AHello! I just found out there will be an ICES convention a couple hours away from me next weekend and id love to go but its pricey for short notice to stay all weekend. They have a day pass to look at vendors for $50. Just wondering if anyone had done that? I wanted to make sure it was worth it before my husband and I drove a ways and paid $100. Any tips or info would be appreciated! Thanks! Jenna

Are you an I.C.E.S. member? If so I think you pay less.I have been a member for many ,many years and have been to the conventions they are getting smaller and smaller as time has gone by.Not as many vendors are coming.I would suggest you go since it it so close at least you will know in the future if it's worth to go again.

I only go if it's close to me in Md.Being a member also includes you in your local cake club.That in it's self is worth the member fee.Look them up on the internet and talk t someone in your area.
 

I asked this same question a couple weeks ago. Here is the thread: http://cakecentral.com/t/761216/ices-convention

Hi,

 I've been to two ICES conventions so far, San Diego and Reno.  Both were really awesome! The vendor room is like a cake decorator's toy store! Pretty much any and everything is there and trust me when I say you'll spend a lot of time and money on all the goodies they sell.   Just when you think you've seen it all, you go back another time to make sure you didn't miss anything...and buy more! :)

The cake room was outstanding as well! There were easily over 300 cakes on display at both conventions I went to. Truely amazing works of art too! The ladies ( and men) from countries outside the USA also bring their work to show and man oh man are they brilliant!  They also had a cake challenge where 3 teams competed and made big show cakes. Those were on display too. Along with displays from those people trying to become certified sugar artists.  So definately a lot to see!  The teachers put out their class displays to share as well.

The classes and demos are very well worth it.  Classes can range from $35 to over $200 each depending on what is being taught, how long the class is and who the teacher is. Demos were just $7 each.  But of course all those have to be booked in advance. 

You'll love going!  Enjoy!

KimAZ

I went to two ICES conventions and ONLY did the hall of vendors. You can get a lot of shopping done in one shot and avoid shipping charges.

I have only managed to go to one, San Diego & really enjoyed it. It was great to see the cakes but the best part for me was all the vendors! I really had a shopping spree!!!!!

AIll be there Sunday! I'm driving all the way from SC so it better be great.

AI'll be there Sunday, too! I am only driving about 85 miles south of where I live, so I figure I can't lose :-)

A

(Edited because autocorrect is stupid)

AHa ha

And I still didn't get it right! Coming not coning! Geez! Really l!! Autocorrect tried to change coning to coming. Where were you earlier?!

Athank you for responding! !! I am soooo excited to go !!! But just to be clear, do I need to be a member to do the $50 one day pass?

If you can go, go for at least 1 day! It will be well worth your time.

The vendors are such a great chance to pick up supplies and they almost all do demonstrations in their booths that are well worth watching.

Remember to take some  cash because some of the foreign vendors don't take checks or credit card because of their probems with money transfers. 

Make a list of what you need/want so you won't get so excited you get home with out what you really need.  I speak from experience, LOL, just discovered tonight that I had bought stuff last year that I already had - This has happened before!

Hope to see you there -    Oleta Edwards,  Missouri

AI just went once in San Diego it was nice and big at the vendors place. What I didnt want was they over sold tickets for certain class that we have to sit on the floor to watch it. It was marshmallow critters and gel art. After that incident i never attended another ICES convention. I reserved for those very early just to be accomodated.