Below are a few pictures of this years Ice Cream Exhibition which had a tremendous turn out of members.

We also want to extend our warmest welcomes to our new incoming President for the year 2009-2010 Andrew Caldwell

Andrew Caldwell - ICA President 2009 - 2010

Do you know who won yet?

Well now you can by clicking HERE

The first thing you will have noticed about this month’s magazine is that it is A5, half the size of the usual edition. This doesn’t of course mean that you have been short changed. The magazine is just as full as it ever is but, this special exhibition edition, which includes a useful write-up by Daniela Morelli on what else Harrogate has to offer to help you enjoy your visit, has been produced in a convenient size for you to bring with you to the exhibition.

This issue features details on all of this year’s exhibitors. As well as some of the more familiar regular exhibitors, I am delighted to advise that we have an additional seventeen exhibitors from packaging, refrigeration and insurance promoting their businesses at this year’s exhibition for the first time. Our code of conduct for the exhibition is going to be applied whereby only businesses who have committed to the success of the event by taking a stand will be able to promote their goods or services in or around the exhibition halls.

All members and previous visitors to the exhibition have been pre-registered with badges being sent out at the end of September. If anyone has not received their pre-registration, or if there are any additional tickets required, please register online or via Head Office.

You can also register for this year’s seminars including a chocolate demonstration by Callebaut on Tuesday at 12 noon, online or via Head Office. Seminars are free to members or £5 per person for non members.

We do value your feedback about your ICA. ICA Team, Lorraine Taylor, Suzanne Redshaw and Phil Pearman will be manning the ICA stand this year and would be happy if you were to stop by to say hello and complete a membership survey with the chance of winning a year’s free membership. Needless to say then that if you do need to talk to any Head Office staff or the Board of Directors during the exhibition, they will only be found at the exhibition.

There is no coach to transfer visitors to and from the train station and the exhibition this year, but we have negotiated special rates with a local taxi firm, Blue Line who can deal with all of your transport requirements.

There is still limited availability at our preferred hotel, Cedar Court, on Monday and Tuesday however Wednesday is fully booked. We have therefore secured the same deal at the Crown hotel for the Wednesday evening; please book now to avoid disappointment as there is limited availability.

Following feedback from members, there is a significant change in this year’s ice cream competition. There will be two Champion of Champions - one Vanilla and one Flavour - and two separate trophies. An additional incentive for entrants is that the winners of all classed will receive promotional support by Verrill Media, a PR company which has been engaged by the ICA. We have also negotiated special rates for any members wishing to engage Verrill Media to assist them with their own PR.

Before closing I would like to thank the President, Geoff Wraithmell, for his support during his Presidency, and particularly for joining us to promote the ICA at SIGEP and Stoneleigh.

I look forward to seeing you in Harrogate 2009.