Vendor Opportunities
SHOW BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The 2025 Sugar Art Show and Cake Competition, marking the 19th annual event hosted by the Capital Confectioners Cake Club, will take place at the Bastrop Convention Center, just east of Austin, TX. By 2015, That Takes the Cake had grown into one of the largest shows in the country, with 2020 being the biggest event to date, featuring over 55 vendors, 300 competitors, and more than 500 entries across various categories, attracting over 4,000 attendees. However, the tumultuous years following 2020, largely due to COVID-19, forced the cancellation of many shows and led the Club to downsize the event to remain financially sustainable and relevant.
The downsized show will now be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, which offers a spacious 26,000 sq. ft. layout. The venue provides room for 300 competition entries, an on-site stage for live competitions and demonstrations, 20 vendor spaces, covered outdoor areas, and free parking. The new location is conveniently close to hotels, restaurants, and shopping, enhancing the overall attendee experience.
The theme for the 2025 show is “Cake Invaders,” with Sugar Showpiece competitors tasked with creating edible works inspired by video games. Attendees will have the opportunity to view these creations, attend mini-classes, demonstrations, and on-site competitions, and shop from a select group of vendors. Vendor space is limited, and invitations are being extended on a priority basis. We hope you will join us for That Takes the Cake 2025!
IMPORTANT SHOW DATES & TIMES
Setup:
Public Hours:
Move Out:
Friday, March 28 – 2 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, March 29 – 7 AM – 10 AM
Saturday, March 29 – 11 AM – 6 PM – General Admission
Sunday, March 30 – 10 AM – 5 PM – General Admission
Sunday, March 30 – 5 PM – 8 PM
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Capital Confectioners Club has developed and implemented a Code of Conduct that details our expected standards for participation in this and all Capital Confectioners events. Click the links below to view our Code of Conduct:
Código de conducta
VENUE INFORMATION
Th Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center is located in the charming Historic District of downtown Bastrop. The BCEC is owned by the City of Bastrop, and is conveniently located off TX-Highways 71, 21, and 95—just 25 minutes east of Austin. The facility is a 26,000-square-foot space which includes a large ballroom, four classrooms, two large patios, providing space for the vendors, on-site demonstration/competition area, as well as the display of the cakes. There is plenty of free parking and ground level access directly into the facility for vendors and competitors.
BOOTH INFORMATION
Each vendor booth consists of one 10’ x 10’ booth space and includes two 6’ draped tables with 2 chairs, electricity, a booth sign, an 8’ tall pipe and drape at the back of the booth, and 3’ tall pipe and drape side separations. After that date, we reserve the right to make this space available to an alternate vendor. Additional tables can be rented for $25 each and there is no charge for extra chairs.
Booth Fees
All booth fees are $600 for the weekend.
Click Here to View the 2025 Layout
Additional Show Information and Rules
The promotion, display, and sale of merchandise or services must be confined to the allocated merchant booth space to provide adequate walkways for attendance and clearance as required by the fire marshal.
A standard electrical plug with a power strip will be provided with each booth. If additional electricity is needed, contact the Vendor Care Team at vendorcare@thattakesthecake.org
Vendor registration includes access for 4 workers to the hospitality lounge with drinks and snacks each day. Additional badges can be purchased for $50 each.
Booths will be assigned by the Show Committee based on vendor application and booth payment receipt date, as well as product type, to ensure a good flow for the Show layout. Booth placement priority is given to sponsors and prior vendors.
Vendor space is limited, and it is expected that the vendor spaces will sell out. A waiting list will be maintained for interested potential vendors if a space becomes available. Because of the space limitations, vendor space will be restricted to vendors whose products and services most closely align with the interests and needs of the cake decorating and sugar arts industry.
There will be no refunds of vendor fees.
Vendors agree that their booth will be set up by 10:00 am Saturday, March 29, 2025, and that it will be set up and manned during public and VIP hours. Vendor’s move-out starts at 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and must be completed by 8:00 pm unless prior arrangements have been made with the Show Committee.
To facilitate communications with our committee, all questions and comments must be sent to vendorcare@thattakesthecake.org and should not be sent to any individual. Vendors communicating with an individual will be directed to address all communications to the vendor care email.
SHIPPING
Please note that due to space limitations at the new venue, we are unable to accommodate advance shipment of vendor materials, a service we’ve offered in the past. We encourage you to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the event.
VIP SHOPPING
Get ready for an exclusive VIP Shopping Hour from 10 AM to 11 AM on both Saturday and Sunday! On Saturday, the show floor will be open only to our VIP shoppers, giving them the first chance to browse and snag the best deals. Each VIP shopper will receive a special swag bag, and we encourage you to make their experience extra sweet with a special offer – whether it’s a discount, BOGO, or a gift. Let us know what irresistible deal you’ll be offering by March 1st, so we can spread the word and get VIPs excited to visit your booth!
SWAG BAGS
As part of your vendor fee, you have the opportunity to include informational flyers, coupons, or product samples in the swag bags distributed to all competitors. This is an excellent way to promote your products directly to participants and drive traffic to your booth. To ensure your items are included, they must be received by Monday, March 17th. Please note that due to space limitations at the new venue, we are unable to accommodate advance shipment of vendor materials, a service we’ve offered in the past. We encourage you to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the event. Swag bag items can be sent to our treasurer, Irene Hackbarth at: Irene Hackbarth 2719 Emelia Lane Round Rock, Texas Items must be received by Monday, March 17th to be included in the bags.EXPOSURE & SOCIAL MEDIA
Vendor listings and information will be included in applicable publications including but not limited to: the That Takes the Cake website, emails, print ads, and social media. Vendors are encouraged to promote their participation at That Takes the Cake through their own social media and publicity channels to maximize their exposure.SECURITY
The Capital Confectioners Cake Club, Show Committee, volunteers, and sponsors assume no responsibility or liability for any loss, expense, damage, or claim of any kind to the vendor, their property, or merchandise, regardless of the cause. It is the vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure proper insurance coverage for their property and merchandise, as the Show will not provide any insurance protection against losses or damages. While the facility will be locked and secured during non-public hours, this does not alter the vendor’s responsibility for their own goods and materials.
If you have questions please contact our Vendor Care Committee at vendorcare@thattakesthecake.org.
Please contact us for additional details and to customize your sponsorship.