Washington, DC— Creativity will take center stage at the 2013 International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE), as 12 of the country’s top professional cake decorators prepare to challenge each other to a contest of imagination, artistry and skill during one of baking’s most prestigious competitions.
RBA’s 13th Annual Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Decorating Competition will once again be a featured event at IBIE, the baking industry’s triennial international event, scheduled for next October 6-9, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year the contest will get an even bigger spotlight at IBIE, thanks to a revamped presentation on the show floor designed to elevate competitors and their creations and provide them with a better opportunity to show off their talents.
Another change for 2013 opens the competition to a wider field of professional decorators. Unlike past years, when entry was limited to members of the Retail Bakers Association (RBA), the upcoming contest will give non-RBA members the opportunity to participate, provided they are currently working full- or part-time in a cake/cupcake shop, retail or supermarket bakery and have at least two years of decorating experience.
Contestants may enter this year’s competition in one of two ways. RBA members can compete in a local, state or regional RBA sponsored contest. If no contest is available in their area—or the contestant is not member of RBA—they may submit a portfolio for consideration online at http://www.IBIE2013.com. Application by portfolio must be received by June 1 and should include two images from each of the five competition categories: wedding cake, rolled fondant, sculpted, creative design and floral design.
The twelve finalists will consist of regional winners and top portfolio entries, and will compete in all five categories. Cake, icing and fondant will be provided on site, but contestants must bring their own tools and specialty items. There is no limitation on the use of molds, impression mats and fondants rollers, which can be used in all five categories.
The highest scoring individual, as determined by a panel of judges, will be awarded the coveted Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Grand Champion Trophy. Gold, silver and bronze medals, along with cash prizes will also be awarded for the highest three scores in each category. All contestants will be provided with four nights lodging at one of IBIE’s host hotels.
The competition, which enjoys sponsorship from heavy hitters General Mills, Bakery Crafts, Chefmaster, DecoPac and Pfeil & Holing, is a popular feature of IBIE and is expected to draw interest from across all industry segments. And as RBA’s partnership with IBIE continues to strengthen, show producers expect even greater participation from the retail baking sector in 2013.
RBA, which joined the American Bakers Association and BEMA as IBIE association sponsor in 2010, will also be bringing its world-class educational programming back to the event in 2013. More information on content and speakers will be available as details are finalized. Please visit www.IBIE2013.com for more information.
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IBIE, sponsored by the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Baking Industry Suppliers Association (BEMA), is recognized worldwide as the grain-based food industry’s largest, most comprehensive trade event. A “working show,” where millions of dollars of business is conducted daily, IBIE brings the entire professional baking community together, offering the complete range of equipment, supply and ingredient solutions and showcasing the newest baking technology in 500,000 net square feet. The triennial event will next be held in Las Vegas, Nevada October 6 – 9, 2013.
Attendees include employees of: wholesale bakeries, suppliers and distributors; supermarket chains, central bakeries and commissaries; supermarket in-store bakeries; multi-store and single unit retail bakeries; intermediate wholesale bakeries; donut, pie and cookie retailers; cake and cupcake shops; foodservice operators; tortilla producers; snack food producers; biscuit & cracker producers.
Exhibitors include manufacturers and suppliers of: baking/food equipment and systems; ingredients, flavorings, spices & fillings; ingredient handling systems; packaging materials & systems; technology; sanitation equipment; transportation & distribution equipment; refrigeration equipment; business services.
Source: International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE)