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To keep your business successful, it's important to stay on top of what is happening in the baking industry. The 2007 seminar sessions will profile relevant and timely industry topics featuring renowned industry experts. And the social activities will allow you to network with friends and peers.

Saturday, May 05

Evening Dinner Cruise
Bus departs Montreal Hilton at 5:45pm
Come join us as we cast off from the Jacques Cartier Pier, Old Port of Montreal for a magical four hour tour of the St. Lawrence aboard a Catamaran with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Our curise will include a sumptuous 4 course dinner and plenty of opportunity to see the sights with friends both old and new. An evening certainly not to be missed!

Sunday, May 06

BAC Annual General Meeting
8:00am - 9:00am - BAC Members Only
The annual meeting of members provides a review of the Association's activities over the past year as well as direction for the future.

Obesity and the Growing Intervention by Governments in the Marketplace
9:00am - 10:00am
Whether adult or child, Canadians of all walks of life have fallen victim to expanding waistlines and susceptibility to a growing list of potential health problems all due to increasing weight gain. In response, Governments have implemented or are discussing a variety of initiatives to address the problem. The effectiveness and impact of these initiatives has been the subject of much debate.

In this session you will learn:

• The scope and breadth of the obesity issue for Canadians.
• How governments are proposing to address the obesity issue.
• What impact will government initiatives have on the food industry?
  

Presenter: Sandra Marsden, President, Canadian Sugar Institute

Canada's New Food Guide - How Do Cereal Products Shape Up?
10:00am - 10:30am
The last time Canada's Food Guide was revised in the early 90's the message was to double up on grains. However, the newest version of the guide says something quite different with significant changes in direction and recommendations all in an effort to get Canadians to eat better.

In this session you will learn:

• The change in the Food Guide focus and why.
• Key changes in recommended servings and what they mean.
• What are the new directional statements and their intent on consumers?
  

Presenter: Nutrition Evaluation Division, Health Canada

Taking It To The Streets: How Canada's Baking Industry Can Educate Consumers About Good Nutrition
10:45am - 12:00nn
For years the baking industry has always been in an enviable position of providing a healthy, tasty product that has been a staple in the Canadian diet for centuries. With new regulations and the release of the revised Food Guide, interest in healthy eating is revitalized-and grain products continue to be a key part. The baking industry can play a key role in educating the consumer about the benefits of eating a variety of grain products, including whole grains.

In this session you will learn:

• About new regulations and ongoing health issues that impact the baking industry.
• How traditional products like bread and pasta remain a vital dietary staple in the Canadian diet in light of new regulations.
• Ways in which you can provide information to your customers on how to incldue a variety of grain products in their diet.
  

Presenter: Laura Pasut, RD, Grains - They're Essential Program

Montreal Jazz Evening
Reception: 7:00pm; Dinner & Entertainment: 7:30pm
Among its many attractions, Montreal is renowned for its annual Jazz festival and we bring a little bit of that experience to Congress 2007 with our own evening of jazz and fun. A four course meal and plenty of jazz awaits you and your friends.

Monday, May 07

Give Consumers What They Want, They Like It - You'll Profit!
8:30am - 9:00am
The expansion of consumer tastes and industry technology has resulted in an explosion of new product offerings and industry technology. However the key to making consumers happy is still ensuring that you are providing the products they want in a format that it's both appealing and profitable.

In this session you will learn:

• Important understandings to ensure consumer expectations are met.
• Using a format approach that works.
  

Presenter: John Klecker, Vice President Business Development, Weston Bakeries/Ready Bake Foods

The Changing Face of Canada and What It Means to Us All
9:00am - 10:30am
Everyone knows that the future will be very different from the past. Globalization, an aging population, labour shortages and new technology bring fast and staggering changes which organizations and individuals must face every day. This presentation will introduce not only the factors and trends affecting the baking industry but also the various short and long term solutions aimed at taking advantage of the transition period.

In this session you will learn:

• How will the economy grow in the coming years.
• How can you attract and retain employees in a changing labour market.
• What will be the effects of the demographic changes on bakers?
  

Presenter: Pierre Bernier, Principle, Ambition Consulting

Positioning Canada's Baking Industry to Meet the Needs of Tomorrow's Consumer
10:45am - 12:00nn
In today's environment, it is more important then ever for bakers to have a strategic perspective on consumer trends and buying habits in relation to the industry. This presentation will utilize the most up-to-date market research from Canada and abroad to provide a consumer perspective on food.

In this session you will learn:

• Family buying patterns and decision-making in relations to baked goods.
• Roadblocks to growth as they relate to major trends in consumer demands .
• The major "stories" that the market research tells us about baked goods and the consumer.
  

Presenter: Alan Gregg, Chairman, Strategic Counsel