From demonstrations and classes, to three live challenges, to a "cupcake cocktail hour," to a vendor hall and cake competition, the National Capital Area Cake Show proved to be just what attendees were looking for - no matter what they were looking for.

Almost every hands-on class was booked full, and students learned techniques such as airbrushing, ribbons and drapes and fondant painting from the nations top decorators.

Demonstrations from vendors showcased techniques and troubleshoooting on a variety of products, including Designer Stencils and Lucks' Designer Prints.

Live TV-style challenges were a huge draw for decorators who wanted to see techniques first-hand from celebrity decorators, as well as consumers looking for a brush with cake fame. Saturday's live celebrity challenge was a competition between Bob Brougham, Kathy Scott, Mike Elder, and the newest to the fray, the Next Great Baker Dana Herbert.

And of course, no cake show would be complete without the competition in the cake room. Decorators came from all over the country to enter their cakes into the competition, showing off cakes in various levels of Divisional and Wedding cakes.

New this year was a cupcake challenge, which drew more than 100 cupcake bakers. The theme was "cocktail hour," and contestants were asked to create cupcakes surrounding that theme.

If you missed the show this year, mark your calendar and don't miss next year's show. It's a treasure trove of tips, tricks and inspiration, no matter what your level of expertise.