Join us for American Bakery Expo educational series & trade show.

October 21-23, 2006

2007 American Retail Bakery Exposition

McLean, Va. — The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) joined forces with Xpo Management to present the largest retail bakery exposition in the United States, the American Retail Bakery Exposition (ARBE) held September 9 – 11, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Designed to bring together retail bakers, decorators, suppliers and industry leaders for quality educational sessions, demonstrations and networking opportunities, the ARBE Educational Program featured 18 sessions presented by world-class speakers geared to fulfilling the needs of today’s bakers in running a successful bakery. The sessions were divided among three tracks designed to offer information on Business, Marketing and Wedding Cakes. Each track offered learning opportunities for beginners through advanced bakers.

Well-known celebrity decorators presented demonstrations showcasing the latest decorating and baking techniques. The Cake Decorating Technique Demonstrations featured celebrity decorators Paul Edwards, Elin Katz, Starr Heiliger, Rebecca Sutterby, Kerry Vincent, Carolyn Wanke, and Bronwen Weber. The Art of Decorating Technique Demonstrations featured top bakers and pastry chefs, including Klaus Tenbergen, Michel Suas, Marda Stoliar, and Dominique Homo.

In addition to the sessions and demonstrations included in the registration fee, a hands-on session with Bronwen Weber was available as a separate ticketed event. Participants learned how to construct a lion’s head and finish it in three different ways: bronze, stone or true to life through cake sculpting, fondant sculpting and airbrushing techniques. The session was so popular that a second session was added to accommodate those interested in learning unique decorating techniques.

This year’s event also featured a bakery tour—a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Las Vegas area’s top bakeries. Sponsored by Dawn Food Products, Inc., attendees who signed up for the much-anticipated tour had the opportunity to visit three Las Vegas bakeries, including: Carl’s Donuts, Great Buns Plant #2 and Supreme Bakery.

The conference attracted attendees from across the globe making it a truly international experience. Attendees were able to network with other bakers and visit the exhibit hall with hundreds of vendors showcasing not only the latest products, equipment and services, but also solutions to today’s baking industry problems.

“Today’s professional bakers have a need for information and education on not only the latest trends and techniques for the baking industry, but also on how to successfully manage their business in today’s environment,” said Susan Nicolais, RBA Executive Vice President. “The American Retail Bakery Exposition provided the industry with these types of educational opportunities along with opportunities to network among their peers and the vendor community.”

Retail Bakers of America (RBA)—a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association located in McLean, Va.—with membership of approximately 1,300 retail bakeries, allied suppliers, educators, students and other industry partners—is committed to the success of the retail baking industry. Founded in 1918, RBA works as the bakers’ business partner and resource provider, and is the nation’s premier source of industry information. More information is available at www.rbanet.com.