Is Someone Going To The Ices Convention??

Decorating By sweetparty Updated 29 Jul 2009 , 9:52pm by nannie

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sweetparty Posted 21 May 2009 , 3:07am
post #1 of 144

I´m so excited it´s going to be my first time in the convention!!
I live in Colombia South America and it´s a huge effort that I´m doing to be there. I hope I can meet some of you since everyone it´s been so nice and helpfull.
Cake decorating it´s been a huge challenge for me since there aren´t any clases, or courses in m country, so I just had to start by my own and trying to learn as much from the web as I can.
This is a huge step for me and I hope I can meet as much people as possible to thank all of you and learn a lot.
Thanks to all and hope we can meet there!!

143 replies
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sugarycreations Posted 23 May 2009 , 3:49pm
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I'll be there. Hopefully we'll get a chance to meet & talk cake. Or icing. icon_lol.gif

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TexasSugar Posted 23 May 2009 , 11:01pm
post #3 of 144

I'll be there! I've already got my displays in mind, I just need to get to working on them. icon_smile.gif

I've got a banquet ticket I'm looking to get rid of, if anyone is interested in buy it, ya can PM me. icon_smile.gif I'm going with my family and am skipping the banquet to spend time with them.

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JodieF Posted 24 May 2009 , 1:16am
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I'll be there too! I won't be attending the banquet either. My DH is coming with me so we'll be having dinners together.

I'm not going to do a cake though....WAY too intimidating!

Jodie

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TexasSugar Posted 24 May 2009 , 2:17am
post #5 of 144

Oh Jodie, please don't think that way about the displays. It isn't a competition. Nothing is judged. It is just to share and show your ideas to others. You will see all kinds of talents and levels in the cake room. From the gorgeous gum paste flowers to all butter cream cakes and everything in between.

Plus for every cake (or tier) you bring you get entered in a drawing. If your numbers get picked you get some cool cake stuff. I haven't had a year yet that I haven't gotten something for bring in a cake.

Also they take pictures of your display and you have a chance of being in the ICES newsletter, ACD or Mailbox news. I've had several cakes appear in those publications from the conventions.

You have time, I hope you rethink it. thumbs_up.gif

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nannie Posted 24 May 2009 , 2:28am
post #6 of 144

I'll be there.

I will mostly be commuting to save money cause I live around an hour away.

I have an idea for my cake. As usual, my ideas are way beyond my actual abilities but what the hey... should be fun.

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Loucinda Posted 24 May 2009 , 3:38am
post #7 of 144

Me too Me too!!! I will be there. I have already bought the dummies for my display, and am thinking about what I will do. (this will be my first time going to convention, and my first display cake too) I am so freakin' excited I can't wait!!! icon_biggrin.gif

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nannie Posted 24 May 2009 , 3:46am
post #8 of 144

oooh, Loucinda, the Gelatin queen will be there icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

are you taking the Gelatin class? I should have signed up for it but picked something else instead. icon_cry.gif too many choices. I hope they do a demo at the night of sharing so I'll have a second chance.

my first one too and soooo excited. Hope to meet fellow cc peeps

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TexasSugar Posted 24 May 2009 , 3:50am
post #9 of 144

I'm not staying at the host hotel so I totally understand the saving money issue. I'm staying at a hotel a little over a mile away that has a free breakfast. Hehe.

I've got ideas for two cakes, and am actually kinda thinking of a third. I might not have room in the car for luggage though if I do three. icon_wink.gif

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nannie Posted 24 May 2009 , 3:56am
post #10 of 144

hey texas

what hotel is that?

I do need to spend one night in a hotel cause I have a 830 hands on one morning and with rush hour traffic around here, I'd have to leave before dawn (and I am most definitly NOT a morning person)

don't want to spend much for just the one night...........

