to select their sponsorship level and purchase any add-ons as early as possible.
How can I select a sponsorship if I would like to be a sponsor?
Sponsorship selection is part of the NEXUS registration process. During your registration for the event, you will be presented with an opportunity to become a sponsor and choose from the available sponsorship packages.
Things To Do In Dallas
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, which means you won’t lack for things to do. Whether you’re looking for the hottest night spot or a family friendly activity, Dallas has something for you.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
If you’re a history buff, this is a must-see while you’re in Dallas. This museum is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository where a sniper left evidence after the shooting of President Kennedy. The museum chronicles the life, death and legacy of JFK. If you’re headed to this attraction, your best bet is to purchase timed tickets ahead of time.
Dallas Arts District
Located just a little over a mile from the Omni Dallas Hotel, the Dallas Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, covering 118 acres. The district includes restaurants, museums, live shows and more. If you want to see it all, sign up for a public tour.
Sports
Dallas is home to America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys as well as baseball’s Texas Rangers. Catch an NBA or NHL game at American Airlines Arena, and if soccer is your game of choice, FC Dallas is a charter member of Major League Soccer.
Dining
Dallas offers a diverse restaurant scene from Tex-Mex to steak to international cuisine. If you can think of it, Dallas probably has it. Near the Omni Dallas Hotel, you’ll find seafood, Tex-Mex, coffee shops and more. Whether you want fine dining or fast food, you won’t have to go far to find it.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
NEXUS NEWS
With Nexus launch, BEMA putting industry optimism into action
July 14, 2022
NEXUS registration is now open
March 15, 2023
