Okay I want to go to ICES this year. I'm trying to figure out how much to budget. I saw that it is in Omaha, Nebraska. And I saw the Hilton hotel - but it seems like it's $1000 just for the hotel. Is that true? What kind of budget do you really need to make for going to ICES? I mean, what would the average person probably spend there? Does it cost $3000 to go? Or more? OR less? I'd love to hear from some of you who have been in the past! Thanks so much!!
I know that last year they had a deal worked out with the hotel and a bunch of people would often room together and share the rate. It isn't cheap, but it is worth it and if you can go you will be really really glad you did.
may seem like a dumb ? but what is ICES?
Here's a link to "ICES" cakekrayzie http://www.ices.org/
but what is ICES?
ICES (International Cake Exploration Society) is a world wide cake club. The ICES that mrsright41401 was talking about is convention. It's an annual meeting with demonstrations, cake displays, and wonderful shopping.
Yes, it is expensive to go. Most people find some others to share the room if using the hotel suggested by the host state. It is not required to stay at the hotel. Usually, they are held at resort type locations, so nothing is cheap. Expect to pay plenty for all of your meals, even if you get a less expensive room at a nearby hotel.
Of course, shopping is where we spend most of our money. It is an absolutely fabulous time to get all the things you need and want. There are many new toys....tools every year. You can get a one day shopping pass, but I don't know the price. Usually they will allow the public and others to see the cakes after paying an entry fee.
The convention is several days long, demos are $5 each (I think) and you can choose what you want to attend and how many days you want to be there. The banquet is optional, the value of it is up to you. It's expensive too.
I usually spend between $1000 and $1200 for a 3 day trip. I won't be going this year. I can't afford to go very often.
HTH
Michele
I want to say I spent around $1000+ last year. I drove, so I didn't have to pay a plane ticket, but did have the cost of gas. I also did not stay in the host hotel. I just couldn't afford it. I stayed at a Best Western about 15-20 mins away. If you are going to pick a different hotel to stay out, see if they have the free breakfast so you can save some money that way.
Also you will need to figure in cost of meals. There is a Breakfast (usually Friday mornings) and a Banquet (usually Saturday evenings) which are included in registration. But you need to keep in mind lunch and dinners on other nights. I know the food at the Gaylord was very expenisive. If your hotel has a fridge in the room you could bring or buy some food when there and save some money there too.
Shopping is going to depend on how much you want to spend. But I would have plenty of money for that as you can get some great deals there. I spent around $150 to $200 shopping but could have easily spent more if I had more at the time to spend.
Registration for the convention is usually $350 to $400. Then you have your travel, hotel fee, food for how many days you are there, shopping, and those little extras.
O.k. now ya'll have got me scared because I told DH "we're going to go to ICES this year, ESPECIALLY since it's in Nebraska".. For the hotel to add up THAT much, I'm getting a little scared. Yes, Omaha is not THAT big (I live in the MSP burbs), but still, it is usually nice to stay at the host hotel whenever going to a convention, especially one you've never attended before.
At least we don't have to fly and rent a car..
Omaha is easy to get around in and there a lot of nice hotels in the area that would be less expensive and not that far away. You could also stay in Council bluffs, IA which is just across the river from the Qwest Center. There are several casinos there that have very nice hotels.
Yes, Omaha is not THAT big (I live in the MSP burbs), but still, it is usually nice to stay at the host hotel whenever going to a convention, especially one you've never attended before.
I've done it both ways. I have stayed in the host hotel, and I have stayed in seperate hotels (twice).
It is nice if you have time between demo's to have a room to go to or what not, but I know at some of the hotels they are so huge that unless you have alot of time between them it isn't worth it.
The two years I stayed at a different hotel when I had times between demo's I signed up for manpower and worked during that free time.
For me it is a big part of it is the cost. I paid half for my room at the Best Western than I would have if I stayed at the Gaylord. If I had to stay at the host hotel and pay $140 a night I would have never been able to go. Of if I had I would not have had money to shop.
If you have someone to split the cost of the room with then that helps, but I don't like staying in a room with someone I don't know. I'm much more happier in my own little room so I don't have to worry about bothering anyone if I stay up late or what not.
I'm expecting to spend about $1500 on the whole thing. Hopefully I will have a lot left over if I don't go crazy buying things! 
