9 Reasons To Attend The Americas Cake Fair

Sweet Fun with Celebrity Chefs at the Cake Fair in Orlando!

Do you love cake and sugar confections? Want to learn all about cake decorating? You don’t want to miss The Americas Cake Fair event! The largest trade and consumer show in North and South America dedicated to cake, chocolate, sugar arts and more, returns to the Orange County Convention Center on October 13-15, 2017.

Did you know cake decorating is the largest growing hobby around the globe?

“Consumer interest in baking is at an all-time high,” said Kevin O’Reilly, founder of Satin Fine Foods and Cake Fair. “There’s an enormous hunger among professionals and hobbyists, alike, for new products, services and ideas. Our show delivers that and much more.”

Cake Decorating Fun

A group of media friends and I spent a fun evening playing with fondant, sipping cocktails and noshing on cheese and sweet bites with Orlando’s own Retro Rad Celebrity Chef Emily Ellyn and Satin Ice Artist of Excellence and Bake Me A Cake Owner Mercedes Strachwsky.

I’ve never done any cake decorating or even laid my hands on fondant before, until that night. Mercedes warned us before we got started that fondant was addictive, and she was not kidding. This is a skill that requires bucket loads of patience and precision. My first attempt at making a rose was not terrible, but certainly needs some practice. Mercedes hosts special classes for groups which is a perfect way to have a fun time out with friends. The guys in the group got in on the fun too!

Emily Ellyn treated us to her Pineapple Upside Down Cake cocktail to enhance the cake theme. It was a tropical creation with vanilla vodka and rum infused fresh pineapple I will definitely try to recreate at home.

During the media preview we had the opportunity to learn more about The Americas Cake Fair. They had me at “cake” but I never imagined it was such an elaborate and fun event.

Here’s 9 Reasons why you don’t want to miss The Americas Cake Fair

1. It’s The Largest Cake Fair!

More than 10,000 baking professionals, industry buyers, pastry chefs, cake artists, retail bakers, hobbyists and everyday foodies from around the world are expected to attend the three-day celebration of cake, chocolate and sugar artistry.

2. The CAKE BOSS will be there!

Headlining the live theater is “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, star of the hit TLC show, appearing on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15. If you’ve watched the show, you know this guy is over the top talented and has a huge personality. I can’t wait to see what he does on stage!

“We are thrilled to welcome back the one and only Buddy Valastro,” said Kevin O’Reilly, founder of Satin Fine Foods and Cake Fair. “Buddy has been a tremendous ambassador for our industry, introducing millions of people around the globe to the joys of cake decorating. No doubt he’ll have some tricks up his sleeve for professionals and hobbyists, alike, attending this year’s show.”

3. More Celebrities on the Main Stage!

Notable personalities in the world of sugar confections will be on stage! Mich Turner, whose clientele includes The Queen of England, Madonna and David Beckham, is presenting on Friday, October 13 and Saturday October 14; pastry genius Ron Ben-Israel, named “the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes” by The New York Times, is also on stage October 13 and 14; and Nancy Fuller, host of Food Network’s Farmhouse Rules, is appearing on Sunday, October 15. Presentations by Sponsor Domino Sugar, demonstrations by cake designers Paul Bradford, Shawna McGreevy, Avalon Yarnes and Edwald Notter, plus award ceremonies for live challenges and cake competitions, round out the main stage line-up.

Keeping the fun “rolling” along is Main Stage Host and Celebrity Chef Emily Ellyn, best known as the Retro Rad Chef from Food Network with appearances on Food Network Star, Cupcake Wars, and most recently, the winner of Cutthroat Kitchen. Her dynamic personality is definitely a great addition to the show.

The Americas Cake Fair 2017 Main Stage Schedule*

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13th

10:30 am Domino Sugar Presentation

11:30 am Mich Turner

1:00 pm Nancy Fuller

2:00 pm Ron Ben-Israel

3:00 pm Paul Bradford

4:00 pm Global Challenge Awards Ceremony

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th

10:30 am Ron Ben-Israel

11:30 am Special Guest

1:00 pm Mich Turner

2:00 pm Buddy Valastro

3:00 pm Shawna McGreevy & Avalon Yarnes

4:00 pm Ewald Notter

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15th

10:30 am Special Guest

11:30 am Special Guest

1:00 pm Nancy Fuller

2:00 pm Buddy Valastro

3:00 pm Awards Presentation

*Show schedule subject to change.

