Building momentum and preparing for the future
Over the past several months, the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) has continued to build momentum by advancing programs, strengthening engagement and preparing the association for continued relevance and growth. As IAOM looks ahead to the remainder of 2026, its focus remains firmly on people, knowledge, and collaboration across the global grain milling industry.
Promoting Milling as a Career
Supporting workforce awareness and professional development remains a priority for IAOM. Through the IAOM-led Grain Milling Careers Network (GMCN), developed to raise awareness of milling careers, IAOM is highlighting the industry as a rewarding, long-term career option. The initiative is designed to spark interest and encourage exploration among younger audiences and individuals who may not otherwise be familiar with the industry, particularly through targeted digital and social media outreach.
Complementing GMCN, IAOM is developing a mentorship program designed to help prospective employees better understand the many pathways available within the industry. Initially, the program will focus on individuals exploring milling as a career – whether they are students, early-career professionals or mid-career transfers. Over time, IAOM intends to expand the program to serve current members as well, with engagement through the Women in Milling (WiM) initiative.
Inclusion and Outreach in Action
WiM continues to grow as a meaningful platform for connection, development and outreach. In October, WiM partnered with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri to host a Flour Rangers event, introducing approximately 30 Brownies and Daisies to the milling industry and the role flour plays in everyday foods.
WiM also continues to host monthly virtual roundtables and will expand its in-person programming in 2026. In addition to activities held in conjunction with the IAOM Annual Conference & Expo, IAOM will host a dedicated Women in Milling event at the joint district meeting in September in Gettysburg, Pa., further strengthening opportunities for learning, networking and engagement. Together, these efforts reinforce IAOM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment across all roles within the mill.
Regional and District Engagement
IAOM’s regions and districts were active throughout 2025, with meetings held across the globe. Events took place in Branson, Mo.; Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wis.; San Diego, Calif.; Istanbul, Turkey; Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada; Louisville, Ky.; Manila, the Philippines; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Delhi, India.
The meeting in Delhi represented an important re-engagement with the South Asia region, where IAOM has been in dialogue for several years about expanding access to programs and training. This revisit reflects IAOM’s continued interest in strengthening relationships and understanding regional priorities as part of a more intentional global strategy.
Across regions and districts, several common themes emerged:
- Practical applications of artificial intelligence and digital tools in milling operations.
- Workforce recruitment, retention and training challenges.
- Safety, risk management and operational resilience.
- Leadership development and succession planning.
These discussions reinforced IAOM’s role as a trusted forum for sharing insights and solutions across geographies.
Committee Work and Long-Range Strategy
IAOM committees continue their work across education, safety, sustainability, product quality, food safety and other key focus areas.
In January, IAOM leadership – including its board of directors and committee chairs – also convened for a strategic planning session using Foresight Works. The session was intentionally forward looking, focusing on IAOM through 2036 and the association’s role in a rapidly evolving industry.
The outcome was a clear vision statement: to be the trusted global leader in advancing knowledge, technology and collaboration to shape the future of grain milling.
Four strategic goals will guide IAOM’s work moving forward:
- Providing cutting-edge education.
- Member and industry engagement.
- Workforce development.
- Global outreach.
These goals will be revisited over time as priorities evolve, but they provide a strong framework for decision-making and long-term investment.
Education, Content and Member Value
IAOM continues to deliver its long-standing educational programs on a consistent schedule, including electrical, mill maintenance and IAOM-Kansas State University resident courses.
In 2026, IAOM will also host its Packaging Course in Germany, held at the home facilities of two leading packaging equipment manufacturers, Fawema and Haver & Boecker.
In parallel, IAOM has expanded its member benefits with the launch of e-books, providing members with easier access to technical content and industry knowledge in a modern, flexible format.
Another significant development in 2025 was the implementation of a Group Membership, designed to make IAOM more accessible at the facility level. To date, nearly 200 individuals across more than 15 companies have taken advantage of this option, allowing multiple employees at a single milling location to engage with IAOM’s education, resources and professional network. This initiative aligns with IAOM’s broader goal of serving everyone in the mill – not just those in traditional operative roles.
Preparing for Global Growth
While IAOM has experienced successful organic growth internationally, the association is now taking steps to become more intentional and strategic in its global approach. In 2026, IAOM will work with a consultant to evaluate its global structure and identify opportunities to grow inclusively and sustainably – ensuring that programs and services reflect regional needs and local perspectives.
Looking Ahead to ACE 2026 in Cincinnati
Much of this work will come together at the IAOM Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where IAOM will also celebrate its 130th anniversary. Highlights will include:
- A mill tour of Siemer Milling’s West Harrison, Ind. Location.
- The inaugural IMEF Golf Tournament, transforming the traditional end-of-conference golf outing into a fundraiser for the International Milling Education Foundation.
- The return of the popular silent auction.
- A robust educational program and fully booked expo floor.
The WiM event will take a new, interactive format, with teams participating in a scavenger-hunt-style activity and sharing outcomes over lunch on Wednesday.
Sheryl Wallace, CEO of Ardent Mills, will deliver the keynote address. IMEF scholarship recipients will be announced, and IAOM will honor industry excellence at its annual banquet. A new Milling Industry Leader Award will also be introduced, recognizing exceptional IAOM active members whose leadership roles fall outside the traditional operative miller designation but are critical to mill performance, company success and industry advancement.
The creation of new Sustainability and Product Quality committees further reflects IAOM’s commitment to broadening the functional scope of the association.
Moving Forward
As IAOM enters its 130th year, the association remains grounded in its legacy while actively preparing for the future. Through education, engagement, strategic planning and innovation, IAOM is positioning itself – and the industry it serves – for continued success.