IDDBA's Show of Shows

NEWS FROM IDDBA

For Immediate Release
For more information contact Jessica Hughes (jhughes@iddba.org or 608.310.5000)

June 24, 2010

Madison, WI — IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake 2010 proved to be "The Show of Shows" with a record-breaking event. The 46th annual seminar and expo was held June 6-8 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The conference was attended by top-ranked retail buyers, merchandisers, executives, food manufacturers, brokers, distributors, and other top industry professionals. The original exhibit floor SOLD OUT early and an additional row was added to accommodate the demand for exhibit space. The additional booth space SOLD OUT within days and IDDBA had to turn away companies who wanted to exhibit. The powerful, thought-provoking seminars, led by innovative, creative, and nationally-known speakers set the tone for creating an aura of excitement and anticipation that was felt on the show floor, in the educational sessions, and at the evening events. This very positive buzz permeated discussions, transactions, and networking.

IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake 2010 had over 8,000 registered attendees with representatives from over 40 countries. The positive energy created a domino effect that buoyed attendees as they sought out new products, ideas, and business partners. The general feeling that we'd turned the corner on the economy provided an added boost or electrical charge to the atmosphere. The show floor was extremely crowded and busy as exhibitors and retailers set a crisp pace that opened the door to new business, new marketing ideas, and new relationships. The exhibitors displayed their best products with many new item introductions. The buyers were there in force and they were ready and eager to buy!

The speaker line-up was top notch. President George W. Bush spoke to a standing-room-only crowd about his years in office, his management philosophy, his family, and leadership. Rachael Ray energized the crowd with her bubbly personality as she shared details of her early days in the foodservice business and her current food shows and other activities. The entire educational program was very well received and lead to many thought-provoking and informative discussions on and off stage.

The New Product Showcase was overflowing with exciting new creations and hundreds of new items. There were many more new products than there was room for in the display cases and show attendees eagerly sought out the exhibitors so they could find and buy the latest products to tempt consumers. New product booth signs and buttons alerted attendees to the exhibitors who featured items in the Showcase.

The Show & Sell Center was a highlight again this year. Retailers crowded the display area and took thousands of photos to capture the new ideas and innovative merchandising themes created be the retailers and volunteers on the committee. Combined with the always important "Teach and Tell", IDDBA promotes the Show & Sell Center as a way to teach, tell, show and "sell" the consumer. Whether it's selling an idea or a product, the 10,000 sq. ft. model store is a magnet for retailers who are seeking new ways to reach customers. The merchandising teams were available each day to discuss the strategies used to design the various displays and to "teach" the concepts that were showcased.

IDDBA sponsored its 15th Annual Cake Decorating Challenge™. This year's winner is Rebecca Woodard of Harp's Food Stores Inc., Springdale, AR. Second place went to: Tina Lofthus, Town & Country Markets Inc., Bainbridge Island, WA. The third place winner was: Sara Vanderheyden, Hy-Vee Inc., Ames, IA.

John Sullivan, president of IDDBA and Norseland, Inc., presented the IDDBA President's Award to Mike Eardley, Director of Deli, Cheese and Prepared Foods, HEB Grocery Co. Eardley was honored for his leadership and service to his community, his company, the industry, and the IDDBA. He has served on numerous committees, the IDDBA Board of Directors, and as president of the IDDBA in 2001. The Awards Banquet was held at the close of the show on Tuesday, June 8.

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Information on IDDBA's research, education, and other industry activities is also available on its Web site, www.iddba.org, or by calling 608.310.5000. Now in its 46th year, IDDBA specializes in promoting the dairy, deli, cheese, and bakery industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual seminar and expo, leading-edge research, video and computer-based training programs, management tools, an annual trends report, and a member directory of key industry contacts.