4. Hands-On Learning From The Best!

Build your skills and learn from the best in the business at more than 100 hands-on classes, demonstrations and business seminars taught by the world’s most skilled cake decorators and industry professionals. Due to popular demand, show producers added an extra day of hands-on classes and demonstrations on Thursday, October 12, one day prior to Cake Fair’s official opening. From the art of airbrushing to mastering chocolate modeling, all classes and demonstrations will provide instruction on the latest techniques. All classes are three hours in duration and must be booked in advance online.

5. Support for Second Harvest Food Bank and A Fashion Show Made of Sugar!

You have to see this to believe it! Models will be strutting the runway adorned by cake costumes and edible ensembles at the Sugar Art Fashion Show held on Friday October 13. The event will be co-hosted by Celebrity Chef Emily Ellyn and Fashion Stylist / On-Air Style Expert Melanie Pace. A separate ticket is required for this event and benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

On Saturday, October 7, 2:00-4:30 PM, Central Floridians can support their community and donate non-perishable, unexpired food items in exchange for ticket vouchers to The Americas Cake Fair at The Drive-Through Food Drive at the Ace. Donation of 10 food items entitles each consumer to one ticket voucher, with a limit of four vouchers (40 food items donated) per household. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Cake Fair registration window at the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, October 13-15, 2017. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Participants can simply drive into the large surface “car park” at Ace Cafe Orlando, stay in their cars, and volunteers will exchange ticket vouchers for donations, right through car windows; or they can park and enjoy a visit to the Ace. Located at 100 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801, corner Livingston & Garland

6. The Global Cake & Chocolate Challenge!

You can watch international teams and individuals compete for top honors at the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenge. It’s stressful and fun watching these talented artists.

7. Join The Competition!

Have you ever wanted to compete in cake decorating? Cake decorators of all skill levels can join the fun and compete for cash prizes. For those who want to present their work during live challenges and competitions, registration and information about themes and rules is available on the event website.

8. Interactive Theme Zones for all ages.

Themed “zones” are sprinkled around the show floor, including a Kids Zone for a yummy interactive experience for budding cake artists; The ACD Magazine Cake Zone sponsored by American Cake Decorating Magazine for a delectable introduction to fondant and other skills; A Wedding Zone, where attendees can “engage” in the latest cake and wedding trends; A Chocolate Zone, exploring the finest in gourmet chocolate making and modeling.

9. Exhibits Galore!

Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, you don’t want to miss the exhibit hall overflowing with products and services, including some items for cash and carry.

Event Details:

Dates:

October 13-15, 2017 (classes start on October 12)

Location:

Orange County Convention Center

Tickets:

Purchase tickets online for sweet savings. You can also save more by attending the show on multiple consecutive days. Prices start from $30 for regular, single-day adult admission with advance online purchase. Advance registration is highly recommended for hands-on classes, demonstrations and Retail Bakers Association seminars.

Host:

Cake Fair is hosted by Satin Ice, which is made by Satin Fine Foods, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer distributing its premium range of cake decorating products to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Sponsors:

Partners and sponsors of The Americas Cake Fair include American Cake Decorating; Ateco; Cake Masters; Dawn; DecoPac; Domino Sugar; Guittard Chocolate Company; Pillsbury; Retail Bakers of America; and Sterling Bank.

More Info:

Stay up to date on Cake Fair event updates, special offers and exclusive contests by following the show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@cakefair) or visit cakefair.com.

TICKETS GIVEAWAY:

I received two tickets to giveaway to a randomly selected winner! All you have to do is click and follow @GoEpicurista on Instagram, leave a comment with your favorite kind of cake and tag a friend who you would share it with. That’s it! Winner will be selected on October 5th and announced on Instagram. Don’t miss it!

I look forward to seeing you at The Americas Cake Fair.

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Disclosure: I was an invited media guest of The Americas Cake Fair for this exclusive preview event and have received complimentary tickets to the event. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and as always I only share with you experiences worth celebrating and products I love to inspire you to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Read my guidelines on my disclosure policy.