Your bakery associations realize that and are attempting to make that time worthwhile by bringing educational sessions closer to you, making their programs more fun and family oriented and by developing programs that address trends that can affect your bakery's future.

The Bread Bakers Guild of America has been on a road trip of sorts this summer. In fact, they call it their USA Tour 2006-Artisan Baking Hits the Road. The tour includes bread festivals, classes presented by master bakers, competitions to qualify for the BBGA Team USA 2008 and a Kansas wheat harvest tour. Most of the events take place in different locations around the country, so look for the BBGA's stop near you.

The Greater Southwest Retail Bakers Association is planning to host their annual convention on water next year with a baker's Seminar at Sea on a cruise to Mexico. While educational sessions are still planned for the cruise, association organizers wanted to make their convention a fun event that would appeal to the whole family. The familyfriendly feel also was evident at the Minnesota Bakers Convention held this year, which had a section of the exhibit hall dedicated to activities for children.

Even an association trade show that you think you might know inside and out is making new moves this year. The American Bakery Expo, which is the old RBA Marketplace and Atlantic Bakery Expo combined, will take place Oct. 21-23 in Atlantic City. Show organizers plan to feature its first ever frozen desserts pavilion. Will gelato, ice cream or other frozen dessert be your bakery's next bigticket item? Probably not. But, at least your associations are attempting to be proactive in offering new ideas and in joining forces to produce a more efficient trade show.

It is not the "same ol', same ol'" any more in the bakery association trade show world. If you'd like more details about any of these events, visit these Web sites:

• The Bread Bakers Guild: www.bbga.org
• Greater Southwest Retail Bakers Association: www.gswrba.com
• American Bakery Expo: www.americanbakeryexpo.com

TimeOut Chicago, a city events magazine, is currently running a billboard campaign with the slogan, "If you're bored, it's not our fault."

With all the bakery events your local and national associations are bringing to you, a similar slogan might apply to this industry.