The Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo takes place March 12, 2025 at State Fair Park

The Wisconsin Bakers Association will be hosting not one, not two, but SEVEN bakery and dessert competitions at the Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. 

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.

• Art of the Tart
• Best of the Midwest Hand Pie Contest
• Kooky Cookie Cutter Challenge
• Piece of Cake Contest (Theme: Tea Party)
• Sourdough Showdown
• Tiered Cake Challenge: Extreme Birthday Edition
• Ultimate Donut Duel

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 14, 2025. The standard registration deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025. 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 – Not-Yet Members – $45
• Standard – WBA and WRA Members  – $45
• Standard – Not-Yet Members – $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 12th 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 12th.

• 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.

Be sure to register today to attend the Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo! 

The foodservice and hospitality industries are coming together with an ALL NEW, fast-paced day of sharing everything that you need for your business in 2025! This industry trade show will deliver an easy, fun and efficient way to test out products, connect with current and new suppliers, hear best practices from peers and get inspired by what’s ahead. Learn more at wifoodexpo.com.