“ When we began understanding the real costs to run Cake! Camp this year, we realised the economics had shifted dramatically. Venue pricing, staffing and insurance had all increased significantly while class sizes can’ t really change without compromising the learning.
We also know many ACDN members are facing very real financial pressures, a big increase to ticket pricing was not something I was willing to consider.
Rather than risk ruining the event or dramatically increasing ticket prices, I made the difficult decision to pause and rethink the format. We are working hard to explore how we can meet together as a community.”
Emma A Holliday, Australian Cake Decorating Network Director
What is happening now may represent another transition. Rather than disappearing entirely, cake events are likely to evolve into a more diverse, smaller gatherings, digital learning, and collaborative experiences.
Large flagship festivals like Festival of Cake and Cake! Camp may still return, but they will need new models: stronger sponsorship, partnership with major venues, or more premium ticket offerings.
In the meantime, the passion that drives the cake community remains strong. Decorators continue to create extraordinary work, educators continue to share knowledge, and cake still draws a crowd wherever it is served. The challenge for us ahead is simply finding new ways for our community to meet.
Sources Australian Bureau of Statistics – Consumer Price Index Australian Bureau of Statistics – Producer Price Index Insurance Council of Australia – Civil Liability Insurance Report ASIC – Corporate Insolvency Update
Image Sources Blazer Exhibits, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Golf Business Technology, Canva