The International Cake Exploration Societé (ICES), an organization comprised of more than 3,500 sugar artists, cake decorators and vendors from all over the world, will hold its annual convention July 30-Aug. 2 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill.

Attendees can witness demonstrations and hands-on classes from world-renowned teachers in the craft, meet with authors to see the latest in cake literature, or shop the Vendor Hall, where suppliers from around the world showcase new products to supply cake decorating and sugar arts needs.

The event houses a Cake Gallery with hundreds of examples of some of the finest talent in cake decorating.

Prior to the show, off-site tours will feature Wilton Industries, The French Pastry School and three Chicago bakeries, which are opening their back doors to us for a behind the scenes peek.

The Chicago Area Retail Bakers Association (CARBA) will be holding its annual Creative Cake Contest during the ICES event. Contestants have yet to be announced.

Online registration is available now at www.ices09.org. Click here to view a complete schedule of events, and here to view a complete schedule of demonstrations.