I'm going with Mac from CC. We're flying. That's about $300 a piece. We're renting a car so that bill is split (approx $200 maybe less). We're staying at the Offutt Air Force Base & the rooms are only $30 a night so I get to buy more things because the rooms are so cheap!! I know this trip will be worth every penny!!
Question.. I joined ICES but do you have to be a member to attend & take classes? The ones who don't know about ICES should know that. I wasn't sure~
Sooo happy to hear that Omaha is easy to get around!! This is my 1st trip ever without my DH!! He usually drives in the city & I usually drive the interstate/hwys.
Question.. I joined ICES but do you have to be a
member to attend & take classes? The ones who don't know about ICES should know that. I wasn't sure~
TC, they have a Member price and a Non-Member price for the convention. You do not have to be a member to go and attend everything, but the registration for it is more. I know last year it was cheaper to pay the $60 membership fee and register for the convention as a member than it was to go as a non member.
Hello,
I went to the ICES convention for the first time this past summer. I did stay at the Gaylord, but I shared a room with two other gals I found on a Cake website. As a first timer who knew no one, I'm glad I did it that way so I had someone to sit with at the breakfast, banquet, etc. And of course we split the room cost so rather than $180 it was about $60 ea per night, which left alot more money for shopping!
I was glad to have stayed at the host hotel because I was beat at the end of every day and it was nice to be able to just walk back to the room. Also, when I went shopping I could just throw everything in the room and get back down to my Demos, etc. The food was outrageous at the hotel, but there was more reasonable priced food available from a few fast food places at the convention. And I ate quite a few "Betty Crocker Hospitality Room" Cake breakfasts!
As far as a shopping budget...I think I spent about $1000! Eek! But I got ALOT of stuff. On the last day some of the vendors put their products at 50% off so I got some nice textured rolling pins, etc at great prices.
I am definitely planning on going again this year, so if anyone is looking for roommates, let me know!
Julie
TXSugar, So that's why I became a member! I totally forgot about it being cheaper for members
Wow, Julie your experience sounds wonderful!! Your coming all the way from Saudi Arabia? You must be a big time decorator! Can't wait to see some cake pics!
I'm hoping I'll have $1000 saved up after paying for convention, flying, rent a car, hotel, food etc.. If not I'll still have a great time I just won't be able to buy so many cool things
If not I'll still have a great time I just won't be able to buy so many cool things
I didn't have alot to spend last year, but I have to say I think it made me a smarter buyer. I knew I only had so much to spend so I didn't rush out and pick up everything that I saw in a demo that looked cool.
I made a note of things I wanted to look at/price, and on the first day the vendors were opened I walked around looked at everything first hand and marked down the prices. Then I slept on it. It gave me a chance to think about what I would realisticly use when I got back home and what I just wanted cause it looked cool.
When I go I know I will be subscribing for ACD and Mailbox. My subscription ends at that time so I just pay while there, since they have a bit of a reduced rate. I also pick up Americolors. I know you can order them from other places, but it saves me on the shipping. So I keep those things in mind when shopping. I also like to buy the dusts while there so I can see the colors in person. And again, I don't have to pay extra on shipping.
You've got it all downpat TXSugar! Good for you!! That was good advice!! Mac & I are staying till the Mon after the Con. so we can UPS the things we bought back home since we can't bring them on the plane. I'm definetly getting some of those petite four molds that Mac has! I love them! I'd like all different shapes! I have a lot of stuff I want.. just have to decide what I want more!
Hey TC! Good to see you! Glad to see you'll be at ices this year. I don't know if I'll make to this one or not. I am deffinatly going next year in Orlando.
Hi TC,
Actually, I go home (Minnesota) to visit every summer, so I can't say I come JUST for the ICES Convention. I wish I was a big time decorator, but hopefully I'm on my way, with more experience and practice! I've just been selling cakes since last spring but I am starting to really get my name out there (getting those calls from people who got my name from so-and-so who heard about me from so-and-so, etc, lol).
Julie
You've got it all downpat TXSugar! Good for you!! That was good advice!! Mac & I are staying till the Mon after the Con. so we can UPS the things we bought back home since we can't bring them on the plane. I'm definetly getting some of those petite four molds that Mac has! I love them! I'd like all different shapes! I have a lot of stuff I want.. just have to decide what I want more!
You can always bring an empty suitcase to fill up and take back on the plane with you I think you can have 1 carry on up to a certain size and you can check 2. Check with the airline to be sure and go from there.
next year its in orlando..im hoping to make it to that one..we have a timeshare there so that's covered!