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TexasSugar Posted 24 May 2009 , 4:11am
post #11 of 144

Hampton Inn. They have reasonable priced rooms and according to the girl when we called to do reservations it is a new hotel. icon_smile.gif I'm so not a morning person either.

Nannie, don't forget you can do more than 8 demos (as long as you can work them into your schedule. You can actually do as many demo's as you'd like. You just buy additional tickets when you get there. icon_smile.gif

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nannie Posted 24 May 2009 , 1:27pm
post #12 of 144

Thanks Texas, I'll check it out.

actually the gelatin class is the same time as another one I signed up for... I may add some demos when I get there. Just watching my pennies cause I want some left over for shopping.

icon_biggrin.gif

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leepat Posted 24 May 2009 , 1:35pm
post #13 of 144

I will be there also, is anybody else going from Alabama?

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TexasSugar Posted 25 May 2009 , 2:21am
post #14 of 144

After you get there and they have the demo display set up I'd be sure to check them out. There have been years that I had signed up for a demo then seen the display and thought I really already know how to do that, or that isn't quite what I thought it would be. There have also been some that the descriptions didn't sound that interesting but when I saw the display piece I changed my mind. You can exchange your demo tickets if you decided you'd rather do something else.

I'm already trying to think of ways to make extra money between now and then as well as curbing my spending until then. icon_wink.gif

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nannie Posted 25 May 2009 , 2:24am
post #15 of 144

thank you TexasSugar for the great tip. thumbs_up.gificon_biggrin.gif

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TexasSugar Posted 25 May 2009 , 2:54am
post #16 of 144

Welcome. icon_smile.gif

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cakebaker111 Posted 25 May 2009 , 6:24pm
post #17 of 144

I will be there also, can't wait

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Loucinda Posted 26 May 2009 , 1:50am
post #18 of 144

TexasSugar - do you have any other hints for us newbies at the convention? I am staying at the resort, I am not the one driving and didn't want to stay at another hotel for that reason - not feeling real comfy with being there without a vehicle and not staying right there.

I have been saving every penny for this ~ and told everyone to just give me cash for the shopping there instead of gifts for b/d! Hubby has already given me the OK for an Agbay......

I just can't wait.....I know everyone is tired of hearing me say that, I just can't help it!! icon_biggrin.gif

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TexasSugar Posted 26 May 2009 , 3:01am
post #19 of 144

My tips, sure I've got a few...

Make your shopping list before you go! icon_smile.gif If there are specific things you want make sure you make a list. Some people also make a list of things they already have so they don't end up getting a double of something. So far I haven't done that, but it helps if you are buying dusts or colors or molds. It is totally easy when you get their and see stuff to forget the stuff you wanted to pick up.

Make sure you have room to carry your stuff home in your luggage. Some people will actually pack a smaller big in a larger bag so they have one flying out and two flying back. The last three I went to we drove so I didn't have that much of an issue, though you may want to carry a box or something to help gather your treats up.

Since you are limited on leaving the hotel I would consider bring something or seeing if you can stop for something for breakfast. If the rooms have microwaves you can always do oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. Or if there is a fridge in the room, cereal and milk (can get the milk at a gas station on the way in.) I say this because sometimes these resorts do have resturants but charge an ungodly amount for them. I know in Grapevine I heard people saying they paid $15-$20 for breakfast.

I'd also carry something easy to snack on during the day. That way if you have an hour between demos and don't have time to go get something to eat, you can pull something to snack on out of your bag.

Always, always be in line for the demo atleast 15 mins ahead of time. They will open the doors at about 10 til, then will close and lock the doors when the demo starts. They do not let anyone in after the doors have closed.

You may want to carry a light sweater since sometimes it does get chilly sitting still in a room for an hour. And you want to wear comfortable shoes. You will end up doing ALOT of walking.

Schedule some down time. It is great to do as many demos as you can and to volunteer to help with Manpower, or atleast it has been called Manpower in the past. But you also need some you time, time to shop and time to visit the cake room a couple of times.

