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Australian Society of Baking Scholarship Toast, Annual Conference and Chairman's Dinner

  • 13th - 14th October 2026
  • Pan Pacific Melbourne

“Innovation, Leadership & Connection: Shaping the Future of Baking”

This theme reflects the key objectives of the Australian Society of Baking: advancing baking science and technology, sharing industry knowledge, and connecting professionals across the baking value chain. It also aligns with the conference topics of AI, energy efficiency, regulatory change, leadership development, and career growth.

The Australian Society of Baking Scholarship Toast, Annual Conference and Chairman’s Dinner returns to Melbourne on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October at the Pan Pacific Melbourne, bringing together bakers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders under the theme “Innovation, Leadership & Connection: Shaping the Future of Baking.”

Conference & Chairman's Dinner
Scholarship Toast

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural Scholarship Toast, which attracted 49 attendees and received outstanding feedback as a relaxed networking and scholarship recognition event, the 2026 program promises even greater 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.

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), Jarrad Way (WSP), Isharni Jainasun (Termina) and Ryan Stevenson, Executive Chef of the MCG (to be confirmed). 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.

Whether you are looking to stay ahead of emerging technologies, understand regulatory changes, discover opportunities for operational improvement, or simply expand your industry network, the ASB Annual Conference delivers an unmatched forum for advancing baking science and technology, sharing knowledge and connecting industry professionals.

Conference & Chairman's Dinner
Scholarship Toast

Conference only Sponsorship Opportunities

The conference also offers a range of sponsorship packages designed to maximise brand exposure and engagement with industry decision-makers, including:

  1. Barista Coffee Cart Sponsor
  2. Conference Stationery Sponsor
  3. Morning Tea Sponsor
  4. Lunch Sponsor
  5. Trade Display Tables & Exhibition Opportunities

These opportunities provide sponsors with direct access to key bakery manufacturers, suppliers, executives, technical specialists and emerging industry leaders throughout the event.

email [email protected] to learn more

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Dr Dea Korcari

lallemand netherlands

Dea’s journey into the world of baking began during her studies in Food Science and Technology at the University of Milan, where she studied extensively sourdough related microorganisms and their effects on the baking performance and health-promoting properties of baked products. She pursued a PhD in Food Systems with a special focus on sourdough starter cultures.

In 2022, Dea took her passion and knowledge to Lallemand Baking Solutions, where she gained firsthand experience with industrial baking enzyme applications. Her role at Lallemand allowed her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry needs, enhancing her expertise in employing new ingredients to improve the product quality and optimize baking processes.

In addition to her technical contributions, Dea actively engages in knowledge sharing and communication, and she is passionate about disseminating scientific findings in an accessible manner.

Matthew Baker

heuch cooling systems

Matthew Baker has dedicated over 25 years to mastering the baking and pastry industry. His journey began in the United States, where he started as an apprentice and diligently worked his way up the ranks. After completing his education in baking and pastry arts, Matthew had the privilege of studying under a Michelin Starred Chef for two years, achieving the esteemed position of Executive Pastry Chef. His career then expanded into the role of Technical Bakery Trainer for renowned retailers such as Whole Foods Markets, Walmart, and Panera Bread.

Additionally, Matthew contributed his expertise as a Bakery Operations Manager for the United States Army and Marine Corps. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to the Caribbean, where he successfully owned and operated a wholesale bakery for three years.

In the past eleven years, Matthew has brought his wealth of knowledge to the Australian bakery industry, focusing on new product development, sales, and marketing.

Dr Kaiyang Lim

Corbion

Dr. Kaiyang Lim is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in food science, technology, and engineering. He currently leads a team of food scientists across various industry applications at Corbion Asia Customer Support and Innovation Centre, based in Singapore. Leveraging Corbion core competencies in preservation and his experience in the field, Dr Lim has partnered together with many food producers to meet evolving market needs, such as ensuring smooth transition to natural preservatives while maintaining the highest product standard and delivering innovative solutions to solve market challenges.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Dr Lim believes on the importance of the academic contributions to shape the future of food science. He is an adjunct lecturer in few educational institutions in Singapore including the National University of Singapore, Massey University, and Singapore Polytechnic, teaching various food science and technology courses for undergraduate programs.

Dinnie Jordan

kudos blends ltd

Dinnie is the founder and managing director of Kudos Blends. With a unique blend of chemistry expertise, over 30 years of experience in the bakery market, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Kudos Blends was formed in 1999 with the vision to be ‘the world’s leading supplier of technically driven leavening agents’. This consistent focus on leavening agent technology has ensured the continued research and understanding of the role of this critical ingredient in bakery applications, leading to some ground-breaking product development.

In 2016, Kudos Blends received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the international trade category, in recognition of soaring worldwide sales. Under her leadership, commitment to innovation and customer service, Kudos Blends has become a thriving global player in the baking industry.

Paul Martin

ATMA

With over 30 years in industry, Paul began his working career in 1992 with Waterwheel Flour Mills, becoming a fully qualified Flour Miller.

Paul was promoted to Head Technical Miller for the Bridgewater Victoria site for 10 years. In 2010, Paul took a career jump from manufacturing into sales.

This Sales role took him into the Stockfeed Industry, selling feed additives for Aus Pac Ingredients for the next 7 years.

In 2017, Paul joined Haarslev Industries as Area Sales Manager for Australia. Paul has represented Haarslev for the last 7 years, selling process equipment, spare parts, and services into the ANZ Protein Recycling Industry.

Paul has also been an active member of ATMA, Inc., for over 20 years. He held the position of ATMA president for 13 consecutive years. In 2022, Paul stepped down from this role, to take on the position of ATMA Inc Executive Officer, the position which he holds today.