You can always bring an empty suitcase to fill up and take back on the plane with you
I think you can have 1 carry on up to a certain size and you can check 2. Check with the airline to be sure and go from there.
I would also check with the airline to see what you are allowed. I have heard of people that will bring two suitcases. They will put a smaller one in an empty one so they only have one going out there, and then they can fill it up for the trip back.
My first year we did fly. I carry a large suitcase and made sure that I didn't use but half of it. I did end up buying an airbursh and was worried about putting the colors with my clothes so we took the bags you get at the convetion and used it for the colors. I also had a cake that year. So fun to carry a (fake) cake on to a plane. HeHe.
If you have anything really big or boxed where it wouldn't fit in a suitcase I would mail it home, but I'd really try to get as much as possible in your bags as you can. That's the great think about the convention. You get to see what you are buying before you get it, and you get to save on shipping which can really add up.
Forgive me if this was already mentioned...
Many vendors accept CASH ONLY. So, if you're planning to charge up a storm in the vendor area, rethink your plans.
When it gets closer to convention time, the list of vendors will be posted, so you can visit websites and see what kind of prices to expect.
Kristy... your one of my favorite CCers!!! I'd love to meet you!!!! Ohh come on go!!! If I have too much fun at this one I will probably be addicted & have to go to every year!! So Orlando might be in my future too! My DH's best friend lives in Palm Bay, I think it's right there. Plus there are plenty of AF bases there to stay at. Hmmm NO I can't think of that yet.. I have to get to NE first!!
Julie, good thinking to plan your vacation close to ICES!! Smart lady!
I'll have to call the airport & ask what things can go in the suitcase. That's a good idea to bring 2, one in the other. I don't need colors & all because my friends own a cake supply store here in town. I just want all the new gadgets that they don't sell
I have to call the airport about other things too. I don't know if they've changed the policy again. No chapstick, no shampoo, no water etc... I haven't flown since 1992!!
I have to call the airport about other things too. I don't know if they've changed the policy again. No chapstick, no shampoo, no water etc... I haven't flown since 1992!!
You can see a list here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't replied - I forgot to put "watch this topic". I'm NEVER notified when I post a topic unless I do that - SO annoying - even when the "Notify me" box is checked.
Anyway, so do most of you drive? Or fly? I live in Kentucky so Nebraska isn't that close. And if you get a hotel nearby then do you rent a car? Or is there other transportation between hotels and the convention center? Are taxis available? Would they be cheaper or more expensive? About how much do you budget for food? That part scares me too.
I'd love to share a room with someone and I'd also be scared about it - b/c you don't know the other person they may want to stay up late and you may want to go to bed - they may have 5 of their other friends come over to your room and want to stay up late and gab and you may want to sleep..... and other things. So I guess I'd try to get a room myself.
And how on earth do you all bring cakes there??? Is there an "amateur" division? I haven't been doing cakes that long.....are there certain "sections" of competition? Are there themes? Do most people bring cakes? Do you have to decorate the table all fancy or anything or is that more for the pro's? (I've looked through the gallery on CC here from ICES last year). Can you carry a cake on a plane????
I so want to go but I haven't really traveled much by myself anywhere or had to arrange for hotels, cars, etc. Heck I'm only 25 - before now I wasn't allowed to rent a car by myself. For some reason the car rental companies don't want to rent to people under 25 - or at least that was the case last time I checked. So I really want to go but I'm just scared! And scared of not budgeting enough and running out of money there. I'd hate to go and not be able to take any classes or buy anything - or eat anything!
Thanks to all of you for your tips, hints, and stories. I appreciate it!
Anyway, so do most of you drive? Or fly? I live in Kentucky so Nebraska isn't that close. And if you get a hotel nearby then do you rent a car? Or is there other transportation between hotels and the convention center? Are taxis available? Would they be cheaper or more expensive? About how much do you budget for food? That part scares me too.
In NO I stayed at a different hotel, but it was about a 15-20 min walk to the host hotel so I walked the majority of the time. I did take a taxi once cause I was running late and didn't want to walk in heels (was going to the banquet.)
Last year I drove to Grapevine (little over 2 hour drive) and stayed at a different hotel. I did have my own care then, so it worked out fine for me.
If you do not want to drive a long distance alone (I totally understand) I would find out if someone that is staying at a different hotel would be willing to give you a ride (if you share gas money) to the host hotel, if you stayed at the same hotel. That way you would have your own room and still a ride. Since I am riding with my parents and staying at a different place I am not sure yet how I am going to get back and forth to the hotel. I will either see if they will let me borrow their car or I will take a taxi.
