With conference season almost upon us, make sure you’ve got your tickets and accommodation sorted. First up is the Scottish Bakers’ 120th anniversary conference from 14-15 May. Taking place at the MacDonald Cardrona Hotel in Peebles, it will include talks from Marks & Spencer’s bakery technologist Jim Hawkridge and top baker and chef Nick Nairn, as well as the AGM on Sunday. For more details on the event, contact fay@scottishbakers.org.

The National Association of Master Bakers’ annual conference will be held two weeks after from 27-30 May, at the De Vere Hotel, Blackpool. The event will include the Neil Houliston Golf Tournament, the AGM, and talks by John Slattery, of Slattery Patissier and Chocolatier, and Kevin Binns, of Puratos. Clive Williams will also be installed as the 117th NAMB president. For details call 01920 468061 or visit www.masterbakers.co.uk.

And finally the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees annual conference, is to take place at the Alton Towers Resort from 10-12 June. The AGM will take place on the Friday, with the competitions and judging to take place on the Saturday. A black-tie dinner will be held in the evening and a disco will follow. Sunday will be free to delegates to enjoy the theme park. For details contact davidmizon@yahoo.co.uk.