Who was behind eBakeryShow International 2009

Matthew D'Agostino, Certified Master Baker and former President of the Retail Bakers of America is the owner of La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes, a four unit family owned business started over 57 years ago by his grandmother and in its 4th generation of bakers. At a seminar, he listened intently when he heard of a company doing on-line seminars. The industry needs the technology to bring the international baking world together for an on line event; to cut high costs, travel time, expense and ease the logistics of a typical bakery and food convention - a need an On-Line Show would solve. Matt reached out to Rick Crawford, Certified Master Baker like himself who also has conventions experience. So the Core Team was formed as the eBakeryGroup L.L.C.

Matt demonstrated to his partners at RPIA, a large bakery buying group (www.rpia-usa.org) that this had to be part of the future in our industry. He stated, "This has the look and feel of a Convention Center. From the "Lobby" to the "Education Hall", "Visitors Lounge" and the different"Floors" of the "Exhibit Hall". This IS a Convention!" Rick had thought this technology might be difficult to use and found out how wrong he was!.  "This is simple to visit, use and learn" and from Rick, that means something.

The Online BakeryGroup brought together the Baking Industry via virtual technology and presented all the resources required to improve product, productivity and profits in an ever changing world. The future will depend on the freshest technologies, equipment, and new product introductions. Our team insures that a cost effective and productive media is available to carry on the traditions that baking has in the world.

Our Partners for the 2009 eBakeryshow were
The Penton Media Group

Modern Baking

Food Management

Baking Management

Restaurant Hospitality

Supermarket News

Penton Media, Inc. is the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S., serving more than six million business professionals every month in 30 industries. Penton's growing portfolio of market-leading brands includes 113 magazines, 145 Web sites, more than 200 e-newsletters, 96 industry trade shows, and 500 rich data products.  

The Principals

Matthew P. D'Agostino, CMB Matthew P. D'Agostino, CMB, owns La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes, a four store New Jersey bakery enterprise in his family since 1952. He has served as President of the Retail Bakers of America as well as President of the NJ Bakers Association. "I have been involved with conventions for the past 20 years and have seen costs rise and eliminate the "little" guys that this industry was founded upon. Our virtual convention fills a need and is an affordable opportunity for these people to show their wares. The exposure to the international community is a platform never before available to so many for so long."

Rick Crawford, CMB Rick Crawford is an entrepreneur and bakery futurist. Having worked in Bakery Merchandising and Store Management for a very large chain and opened 30 supermarkets; he left after 4 years to go out on his own over 27 years ago. He has been a founder in the RPIA, BakeSmart Software, Shelf Life Extension Process Patent in Canada and the UK and all part of Rick's futurist view. He additionally founded the RBA Creative Decorating Contest and Iron Baker Program while serving as Treasurer of the RBA. Rick was the National Convention Chair for the RBA in 2001 and has served on national and regional convention. "It is extremely important for me to never stop learning. Sharing the tools to make for a better future for all in the Industry is a lifelong desire".