And how on earth do you all bring cakes there??? Is there an "amateur" division? I haven't been doing cakes that long.....are there certain "sections" of competition? Are there themes? Do most people bring cakes? Do you have to decorate the table all fancy or anything or is that more for the pro's? (I've looked through the gallery on CC here from ICES last year). Can you carry a cake on a plane????
I have flown with a cake and I have driven with them. The year I flew I did only take one cake, made from styrofoam and carried it on to the plane with me. You should see the looks when it goes through the screening.
In NO my dad went with me when I registered and to drop the cakes off in the Cake Display room, so I had help carrying them. Last year a friend in Dallas went with me to drop off my cakes, but I had to carry them out myself. I ended up making 3 trips to my car to carry them out. Those that have lots of cakes, or really big cakes will get the Bellmen Bag Carts and use those to transport their cakes. But it depends on when you get there if there are any that are free.
This is not a contest or competetion. It is just a sharing show. Your cake is placed according to state. On the forms you mail in you tell them how much room you need and they allot you that. You do not have access to electicity so there really isn't any really fancy set ups with lights or anything. There are some on new cake stands and such. The tables are rectangles so you don't have to worry about dressing them up really.
I'm not sure what the numbers are on those that bring cakes. But there are usually alot of cakes present. If you bring a cake you are opening yourself up to get a free prize. For ever cake/tier you bring or a 6in board or larger, you get a ticket that gets entered in a drawing. The prizes can be small things or they can be larger items, most are really great things. The second year I went and took more than one display piece I believe I had every one of my tickets drawn. Last year I think I had atleast 5 of my tickets drawn. Also in the past, if you bring a cake you get a small prize even if your ticket is not drawn, just for bring something.
And scared of not budgeting enough and running out of money there. I'd hate to go and not be able to take any classes or buy anything - or eat anything!
How much you need for food will depend on how long you are going to be there. Last year they did have a few fast food places come in and set up booths for lunch. They meals were around $5 I think, but can't remember. I'm also not sure if they will have this again this year. As I mentioned before there is Breakfast and Banquet dinner included in the package. So that is two less meals you have to worry about. I would say you would want atleast $20-$30 a day for food, you might not need it all, but it is better to have too much than not enough. And if you have some left over on Sunday then you can shop more when they start discounting things.
If the hotel you are staying at has free breakfast that will help. If not you could bring something like breakfast bars or if they have a microwave, maybe instant oatmeal. I would also bring something to snack on like peanut butter crackers or such in case you don't have time between demo's for lunch one day or you just aren't very hungry. Don't forget a water bottle that you can keep filling up during the day.
As far as the classes... 8 demos are included with the Deluxe package. Just so those that have never been, the demo's are not hands on. They are just a watch and see type thing. Most will give you handouts, let you take pictures after their demo and you can always take notes during it.
If you want to take more than the 8 demo's you can buy more demo tickets once you are there. I think last year I ended up buying 4 or 5 more demo's while I was there. So you may want to allot $20 or so for extra demo's. When they get the demo list on line in March you will be able to pick teh 8 demo's you want and see if there are any others that you would like to do and have a better idea of how many more you might like to do.
Hope this helps.
Heck ya it helps me too Trace!! I wanted to ask all the questions imartsy asked!! Wow! Thanks!!
Imarsty... I've never been anywhere without my DH. I take that back... I've been to Longview to Mac's DOS!! I've never flown anywhere without DH. I've been married 20 years & I'm 39 yr old so don't feel bad!! If I weren't going with Mac I probably wouldn't go. I really think you should get a friend to go with you. That's just me. It would make you feel safer.
I'm renting a car & staying at Offutt Air Force Base. If anyone is staying close to the convention center or close to the base (not out of the way) & leaves the same time I'm leaving I will be more then happy to give you a ride to your hotel. We CCer's should stick together! Mac won't mind! So as the date gets closer we can talk about that more.
So Trace, the demo's are watch & see? That's good for me! You know how slow I am & how I like to goof off the whole time! I'll take pics & notes at every demo. I plan on spending extra mula to go to every demo I can! I'm sure we'll be in a lot of classes together
Oh thanks for the url! I'm going to it right now!
Diane great info!! So we gotta bring tons of cash!!
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