Our intrepid correspondent, Mayra Estrada of Cake Creations by ME, kindly shared her experiences from last weekend’s LA Cookie Con & Sweets Show.
I had heard about LA Cookie Con in 2015 but since it was their first convention, I was unable to purchase a ticket in time to attend. I made it a point to attend it this year and made sure to purchase my ticket with plenty of time. I also decided to enter the wedding category competition, as the benefits are for The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Since this was my first time, I did not know what to expect, but I can say it was definitely an experience. I arrived early and was able to enter into to the convention before the public. This was nice, because I was able to walk around and meet vendors and exhibitors. As I walked around, I saw Ron Ben-Israel walking to each vendor introducing himself and wishing them luck, which I thought was amazing. Of course, I had to get a selfie and he was more than happy to say yes which made my day even more special.
The press and VIP were the first to enter the show and were given 1 hour to meet and greet before the public was given access. As the day progressed, the convention was completely filled and I was told there were approximately 10,000 guests.
They had a great variety of vendors that varied from cake decorating products, cookies, ice cream, flavorings, chocolates, coffee, tees, beef jerky and food. Vegan and gluten-free products were also available by a few vendors. The sampling of all these was definitely a sugar rush, but well worth it as they variation in foods and flavoring were all delicious.
As a cake decorator, I did see one item that was new on the market. It’s an airflow dispenser pen you can use with royal icing, buttercream and piping jell with color. It has 4 different size tips. If you call them directly, let them know you weren’t able to make the show but would love to get their new airflow pen for the show price special which was $60.00. The pen is by Paasche, Paascheairbrush.com, (773) 867-9191.
The show also had two VIP areas where there were selective vendors demonstrating their product. This was nice as only those that were exhibitors and had VIP passes could get in so you could sit and take a break from the roaring crowd.
They had a children’s section where kids could decorate cupcakes, cookies and face painting.
There were several stages around the convention where vendors would give small demonstrations during the day on various products, baking and cake decorating.
They had one large stage for the main events which was located at the back of the convention.
The main events and the highlights for me were Ron Ben-Israel who gave a wonderful demonstration on his sugar flowers. Duff Goldman presented an extremely large cake in honor of the event and generously shared it with the crowd by handing out slices.
Another great demonstration was by Fernanda. She gave a demonstration on making fondant toppers with Satin Ice fondant.
It was exciting to meet contenders from the different shows on The Food Network. Sunday was a more relaxed day for demonstrations. Most of the demonstrations were children from The Food Network which was really awesome to watch too.
I truly enjoyed this event and would say it’s a very nice experience. I met so many wonderful people.
If you plan to attend and go for only one day, I would suggest going on Saturday as it seems that’s when they have the best demonstrations.
Oh and my moment of fame was amazing, I won 1st place in the wedding category competition and was presented with a trophy by Ron Ben-Israel!!!!
Congratulations on your win Mayra! Thanks so much for sharing your take on this year’s LA Cookie Con & Sweets Show.
