The first details for the highly anticipated Australian Society of Baking’s (ASB) Annual Conference are now being revealed.

Set to be held at the Pan Pacific in Melbourne from October 13 to 14, this year the conference theme will be Innovation, Leadership, and Connection: Shaping the Future of Baking.

ASB acting president Imran Ibrahim said the conference would once again bring together bakers, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders for the two-day event.

“The theme reflects the key objectives of the ASB: advancing baking science and technology, sharing industry knowledge, and connecting professionals across the baking value chain,” he said.

“It also aligns with the conference topics of AI, energy efficiency, regulatory change, leadership development, and career growth.”

Once again the event will include the Chairman’s Dinner and Scholarship Toast.

Imran said following the success of last year’s inaugural Scholarship Toast, which is a relaxed networking and scholarship recognition event, the 2026 program will provide even more opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate.

“The Scholarship Toast will be held in the Terrace Rooms on Tuesday evening, providing the perfect opportunity to meet industry peers, recognise Australian Baking Scholarship recipients and acknowledge the sponsors who continue to invest in the future of our industry,” he said.

“The Annual Conference, hosted in the Red Desert Dreaming Room on Wednesday, will feature a strong line-up of industry experts including Hayden Bertolli (Choice Energy), Peter Whalley (Vision AI), Steve Anderson (Lallemand), Nathan Redfern (WPS), Isharni Jainasun (Termina).

“The sessions will explore practical applications of AI in business, energy efficiency and cost reduction, flour dust legislation and compliance, and inspiring career and leadership journeys, providing delegates with actionable insights they can take back to their businesses.

“The event will conclude with the prestigious Chairman’s Dinner in the Woodside Rooms, offering a relaxed environment to strengthen industry relationships, recognise achievements, and celebrate the people driving Australian baking forward.”

Further details will be available on the ASB website closer to the date.