ICES is so much more than just an annual convention. I know we spend a lot of time talking about it, planning the details, and encouraging everyone to attend. Now don’t get me wrong, we hope you will attend the convention later this month, we need you to attend….but ICES is not just a convention, we are so much more.
First and foremost, we are a 43-year-old membership organization based on the principles of Caring and Sharing. We are an evolving and changing organization. We publish a newsletter 11 times a year that keeps members abreast of what is happening with ICES, as well as providing our members with tutorials, pictures, and other information. We are an organization of volunteers who selflessly give of their time and talents to host local meetings, Days of Sharing, Cake Shows, and other events all over the world. We give scholarships so that recipients can further their skills. Our educational programming includes ICES Master Sugar Artist, Certified Master Sugar Artist, and the Certified Judges Program, along with the multitude of classes and demonstrations offered through ICES at both the local and international level. We recognize the dedication of our members and celebrate them. We learn, we network, we grow, and we have FUN! We are more than just members of an organization, we are a Family, a Family of very diverse Sugar Artists.
ICES celebrates diversity and is an inclusive organization. There is a place in ICES for everyone interested in the Sugar Arts. Beginner through Professional, Hobbyist through Chef, ICES has a place for you. If your interest is cakes, cookies, chocolate, isomalt or another confectionary art….ICES has a place for you. If you want to get involved…we can put you to work. If you want to just want to come and partake of the things we offer…we welcome you with open arms. If you are no longer active in the organization but keep your membership current because you believe in what ICES stands for…you are important to ICES and ICES has a place for you. Our membership numbers are improving. Our finances are stabilizing. We ae looking forward to a bright and healthy future for ICES, a wonderfully inclusive membership organization for all who love the Sugar Arts.
And now as we begin final preparations for our Annual General Membership Meeting, Convention and Show, we reflect on our past and plan for our future. In just a few weeks our members from across the globe will arrive in Cincinnati, OH, taking the time to gather together to celebrate our common interests, learn from each other, and do the business of ICES. We will be electing officers and board members, as well as, voting on several issues that will affect the future of ICES. We will come together as more than just members. Think of it as our ICES Family Reunion. I hope you will be joining us in Cincinnati. ICES has a place for YOU!