The Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo takes place March 13, 2024 at State Fair Park

The Wisconsin Bakers Association will be hosting several bakery and dessert competitions at Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. 

College Students and Industry Professionals are invited to compete in our Baking & Cake Decorating Competitions at Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo!

All competitors must either represent a licensed food service facility (bakeries, cafes, grocery stores, restaurants) or be a college student currently enrolled in a Baking & Pastry Arts or Culinary program (certificate or degree).

Each participant will receive a complimentary registration to attend the event!

For rules and information, please click on the name of the contest below.

• Creative Cake Decorating Competition (Theme: Hyper Realistic Cakes)
• Kooky Cookie Cutter Challenge
• Piece of Cake Contest (Theme: Gnome Sweet Gnome)
• Extreme Wedding Cake Challenge (Fondant & Non-Fondant)

• NEW – Bakers Best Brownies (Classic, Nuts, Fruit, Blondies)

Sign up here to compete in this year's Baking & Cake Decorating Competitions!

Registration & Entry Fees:

The early registration deadline for all of the bakery competitions is Friday, February 16, 2024. The standard registration deadline is Friday, March 1, 2024. All entries must be registered in advance. Late entries may be allowed if space permits but will be charged a $50 late fee per entry.

Early registration allows WBA and WRA Members to take advantage of the lowest entry fees - starting at $30!

• Early – WBA and WRA Members – $30

• Early – Non-Member – $45

• Standard – WBA and WRA Members  – $45

• Standard – Non-Member – $60

Skill Levels:

• Baking & Pastry Arts or Culinary (College Student)

• Industry Novice (Up to 2 years experience)

• Industry Professional (2+ years experience)

Judging & Awards:

• Judging will be held at the Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo on Wednesday, March 13th by a team of qualified judges selected by the Wisconsin Bakers Association.

• The judges will complete a comment sheet for each entry; copies of those sheets will be sent to each entrant within 10 days via your pre-registered email address.

• Entries in each skills division are judged separately.

• All judges’ decisions are final.

• Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 13th.

• All entries will be judged professionally.

• Awards will be given on a points-based system.

• The highest scoring entry in the competition will receive a Best of Show Trophy.

• Additional awards may include Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver, & Gold Medals, People’s Choice, and Judge’s Choice.