Please remember that those you will working the doors at demos, cake room, vender's room or all the other ares at the convention are volunteers. They are giving up their time doing demos and other stuff to help make sure the convent runs smoothly for you, so please be nice to them. Also thank the people doing the demos as they had had to do alot or prep and other things to get ready for their demos so you can enjoy them.

It has been a long weekend so this is all I can think of at the moment. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to add it. icon_smile.gif

I'm done with cakes for a few weeks, I hope, so I am gonna try to get started on my cakes at some point. Last year I started two days before leaving and was finishing them the morning I left. I've been asked to get them done much earlier this time. We will see.

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Loucinda Posted 26 May 2009 , 12:01pm
post #20 of 144

Those are some excellent tips.....thank you so much!! If anyone thinks of anything else, please jump in.

I know you are right about those breakfasts being high dollar - been there done that at other events. icon_eek.gif

I have a nice BIG bag I can carry with me, I also that one of those things on wheels, which one do you think would be the best option for me to use?

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TexasSugar Posted 26 May 2009 , 10:02pm
post #21 of 144

You will get a bag at the convention. It will be have goodies in it. icon_smile.gif If you want to carry another bag I'd do the one on wheels, especially if you plan on buying alot or heavy stuff. icon_wink.gif

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JodieF Posted 27 May 2009 , 12:50am
post #22 of 144

Texassugar......I just went and looked at the rules for the Cake room. I won't be arriving until Friday afternoon, so I'm not sure how that will work. I'll also have to leave before 5 on Sunday, so whatever cake I made would have to be left. I also am doing a wedding cake and grooms cake for a coworker the Saturday before. But, I'll think about it.

I've stayed at Pheasant Run for the past 9 years for the ICE Conference (Illinois Computer Educators), so if anyone has any questions I'll be happy to answer them! As to breakfast, there is a wonderful restaurant with fantastic breakfast but it is probably $10 at least. But, there is a little cafe where you can get cereal, yogurt, muffins and fruit (and lunches and snacks, coffee and soda) in the resort. Still not cheap, but not bad at all. Across the road from the resort (within walking distance easily) is a Super Target. There are microwaves and fridges in the rooms. They give you bottled water in the rooms. Portillos is in front of Super Target. WONDERFUL food (the best hot dogs ever)...huge variety....very reasonable. There are dozens of restaurants in the area, and the Mall isn't that far away (a pretty long walk though).

If you haven't made your reservation for the hotel, request the Tower. Pheasant Run is HUGE and if you're at the far end it's a long, LONG walk to the Convention Center!

Jodie

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TexasSugar Posted 27 May 2009 , 2:55am
post #23 of 144

It is good to know there is a Target in walking distance. icon_smile.gif I know in the last few years they have had a couple of places come in and serve lunch, so that may be an option for people as well. I just mentioned the Oatmeal or cereal for breakfast since if you can spend $5-$10 for breakfast for your whole stay that gives you a lot more shopping money. HeHe.

Email the person in charge of the cake room and ask if you can bring a cake in Friday afternoon. If you can and you are willing to forfeit after it then that is option. I've heard of a couple of people that have mailed their cakes to the hotel, you could always do that and have someone set it up for you early, if they won't let you bring one in after the room has opened.

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leepat Posted 27 May 2009 , 10:58am
post #24 of 144

Can anyone tell me how close the Hilton Garden Inn is in relationship to the convention center? I was unable to get a room at the resort for the days I wanted, so had to book there.

