by Kate Bentham

It’s the first ever CommsCampNorth, and for those who haven’t been to a CommsCamp before it’s my job, as Official Cake Monitor, to let you into a secret.

You may have thought that you have signed up to one of the biggest free unconference events for comms people in the country, if not the world, but actually, CommsCamp isn’t really about the comms, it’s all about the cake. There, I’ve said it.

I’ve been Official Cake Monitor since the first CommsCamp in Birmingham 2013 and delighted to be able to take the cake table on tour to Manchester for CommsCampNorth.

For those who haven’t been to a CommsCamp before, let me fill you in on the main points you will need to know about the cake table:

• The cake table only works because of the lovely people who bake cakes and bring them along for others to share. If you can, please bake a cake. It’s amazing how conversations and networking improve with a bit of lemon drizzle.
• If you do bake you will be entered into the CommsCamp Star Baker competition. It’s a fiercely fought contest with many underhand tactics trying to sway the judges, there’s no surprise in that, the prize is amazing.
• If you’re not a cake baker, don’t worry, there’s no shame in bringing along a shop bought cake, we appreciate them too – although please don’t try and pass it off as one you’ve made. You may think that adding a bit of decoration, or taking it out of the packet and putting it into a tin will fool some but we’ll find out.
• We also need cake eaters. We ask those that can, to make a donation to charity in return for a slice of yummy cake. Look out for the donation bucket on the cake table and please give generously. Just think how much you’d pay for a slice in one of those fancy coffee shops, and give it to a good cause instead.
• If you donate for cake, be sure to take a raffle ticket. This will enter you into the end of camp naff raffle, where you will amaze yourself with a sudden desire to win a signed David Hasslehoff poster.
• If you have similar unique prizes for the end of camp raffle then please bring them along. Think tatt, think naff, think car boot sale gold, that’s the sort of thing we’re looking for.
  As an experienced cake eater, my cake table tips include a visit to the gym the day before to help easy any guilt, wearing baggy or elasticated clothes, and bring the big coins to donate to charity.
• And remember, scientists have proven that all cake calories consumed during a CommsCamp don’t count. Bonus.

So, happy baking, happy eating, happy CommsCampNorth. See you with your baked goods at the cake table on April 27 2017.