The International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association (IBDEA) is proud to announce its partnership with Leonard’s Syrups to host the groundbreaking new IBDEAU Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center, a premier educational program aimed at elevating industry standards in draught beverage dispensing.

This cutting-edge school will provide two core programs, the Draught Beverage Academy and Dispensed Beverage Academy, both offering hand-on training, expert instruction, and unmatched networking opportunities to beverage professionals, gas distributors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

Together, these educational programs signal IBDEA’s commitment to empowering professionals across the beverage and gas supply chain with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in a fast-paced evolving market.

The IBDEA: Leading the Industry for Over 50 Years

Since its founding, the IBDEA has been a cornerstone of the beverage dispensing and gas industry, representing businesses across the globe. The association’s mission is to foster innovation, collaboration, and professional growth for its members. By uniting manufacturers, gas suppliers, and beverage equipment providers, the IBDEA ensures that its members stay ahead of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements.

“The IBDEA membership is about more than just staying competitive – it’s about thriving in a rapidly evolving market,” says Lenette Egan, Executive Director. “Each IBDEA member can gain access to exclusive resources, unparalleled networking opportunities, and educational programs designed to drive their businesses forward.”

IBDEAU at Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center: A New Resource for Members

The IBDEA’s latest initiative, the IBDEAU Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center holds a transformative educational experience tailored to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the draught beverage industry. Hosted by Leonard’s Syrups at their state-of-the-art facility in Michigan, the academy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel in beverage dispensing.

What Sets the Academy Apart:

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Leonard’s Syrups has invested in a significant transformation of their space, turning it into an advanced training environment where students can learn and practice on cutting-edge beverage equipment.
• Industry-Driven Curriculum: The academy’s draught beverage academy is focused on the fundamentals of draught beer system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Whereas the dispensed beverage academy (formerly the carbonation school) teaches the intricacies of soda system setup, CO2 safety, and equipment operation.
• Hands-On Learning: Students will work directly with equipment and systems to gain practical skills they can immediately apply in their businesses.

Draught Beverage Academy Highlights

• In a 4-day course, the draught school focuses on the fundamentals of beer, wine, and liquor dispensing. A heavy emphasis is placed on math for system balancing. Students also learn about all the components from the tower to the walk-in cooler, and how to troubleshoot system problems.
• There is also hands-on class time devoted to line cleaning, proper glassware cleaning for the perfect pint, and a sensory session of off-flavors in beer.
• Each team of students, usually 3, is assigned to a station to install a complete remote draught beer system and make the beer pour to the required specifications.
• There is also time devoted to job safety when installing a system, and there is a lot of focus on CO2 life safety for walk-in coolers.
• At the end, there is a final exam, and each student receives a graduation diploma.

Dispensed Beverage Academy Highlights

• In a 3-day course, the Dispensed Beverage Academy focuses on the fundamentals of soda dispensing systems.
• The classroom and hands-on training cover CO2 Monitoring and Safety, BIB Pumps and Tubing, Water Quality, Regulators, Cooling Systems, Valves, Carbonators, Bar Guns, and basic troubleshooting of soda dispensing systems.
• At the end, there is a final exam, and each student receives a graduation diploma.

“This academy is designed to empower beverage and gas professionals with not just knowledge, but the confidence to innovate and excel in their craft,” explains Leonard Bugajewski, CEO, Leonard’s Syrups. “We’re building a new generation of industry leaders, and we are proud to be able to provide a new state-of-the-art facility to do so.”

Benefits for Beverage and Gas Industry Professionals

Participants of the IBDEAU educational courses will walk away with:

• Enhanced Technical Expertise: participants gain a deep understanding of draught systems and their operation.
• Improved Business Acumen: participants learn how to create compelling proposals and secure high-value projects.
• Networking Opportunities: participants can connect with industry leaders, peers, and mentors to build long-lasting professional relationships.
• Practical Outcomes: from system design to proposal development, participants will walk away ready to lead.

These benefits position academy graduates as invaluable assets to their organizations, driving growth and innovation across the industry.

Demand and Expansion

The inaugural session of the academy, set to launch in May 2025, has already sold out, highlighting the high demand for this program. For those who missed the first session, the academy’s next opportunity will be in November 2025, and registration is now open.

Why Join the IBDEA?

Whether it’s through access to education at the IBDEAU Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center, or unmatched networking and advocacy opportunities, IBDEA membership helps businesses remain innovative, informed, connected, and successful.

The IBDEA offers a suite of benefits designed to support its members’ success:

• Exclusive Networking: Meet and collaborate with industry leaders, innovators, and peers.
• Educational Resources: Access cutting-edge programs like the IBDEAU courses.
• Advocacy and Representation: Stay informed and compliant with industry regulations and trends.
• Community Support: Leverage the collective expertise and experience of the IBDEA network to solve challenges and seize opportunities.

“Joining the IBDEA is an investment in your business, your team, and your future,” says past IBDEA president, Joe Carle, Reliant Distribution. “It’s about being part of a community that champions excellence in every facet of beverage dispensing.”

Be Part of the Transformation

The IBDEA and Leonard’s Syrups invite all beverage industry professionals, gas distributors, suppliers, and beverage equipment manufacturers to take advantage of this groundbreaking educational opportunity.

We are also just getting started! Upcoming courses may include:

• Advanced Draught Academy (scheduled in June 2025)
• Advanced Troubleshooting School (electricity and refrigeration safety)
• Dishwashing & Chemical School
• Bulk CO2 Training
• Ice Machine Cleaning & Installation

By participating in the IBDEAU Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center, you’re not just advancing your skills, you’re elevating the entire industry.

Our goal is to make the IBDEAU at the Leonard Bugajewski Learning Center the best training school in the industry – a place where professionals can gain hands-on experience, learn best practices, and advance their careers in the beverage and gas service field.

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About the IBDEA:
The International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association (IBDEA) is a global organization committed to advancing the beverage dispensing industry through education, collaboration, and innovation. With a legacy spanning over five decades, the IBDEA serves as a trusted partner for businesses, providing the resources and support needed to thrive in an ever-changing beverage and gas market.

Media Contact:
Lenette Egan
IBDEA Executive Director
theibdea@gmail.com
406-459-8132