International Bakery Industry Exposition (IBIE), the Western Hemisphere’s largest baking industry event, is set for September 7-11, 2019 in Las Vegas. One of the big draws for the Baking Expo is a contest that celebrates the world’s top professional cake decorators.

Retail Bakers of America (RBA)’s 18th Annual Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Cake Decorating Competition will challenge the imagination, artistry, and skill of these decorators. Contestant applications are now open for the competition, which will feature six two-member teams consisting of professional cake decorators or pastry chefs who are currently working full time or part time in a cake/cupcake shop, retail bakery, or supermarket bakery, and have at least two years of decorating experience.

They will face off in four categories: wedding, sculpting, fondant, and one surprise category announced at the beginning of the competition. The highest scoring team, as determined by a panel of judges, will be awarded the 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.

“Cake decorating is truly an art form worthy of recognition, appreciation and celebration,” says Lynn Schurman of the Retail Bakers of America. “There is no better place to experience the artistry and passion of cake decorating than at IBIE—the international stage where the entire industry gathers. During this prominent contest, teams will compete for the coveted Pillsbury Bakers' Plus Grand Champion Trophy and the admiration of the industry.”

This year, the competition will take place in the newly designed RBA Bakers Center – Brought to you by Bundy Baking Solutions. To add to the popular event’s excitement and give contestants extended exposure, famed culinary director and TV host of the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie Angela May will be the commentator and provide her expertise on the event.

Last year’s competition took place April 8-9, 2018 during the Atlantic Bakery Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Barbara Evans of The Wedding Cake Connection in Peoria, Illinois and Mary Jo Dowling of Frosting and Crumbs cake studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania took the top prize.