Welcome to the International Cake Exploration Societe (ICES)! We are delighted that you have chosen to visit us and hope that you will find our web site informative.

ICES is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the sugar arts. Our membership includes a varied assortment of sugar artists, ranging from the hobbyists and home bakers to professional cake decorators, caterers, and exhibitors. Our masterpieces can be as small as gum paste roses or as large as wedding cakes for thousands.  From a tiny, perfect rose in sugar to the towering sugar sculptures you've seen on televised competitions.

I invite you to browse our pages to learn more about our fascinating organization. You can view a sampling of our talents by clicking on Cake Photographs. These photographs also appear in our monthly newsletter along with additional photos submitted by our Members.

If you are interested in joining ICES, please click on Membership. You can register via this secure and encrypted web site. Should you wish to join by mail, click on Contacts and then scroll to the bottom of the page to click on "Membership Coordinator" to request a membership brochure and sign-up form. Our memberships are $60.00 for US Members and $75.00 for International Members. Associate Memberships are also available for $25.00 for persons who reside with or work for a charter/regular member and use the same address as the charter/regular member. The Associate Member does not receive the newsletter, but has all other membership rights. Becoming an ICES Member is the best way to expand your knowledge and appreciation of sugar art.

In addition to increasing your knowledge, there are several perks that accompany an ICES membership. Each Regular, Charter, and Lifetime Member receives 11 issues of our newsletter which is packed with pictures, convention information, "how-to", recipes, classified ads, and other valuable information. As an ICES Member of the international organization, you also enjoy the benefits of local membership in your state/area/country/province. Your Representative will keep you informed of your local Days of Sharing (local meetings including demonstrations of various techniques), classes, and shows in your area. If you would like to contact your local Representative immediately and find out more about ICES in your area, click on Contacts and then either State or International Representatives. Most of our Representatives have email addresses and would be happy to assist you.

An additional perk of membership is a reduced entry fee for our Annual Show and Convention. Our 33rd Annual Show and Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida in July 2008. Information is available now by clicking on "Annual Convention" link. Additional information will be added periodically.

"What does one do at Convention, you ask?" Just check the list below and imagine the possibilities that become available to you.

• Attend demonstrations at every skill level, from basic to professional and foreign techniques.
• View hundreds of sugar art displays that have been brought to the Show from all over the world.  Everyone from beginner to expert is encouraged to bring a display.
• Speak with authors who have written various books and publications dedicated to sugar artistry.
• Purchase cake decorating and sugar art supplies from the world's leading suppliers.
• Attend and participate in our General Membership Meeting, including voting for the ICES Board of Directors and Officers.
• Attend our Saturday Evening Banquet and awards presentation.
• Attend a special Sunday Night of Sharing when even more sugar art decorating ideas are shared.

If you have any questions about ICES or our web site, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@ices.org. 

Sincerely,
B. Keith Ryder
ICES President 2006-2008