Political hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman will deliver the keynote at the NextGenBaker Brunch during the American Bakers Association’s 2027 convention, set for May 1-5, 2027, at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Bergman’s keynote, “Power of Empathy in Hostage Negotiations,” will offer attendees a look inside high-stakes negotiations and the leadership lessons they reveal. When an American is wrongfully imprisoned overseas, Bergman’s work puts him at the table with some of America’s toughest adversaries, navigating volatile personalities, political tensions and seemingly impossible demands with a life in the balance.
Drawing on real-world negotiations, Bergman will explore what it takes to think clearly, build trust and find a path forward under pressure, and how empathy can break stalemates, influence others and bridge vastly different perspectives.
“The future of the baking industry depends on leaders who are prepared to navigate change and bring people together,” said Josh Bickford, NextGenBaker co-chair and president of Clyde’s Donuts. “NextGenBaker helps develop those leaders by giving them access to industry best practices, experiences, and perspectives that strengthen how they lead. Mickey’s remarkable work demonstrates the importance of empathy, trust, and clear decision-making, skills that can help our rising leaders make an impact at every stage of their careers.”
Program develops rising baking industry leaders
The ABA’s NextGenBaker program gives the industry’s rising executive leaders a platform to connect with peers, learn from experts and invest in their professional growth. The association encourages senior leaders to attend the brunch and consider how opportunities such as the Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit can support their organizations’ emerging leaders.
“NextGenBaker is about giving emerging leaders experiences and perspectives they can carry with them throughout their careers,” said Jill Stang, NextGenBaker co-chair and VP of sales at Lesaffre. “Mickey’s approach demonstrates that empathy isn’t simply a soft skill, it can be a powerful leadership tool. His experiences will give attendees a new way to think about navigating difficult conversations, building trust, and finding common ground when the path forward isn’t obvious.”
The 2027 convention will bring together leaders from throughout the commercial baking industry to build relationships, exchange ideas and explore the trends and issues shaping the business.
Founded in 1897, the ABA is the largest trade association for the commercial baking industry, representing more than 350 baker and allied member companies.
Related: ABA Honors 5 Lawmakers As Baking Industry Champions