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Drive Progress. Inspiring Innovation
ASB’s BakingTECH annual conference delivers technical solutions, insight, and expertise to the grain-based food industry. Over 1,000 baking professionals gather to exchange knowledge, explore cutting-edge innovations, and connect with peers in a dynamic learning environment.
Event overview
Unite the industry shaping the future of baking
BakingTECH brings together innovators, technical experts, and business leaders to explore what’s next in the baking industry — from ingredient breakthroughs and automation to sustainability and strategy.
Event overview
Ignite your curiosity
Challenge your thinking and gain new perspectives through technical sessions, panels, and discussions tackling today’s biggest opportunities. Leave equipped with ideas and proven solutions to drive progress.
Event overview
Join the community
Connect with inspiring bakers, suppliers, and students from across the nation. Build relationships that spark collaboration and strengthen the future of baking together.
Save $300
Secure your spot today before prices increase!
Don’t miss out on our limited-time early bird price.
MAINSTAGE SPEAKERS
James Taylor
Creative Transformation Keynote
Kevin Ryan
Future of Food Strategist
What to expect
Interactive Learning
Mainstage sessions that inspire disruptive thinking, hands-on workshops that provide tactical tools, and curated conversations that create meaningful discussion.
What to expect
Lasting Connections
Take relationship building outside the conference walls with unique and intimate networking experiences that allow you to explore the vibrant city of Chicago while building your collaborative community
What to expect
Celebrate excellence and the next generation
Honor the industry’s brightest stars during the Rising Baker Awards and Baking Hall of Fame induction, and meet the student innovators shaping the next era of baking.
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE
| Monday, February 16, 2026 | |
| 7:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Milling & Baking Spring Annual Conference |
| 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Workshop: Sensory 101 |
| 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Workshop: Ongoing Evolution of Food Safety |
| 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. | ASB Board Meeting |
| 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Society of Bakery Women Networking Reception |
| Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | |
| 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | ASB Committee Meetings |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Society of Bakery Women Burnch |
| 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Formulation Floor Table Top Setup |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Young Professionals' Event |
| 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #1 |
| 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #2 |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Ambassador & First Time Attendee Meet-up |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Opening Reception: Backyard BBQ Bash |
| 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Small Group Dinners |
| Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | |
| 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | KSU/FSU Alumni Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Opening General Session |
| 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #3 |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Formulation Floor Open |
| 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Hall of Fame Luncheon |
| 2:10 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: BakeTALK #1 |
| 2:10 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Techical Breakout Sessions #1 - #4 |
| 2:10 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Ideation Lab #1 |
| 2:55 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: BakeTALK #2 |
| 2:55 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Techical Breakout Sessions #5 - 8 |
| 2:55 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Ideation Lab #2 |
| 3:40 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: BakeTALK #3 |
| 3:40 p.m. - 4:15 p.m | Techical Breakout Sessions #9 - #12 |
| 3:40 p.m. - 4:15 p.m | Ideation Lab #3 |
| 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Formulation Floor Open with Networking Reception |
| 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #4 |
| 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Young Professionals' Networking Event - Spin Chicago |
| Thursday, February 19, 2026 | |
| 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | General Session |
| 10:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Formulation Floor Open |
| 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #5 |
| 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Past President/Chair Luncheon |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: BakeTALK #1 |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. | Techical Breakout Sessions #13 - #16 |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. | Ideation Lab #4 |
| 2:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: BakeTALK #5 |
| 2:50 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. | Techical Breakout Sessions #17 - #20 |
| 2:55 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Ideation Lab #5 |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | ASB Next! Stage: Podcast #6 |
| 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | ASB Board Meeting |
| 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Closing Event - Redhead Piano Bar (limited tickets) |
What's New in 2026!
Pre-Conference Workshops
BakingTECH 2026 kicks off Monday, February 15, with two all-new pre-conference workshops designed to build your hands-on skills in sensory evaluation and food safety compliance. Whether you’re fine-tuning product quality or preparing for the next generation of regulations, these sessions deliver practical takeaways you can apply immediately—just $100 for ASB members.
What's New in 2026!
ASBNext! Stage
New for 2026! The ASB Next! Stage brings together the best of the Podcast and BakeTALK stages into one exciting new hub located in the hotel lobby near registration. Stop by to experience 30-minute live podcast recordings and 20-minute BakeTALK presentations featuring fresh ideas, industry insights, and conversations that shape the future of baking.
What's New in 2026!
Closing Night at the Redhead Piano Bar
Wrap up BakingTECH with a lively night out at Chicago’s iconic Redhead Piano Bar. Enjoy live entertainment, beverages, and light bites as you celebrate new connections and the close of an unforgettable week—but act fast, tickets are limited!
