The unconference movement seems far removed from the world of baking, where organization and careful measuring are required to produce a desirable end product. But it’s a useful model for creating events where social networking and easier accessibility take precedence.
Gatherings that centre around food generally require hyper-organization to keep things running smoothly (catering is not a job for the scatterbrained), but the organizers of Toronto’s first CupcakeCamp are hoping that a shared love of the prettily decorated treats and the laid back unconference vibe will be enough to make their event a success.
Modeled after a similar event held last year in San Francisco, CupcakeCampTO organizers Monica Fitzpatrick, Michelle Villagracia and Andre Gaulin are inviting cupcake bakers and cupcake eaters to come together for an afternoon of frosted treats.
Admission is $5 for tasters or $2 for bakers, if they register in advance to bring a dozen cupcakes to share. Tasters will be admitted on a first come, first served basis (there will be a sign-up sheet at the door) and the trio plan to schedule tastings to take place every 15 to 20 minutes.
With more than 40 bakers registered already, Fitzpatrick calculates they can accommodate over 100 tasters, and that the event will be a place for bakers to network; sharing recipes, decorating tips and even business information on things like how to turn a home baking hobby into a small business or as a place for people to find a baker for an upcoming event.
While CupcakeCampTO is geared more towards the home baker, Fitzpatrick and her partners are allowing people to participate by bringing purchased cupcakes if they want to.
“We will definitely differentiate between the two,” says Fitzpatrick, “but it's looking like people are opting to bake rather buy. One of our main priorities was to make this event accessible to all cupcake lovers – whether you use a cake mix, bake from scratch, or buy from a bakery.”
And while most of the participants are home bakers, Fitzpatrick doesn’t rule out the participation of professional bakers or established cupcake shops. “Obviously, we'd love for bakeries to participate, as well, but this is a social event, not a bake sale. It's all about the love & art of the cupcake.”
“Networking is a key component to CupcakeCampTO,” she says. “It's a great way to meet new people, catch up with old friends and promote yourself. There are a lot of talented bakers out there who are afraid to take their talent to the next level, this is definitely the place to showcase your talent and maybe swap some recipes.
“Since CupcakeCamp is inspired by the un-conference movement, people will be sharing their knowledge in a more casual way.”
There will also be a contest element to the event with one cupcake from each dozen registered set aside to be judged. Fitzpatrick and her partners haven’t come up with all the categories yet, but suggests they will “be something along the lines of: Tastiest Cupcake, Most Creative, Best Chocolate Cupcake, etc.”
Fitzpatrick also tells me that all profit from the event will be donated to the Toronto Humane Society.
Blog accounts and video footage of the San Francisco events offer a mixed bag of reactions, ranging from delight at the offerings to stories of arguments and pushing and shoving over samples. For cupcake lovers, the crowds and excitement may not matter, however, for CupcakecampTO offers the potential for Toronto cupcake fans to try many different flavours and styles of the little cakes, as well as come away with information and ideas on how to improve their own creations.
CupcakeCampTO takes place on Sunday, January 25th at Labspace (2 Pape Avenue) from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is $5 at the door, $2 for bakers. The deadline to take part as a baker is Friday, January 23rd. More information about the event can be found on the CupcakeCampTO website.
This idea excites me to no end. I can't wait for the sugar rush, and subsequent crash, that will follow me after I put five lovely cupcakes in my belly. Thanks for putting this together!