At BakingTECH 2026, education is designed to inspire fresh thinking,  spark innovation and prepare you for what’s next in the science and business of baking.

Over four dynamic days, you’ll experience main-stage inspiration, focused technical sessions, and collaborative discussions that connect you with the people driving innovation across the baking industry. Programming centers on three guiding themes—Innovation, Growth, and Collaboration—each woven throughout every presentation, panel, and activation.

From emerging technologies to sustainable practices and evolving workforce strategies, BakingTECH 2026 is where ideas rise, partnerships form, and the baking industry comes together to drive progress.

Sensory Training 101 – Elevating Quality Through the Five Senses

Nora Bricker, New Horizons Baking Co.

Monday, February 16, 2026 * 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to fine-tune your senses to ensure exceptional product quality. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the science and structure of sensory evaluation, learning how sight, smell, taste, texture, and even sound influence the baking experience.

Gain practical skills to identify and describe key product attributes, strengthen your quality assurance process, and enhance product development outcomes. Perfect for commercial bakers looking to sharpen their sensory expertise and deliver consistent, high-quality results by confirming that products meet established specifications.

Fees: $100 ASB Members; $150 Nonmembers

Ongoing Evolution of Food Safety

Mark Weighner, VeriCuda

Monday, February 16, 2026  * 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

PCQI 2.0 is here—and it’s reshaping how food manufacturers approach compliance. This session breaks down the key updates from PCQI 1.2 to 2.0, what they mean for your operations, and how to ensure your Food Safety Plan meets the latest regulatory expectations. You’ll learn how to strengthen hazard analysis, environmental monitoring, supply chain controls, and allergen management while leveraging new digital tools that enhance efficiency and audit readiness. Walk away with clear guidance on implementing required updates, improving your preventive controls, and preparing your organization for FDA expectations in 2025 and beyond.

Fees: $100 ASB Members; $150 Nonmembers