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sweetparty Posted 27 May 2009 , 12:01pm
post #25 of 144

It´s so great that all of you ae going. I´m so excitted.
I wish I could briing a display but it´s too risky flying from south america with a cake display.
I´m not staying at the resort also, I´m staying with my husband at a country Inn within a mile away, It was only $69 per night with free breakfast and free shuttle to the convention.
I hope we can arrange something to meet there!! thumbs_up.gif

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JodieF Posted 27 May 2009 , 12:42pm
post #26 of 144

TexasSugar.....I always go grab snacks and soda at Target when I'm up there, and bring breakfast bars with me. I'm cheap, even when I'm on an expense account! icon_biggrin.gif

The address of the Hilton is 4070 East Main. The address of Pheasant Run is 4051 East Main, so doesn't seem like it's too far! I don't remember that hotel, but I'm guessing it's the opposite direction that we are usually going.

Jodie

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leepat Posted 27 May 2009 , 1:03pm
post #27 of 144

This is the hotel that the website directed me to when the host hotel didn't have any rooms. It was my impression it was accross the street. I am hoping so because I won't have access to a car. My husband is going with me but he will not be going to the convention. He is not real interested in cake stuff (his words). I guess I could call them and see if they have a shuttle.

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thallo Posted 27 May 2009 , 1:17pm
post #28 of 144

TexasSugar,
Those are great tips. Having been several times, I know you are hitting on all the right spots. I will be there again along with a friend and fellow ICES member. We will be driving up so we can bring back some of EVERYTHING! At least, that's how it seems. One of the things I have found helpful is to shop for the things you really, really want on the first day the vandors are open. Chances are, these are the same things others are after, so they could be gone if you wait. Then go back the next day or so for the impulse items.
There will be so many things there that you never dreamed of that it is easy to get carried away, that's why it is smart to sleep before buying impulse goodies.

Hope to see you all there!

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nannie Posted 27 May 2009 , 2:14pm
post #29 of 144

I did google maps and it looks like the hilton is across the street. (but across a big parking lot) icon_lol.gif

I know a lot of CC's will be there, any suggestions on how we might get together. I know everyone's schedule will be different. has it been tried in the past? If so did it work?

counting the days

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TexasSugar Posted 27 May 2009 , 11:02pm
post #30 of 144

If there are things I really want then I will buy them early. These are the items I know before I get there that I want.

If there are things I see in a demo then I try to stop and think about it before I buy it. There are millions of cool things out there, but you have to think about if you really will use it when you get home.

When I went to my first convention I had never even been instead a 'real' cake store, so it was very overwhelming having all of those awesome cake items all in one space. And I can be honest and say there are a few items I bought at that one (the Vegas one) that has yet to be taken out of their wrappers. I may still use it at some point, but I probably could have spent my money better.

Also if there is something you sorta want but you won't be sad to leave the convention with out it, then I would wait until Sunday afternoon to get it. Sometimes they will put things on sale to get rid of them so they don't have to carry it back home with them.

As I said earlier I'd wait until it gets a little close to try to plan a meeting. It has been done and has worked well. They do have a bulletin board at the convention that you can post notes to other people, so we can always post a place to meet. Phone numbers have been exchanged so someone could call and tell everyone a meeting place. I've met others at a certain place so we can sit at the same time for the ICES Breakfast. And you can get together and turn your banquet tickets in so you can sit together as a group.

This is where I found the hotel we are staying at. There is a map feature so you can see where the hotel you want is in relation to the resort.

http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/nexres/search/search_results.cgi?interstitial=done&avail=Y&bed_type=NP&src=10012876&address_lat_lng=41.921218%2C-88.255266&max_distance=6&poi_name=Hotels+near+Pheasant+Run+Resort+Convention+Center%2C+Saint+Charles%2C+Illinois&smoking_pref=NP&tab=tab0&search_city_vicinity=1&t0_distance=10&chk_in=07%2F29%2F2009&doa_mm=07&doa_dd=29&doa_yy=2009&chk_out=08%2F02%2F2009&dod_mm=08&dod_dd=02&dod_yy=2009&num_adults=3&num_children=0&num_rooms=1&minorAge1=-%3F-&minorAge2=-%3F-&minorAge3=-%3F-&minorAge4=-%3F-&Go=Find+Hotels

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