In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, host Kat Shanahan welcomes back Heather Prach, former VP of Education and Industry Relations at IDDBA, for a conversation that is equal parts reflective, fun, and forward-looking.
Heather shares behind-the-scenes stories from What’s in Store Live, including the now-legendary scorpion tasting that had the trade show floor buzzing, and explains why curiosity, surprise, and word-of-mouth moments matter so much when designing live experiences. From igniting conversation across a show floor to thinking differently about protein trends and consumer engagement, this episode offers insight into how memorable experiences are built on purpose.
As Heather prepares for her next chapter, she also reflects on what made her time at IDDBA meaningful, the power of a team that knows how to “play,” and why the stories people carry home matter just as much as what’s on display.
We think you’ll enjoy this thoughtful and entertaining send-off, full of lessons on leadership, creativity, and connection.
Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.
To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership
To see What's in Store Live at #IDDBA2026, head here: https://www.iddba.org/register
Former VP of Education & Industry Relations
VP of Marketing & Membership
Fresh Take with IDDBA hits the road in this What’s in Store segment, bringing you an interview recorded live at BakingTECH 2026 in Chicago. Together, guest Josh Bickford, President of Clyde’s Donuts, and host Kat Shanahan, VP of Marketing and Membership at IDDBA, explore how breakfast bakery is changing, from evolving morning habits to the rise of affordable indulgence.
Josh shares some memorable stories from Clyde’s history as a family business going back over a century, as well as insights into how shoppers are balancing budget, wellness, and joy. Together, Kat and Josh discuss bakery's continuing evolution from utilitarian to functional, the questions shoppers ask themselves before selecting a treat, and emerging portioning and packaging trends.
Learn about the impact of technology, tips on harnessing an emotional connection to customers, and what is capturing shoppers' attention right now in a world where social media is making a big impact on what you see in the bakery case.
Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.
To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here:
https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership
Register for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando, June 7-9:
https://www.iddba.org/register
In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA (What’s in Store), Heather Prach, VP of Education and Industry Relations at IDDBA, sits down with John Stefanik, VP of Sales & Marketing at Ditsch USA, for a lively conversation about pretzel craft, category innovation, and what’s next for bakery.
In this first edition of the Inside IDDBA segment for Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan, VP of Marketing & Membership at IDDBA, is joined by Jeremy Johnson, VP of Events, and Brandie Schuchardt, Director of Meetings & Events, for an energetic preview of IDDBA 2026 in Orlando, June 7-9. Together, they share what attendees can expect from this year’s event, from the scale of the show floor and the continued growth of the show to the planning, teamwork, and member focus that shape the overall experience.
In this Executive Aisle episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan turns the table and asks David Haaf the questions. The president and CEO of IDDBA shares highlights from IDDBA’s brand refresh and what discusses what it signals for the organization’s next chapter.
David explains the industry shifts driving the need for clarity and support, including consolidation, evolving expectations around on-demand information, and the importance of welcoming the next generation of leaders (sometimes even people new to the dairy, deli, and bakery world). He walks through how IDDBA’s mission and vision remain steady, while the refreshed brand helps communicate who IDDBA is, how it serves members, and where IDDBA is headed.