This isn’t going to be your father’s ASB conference. In fact, to highlight our changes, we are renaming the event “ASB’s Baking Tech 2006.”

As the program chairman for the American Society of Baking’s annual conference next year, I have made a commitment to work with Thom Kuk, ASB president, to create a program that the society has not yet seen before in its history.

For starters, we have lined up one of the most talented keynote speakers I have ever seen in Roy Firestone. Along with engaging the crowd well, he brings an entertaining audio/visual experience that you will not want to miss.

I am also really excited about the two panels we have set up for the event. The first one, which will be a first for the society, is a consumer panel. We will get a chance to hear from “live” consumers on topics ranging from their preferences to their likes and dislikes, as well as their understanding of our products. You will even get a chance for them to respond to your questions. Who knows what these consumers are going to say? It could be really fascinating to see it happen “live.”

We will also have our industry experts’ panel with “Measuring the Meaning of Integrity.” Among the experts will be retail customers, wholesale bakers, equipment producers and ingredient suppliers. The potential is there for some dynamic dialogue on the panel.

If you are looking to be informed and educated, we will have a number of sessions on critical issues and timely topics impacting the industry today. Currently, those topics range from water management and radio frequency identification (RFID) to building sugar replacement strategies, just to name a few.

Because of interest from our membership this year, we will also have many papers on Hispanic food production. We have brought back a concentrated solution center that will allow for open discussion among those attending. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to get questions answered.

How will this year’s conference be different? First, three members will have an opportunity to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle! How? Here’s a hint: Practice your half-court basketball shot!

Also, we will see the first broadcast of WBIN (World Baking Industry News). Editors from two of the industry’s largest publications will anchor this broadcast on the most recent current events in the baking industry. In addition, we will see the beginning of the Bakery Hall of Fame with the first member’s induction.

Finally, we will have many surprises throughout Baking Tech 2006 that will keep you wondering what we will do next! I look forward to seeing you there. I promise that it will be an ASB that you will not forget.

For more on ASB and its 2006 annual conference, which will take place March 5-8, 2006, in Chicago, call 1-866-920-9885, or visit www.asbe.org.