Sweet Fest!

It's almost time for the 2016 Sweet Fest Business Convention!! This September 23-25, 2016, business owners in the sweets industry can head down to Atlanta to attend this fantastic event. This conference is a bit different from your average cake/confectionary convention because it focuses on the business side of the industry, rather than the artistic side. Let's be real, it doesn't matter how beautiful your cake design is, or how mouthwatering your cookies are if you don't know how to attract, appeal to, and retain customers. This business savvy and fun convention is more than a trade show, competition, or expo. It is aimed at Sweet Entrepreneurs who want to learn how to grow and manage their business by sharing business knowledge and tools specific to our industry! Oh, and guess who is one of the presenters? Chef Nicholas!

Chef Nicholas is one of five presenters (there are also four conference mentors) who will leave the cake decorating tools at home, and instead discuss aspects of their careers that have made all the difference in building their businesses. The topics that will be covered over the course of the weekend will include, pricing, contracts, customer relations, finance, accounting, marketing strategies, small business legal, and branding and sponsorship. Chef Nicholas, the brand ambassador for Renshaw, will be leading the branding and sponsorship seminar on Saturday morning.

These topics are really wonderful for anyone to attend, running any kind of business is hard work, and these seminars are designed to educate business owners in the sweets industry on how to better their business from nearly every angle. Ever wondered if you are pricing your items correctly? Want to learn how to attract your ideal clients? Then this conference is for you! This is the only conference specifically designed to help the sweets community with business development. It doesn't matter if you are just starting your business, or if you have been in the game for years- this conference should not be missed by anyone in the sweets industry.

Oh, and there will be some pleasure to go along with all the business! There will be two evening socials! On Friday, September 23, thee Skills Share-A-Thon will showcase product and technique demonstrations while attendees enjoy food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and networking. Saturday night, September 24, there will be an 80s Party!!! Attendees are asked (but not required) to dress in full 80s attire: leg warmers, oversized sweat shirts, and day glo colors! Don't forget to tease up that hair! The conference will close on Sunday, September 25, with a fun goodbye brunch. 

Chef Nicholas and I hope that everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to improve and strengthen your business. And of course WE (yep, I'll be there!) hope to see you all at the 2016 Sweet Fest Business Convention!

Sweetly yours, 

Stephanie

Don't just follow our blog! Follow Chef Lodge on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Winner of the 2015 Craftsy Blogger Award for Best Craftsy Cake Decorating Instructor Blog

Chef Nicholas Lodge: 2015 Finalist for the Cake Masters Cake Hero Award.