NATCHEZ — Whether you’re a bed and breakfast owner or not, you are invited to participate in “Revel in the Past … and Look to the Future,” this year’s annual conference of the Louisiana/Mississippi Bed and Breakfast Associations taking place in Natchez, Sunday through Wednesday.

Besides the regular program for current or interested B&B owners and operators, two key events for the general public are the Aspiring Innkeeper Workshop on Sunday and the Iron-Chef-styled Innkeeper Cook-Off with celebrity judges, breakfast and presentation by Chef Robert St John on Wednesday July 22.

This year’s full program includes fun revelry with B&B colleagues and helpful information on exciting topics by well-known personalities. Speakers include 10th generation American gardener Felder Rushing, PAII President and CEO Jay Karen, well-known bed and breakfast notoriety Sandy Soule, branding and social networking specialist Jaci Russo, certified interior designer Teri Taylor Roddy, Web site design and marketing specialists Lisa and Mark Kolb, B&B insurance specialists Peter Scherman and Rick Wolf, and Mississippi’s own celebrity chef Robert St. John.

Natchez bed and breakfasts who are not yet members of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Mississippi can take advantage of a special offer to join. Applying as a new member allows owners to attend the conference for $249, have the normal $100 application fee waved, and have dues paid for the balance of this year (Oct. 31). This is a $550 value, which includes many other member benefits.

Local owners may register for the Aspiring Innkeeper Workshop, or the full conference, or Monday only tour and costume dinner/dance at Monmouth ($120/person), or Tuesday only registration (meals and sessions, $150/person), or finally simply come and enjoy the Innkeeper’s Cook-Off (watch cooking and judging, enjoy a brunch and presentation by Robert St. John) for $35/person.

Registration materials are available for downloading from the http://missbab.com/.

Sponsor, Exhibitor and Door Prize Donation inquiries are most welcome. Call Maybelle Beasley, BBAM Manager at (601) 956-0084 or Ron Fry, BBAM Treasurer at (601) 304-5378 with questions. Hope to see you there.