The International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) is sweetening the pot for attendees of the triennial event with a star-studded demonstration program sure to be as informative as it is entertaining.

The expo, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas from Oct. 6-9, brings the baking community together to explore equipment innovations, discover supply and ingredient solutions, and learn from some of the most inspiring leaders in the business through an engaging demo program.

This year’s program, produced by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), features an impressive list of culinary artisans including Buddy Valastro (shown) of TLC network’s Cake Boss series.

Valastro’s passion, personality and skill have entertained millions and made Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, N.J., a landmark. Now, he brings his unique style to the Amoretti Demo Theater in the LVCC North Hall for two 50-minute sessions: Fondant 101—Wedding Cakes and Fondant 101—Tiered Birthday Cakes.

In addition to the Cake Boss sessions, there will be more than 30 demos covering everything from candies to strategies for increasing cake sales. Highlights from the program include:

• Cake decorating with champion pastry chef and Food Network star Bronwen Weber

• Creating world-championship plated desserts with Sebastian Cannone, M.O.F., The French Pastry School

• The secrets of artisan chocolate candies with Jacquy Pfeiffer, The French Pastry School

• Modern trends in bread baking with Michel Suas, San Francisco Baking Institute

New to this year’s event are sessions on gelato, pizza spinning and demos sponsored by the American Pie Council. To accommodate the expanded demo program, a second stage will be added to the Amoretti Demo Theater allowing two demos to occur simultaneously. All demos are free, but seating is limited. Attendees should arrive early to get the best seat possible.

The IBIE demo program allows show-goers to learn new skills, pick up creative ideas and go hands-on with the experts leading the industry. This year’s program is made possible by the RBA and sponsors IF&I, Chef Rubber, Dreidoppel, Satin Fine Foods, California Raisin Marketing Board and Equipment & Concepts Inc.

All demos take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Wednesday, Oct. 9, when the program ends at 3 p.m. A full list of demonstrations is available at www.IBIE2013.com/demonstrations. For more information about the Baking Expo and to register, visit www.IBIE2013.com.