Cake Conventions over the last 25 years
The world of cake artistry has changed a lot over the years. From a boom in conventions that celebrated everything cake-related to a more curated selection of events today, the way decorators and enthusiasts gather has evolved along with the industry itself.

The Rise of Cake Conventions
One of the first big cake conventions to gain traction was ICES. The International Cake Exploration Societé (ICES) got its start in 1976 in Monroe, Michigan, thanks to Betty Jo Steinman, who launched it during the National EXPO Cake Show. ICES was built on a simple but powerful idea: to bring cake artists together, inspire creativity, and help the sugar arts thrive.
Each year, ICES held its Annual Convention and Sugar Art Show in different cities across the U.S. These events were a dream for cake lovers—full of hands-on classes, live demonstrations from top decorators, and friendly competitions. More than just a place to learn new skills, these gatherings fostered a real sense of community.
By the early 2000s, cake decorating was having a major moment, thanks to TV hits like Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes. These shows put cake artistry in the spotlight, inspiring both professionals and hobbyists to dive into the craft. As a result, cake conventions started popping up all over the world.
These events became a must-attend for decorators. You could take workshops from the best in the business, watch incredible cake designs come to life, and get your hands on the latest tools and techniques. Vendors showcased new products, competitions pushed decorators to their creative limits, and everyone walked away with fresh inspiration.
The Peak of Popularity
By the 2010s, cake conventions were at their peak. Nearly every major city hosted annual shows, each drawing thousands of attendees. One standout was That Takes the Cake in Austin, Texas—one of the longest-running cake shows in the U.S. that brought together some of the most talented decorators in the country.
Challenges and Changes
Despite the excitement, the convention scene started to shift in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Several factors played a role:
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Too Many Shows, Too Little Time: With so many conventions happening, attendance became spread out. Some events struggled to attract enough people to stay sustainable.
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Economic Challenges: When budgets got tighter, both vendors and decorators had to be more selective about which events to attend.
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The Digital Boom: With online tutorials, virtual classes, and social media offering 24/7 cake inspiration, many decorators found they could learn and connect without traveling.
Cake Conventions in 2025
Fast forward to today, and the cake convention scene looks different but still exciting. Instead of numerous smaller events, we now see a focus on fewer but high-quality conventions that deliver real value to attendees.
The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) remains one of the biggest gatherings for baking professionals. Set to take place in Las Vegas from September 13-17, 2025, IBIE brings together experts from all over the world for interactive experiences, networking, and the latest innovations in baking and cake design.
Another standout is Cakeology, originally based in Mumbai, which has now expanded to Guwahati. Its recent January 2025 event shows that the love for cake artistry is still strong, especially in emerging markets.
The Future of Cake Conventions
As the industry continues to evolve, cake conventions are adapting, too.
One major trend is the rise of hybrid events that combine in-person experiences with virtual access. This means decorators from anywhere can tune in to workshops, demonstrations, and networking sessions without having to travel.
Another big focus? Sustainability. More conventions are highlighting eco-friendly practices, from responsibly sourced ingredients to reducing event waste. As cake artists look for ways to minimize their environmental impact, future events are likely to embrace green initiatives even more.
As of Today
The journey of cake conventions has been a wild ride, from the early days of ICES to the explosion of events in the 2000s and the more curated, high-quality gatherings we see today. While the number of shows has decreased, the impact of the ones that remain is stronger than ever. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just starting out, these conventions continue to be a place where cake lovers can learn, connect, and celebrate the art of cake decorating.
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