For Sponsors & Vendors: How can I reserve a vendor table? I don't have much experience with cake decorating, should I enter the competition? YES! We have purposely organized this show with novice, advanced, and professional competition levels so that everyone feels comfortable entering! Novice entries will only be compared to other novice entries, etc. Competing in a show such as ours is the best way to gain experience and knowledge in the sugar world. And, besides, it's fun! I am not a cake decorator, why should I attend the show? Everyone is invited to attend the show - whether you are a cake enthusiast, a bride, a party planner, or just the "average Joe"! Come to see the latest trends in cakes. Be inspired by the sugar artistry. Enter for a chance to win a amazing prizes in the raffles. Attend a demonstration by one of our talented judges. Drop in on the demonstration by Icing Images. And, kids, try your hand at decorating in the FREE Kid's Corner. There's something for everyone!
May I bring my camera and take photos during the event? Yes! We encourage you to take photos of everything you see! However, photography during demonstrations is at the demonstrator's discretion. Please be courteous and ask first. We also have 2 official event photographers who will be documenting the day on film. CDs of the photos they've captured will be available for pre-order at the show.
What form of payment will the vendors be accepting?
While each vendor will set their own standards, most - if not all - will accept cash. Some will even accept personal checks and/or credit cards. Be a prepared shopper and bring a few different payment options.
How can I reserve a vendor table?
We have room in the hotel lobby for a select number of vendors. Each vendor will be charged a small fee, which will go toward the show to help offset various costs. The vendor area will be one of the first things show attendees experience, and they will not need to purchase a general admission ticket to shop. To reserve a vendor table, contact Lisa Menz at RLMENZ@yahoo.com or (352) 307-7444.
Will you have cake samples at the show? At this time we will not be having cake samples. If this changes we will certainly let you know
The rules for the Mask Accessories category say I can include up to 3 items in my entry. Can I include more? Is there any benefit to including 3 versus only 1 item? The idea behind this category is to allow entrants to create up to 3 coordinating items. For example, someone may create a mask, a necklace, and a shoe that would all coordinate. All 3 items must be displayed together on one board so the judges can clearly determine which entries belong together. Additional entries are welcome, but at the time of entry drop-off, you will designate which items you would like to be judged. Only those items will be examined by the judges. However, the more items you create, the more opportunities you will have to showcase different techniques and skills.
Is there a live cake decorating competition?
Yes! This year we will be having an Icing Images LIVE Challenge division, for all competitors as well as the general public to watch on Saturday March 31st, from 12:00 to 3:00. The Awards Presentation is to follow immediately. This is a lotto draw for Advanced and Professional cake decorators only. To be eligible, please veiw Live Challenge rules & regulations as we post them.
Should my entry in the Masquerade Ball category be real cake or Styrofoam? You are more than welcome to use real cake for your competition piece. However, we strongly suggest you consider using Styrofoam cake "dummies" instead. The cake dummies will allow you to work on your cake over several weeks so that you can reach your own personal level of perfection. They also travel better and are easier to set-up on location than real cake. Keep in mind that you may begin setting up your competition piece(s) at 7am on Saturday March 31, 2012, and you may continue working until 11am.
Will there be space/time for me to repair my entry if I encounter any damage during travel?
Entry check-in begins at 7 am and judging does not begin until 4:30pm on Saturday March 31st. We recommend that you arrive at the show early to that you allow yourself some time to make repairs, if necessary. While we will not have a designated repair area, you can work at your assigned table space until judging begins. Each entrant is responsible for bringing their own supplies and materials to make repairs - none will be provided. Can I send my entry with someone else to drop off at the show?
Yes. As long as your entry has been properly registered and paid for, this is not a problem.
Where is the show being held? The show will be held at the Circle Square Cultural Center located at 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481. How much will it cost to attend? Please view our Event Information page for One and Two Day pricing options. All who attend the show are encouraged to attend the demonstration by Icing Images, participate in the free Kid's Corner, and enter to win raffle prizes.
Will there be any events for children? Yes! We are opening the competition this year to include 3 different youth age brackets! (See Rules & Registration for details) The Kid's Corner is a FREE activity for children up to age 17! For more information, please visit our Demos & Activities Page.
I'm coming from out of town, where should I stay? We are pleased to announce our host hotel, The Holiday Inn and Suites Ocala Conference Center. This is a beautiful new hotel with easy access to both the ICED show and I-75. (Some of you may also know it as the hotel that hosted our very first ICED show in 2011.)
They have given us an AMAZING rate of $89 per night for our out of town guests.
For further information: Holiday Inn & Suites - Ocala Conference Center 3600 SW 38th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474
Phone: (352) 629-9500 • Fax: (352) 629-1164
Toll Free: (888) HOLIDAY -- Reservations www.ocalainn.com
Where can I get additional information or who can I contact if I have questions? For answers not found on this website, please contact one of the show chairmen:
Lisa Menz RLMENZ@yahoo.com
cell(352) 307-7444
home (352) 307-2507
Kristin Nast KNastFloridaICED@gmail.com
cell (352) 207-3113 What is your refund policy? If you withdraw from a class or a demonstration on or before March 1, 2012, your paid tuition will be refunded. There will be no refunds for cancellations on or after March 2, 2012. Classes are transferable - please notify us if there is a change. Competition entries are non-refundable at any time.
The show chairmen reserve the right to cancel classes or demonstrations. If a class or demonstration is canceled, you have the option to transfer to another class or receive a full refund. In the event that a scheduled demonstrator is unable to conduct their demonstration, the show chairmen reserve the right to substitute another qualified demonstrator and there will be no refunds of registration fees.
Can I view photos of the 2011 Romantic Wedding Dress competition online?
Yes! Our official show photos were taken by Elise Kersey Photography. You can view them in our online Picasa album, and contact Elise if you'd like to purchase high-resolution images without the show logo.