A CELEBRATION OF CAKE & COMMUNITY

the big
cake exchange

Bake a cake. Bring it. Swap it. Eat it.
A celebration of baking — and the community it creates.

MAY

31

Sunday
4:00 — 7:00 PM

THE BIG CAKE EXCHANGE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

📍 NMWA · 1250 New York Ave NW · Washington, DC

We're taking the exchange to one of DC's most extraordinary venues. Bring your most inspired whole cake and trade it with fellow bakers in the stunning galleries of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Drinks, music, and community -- plus one room absolutely full of incredible homemade cake.

BRING A WHOLE CAKE $15 ADMISSION WITH SUPPORT FROM SAN PELLEGRINO

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ANOTHER EVENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

📍 A venue near you

We are always looking at dates and venue availability. Once we finalize those details we will announce ticket sales on Instagram — be sure to follow along for more.

Just A Couple of Gals With A Sweet Tooth

Meet the founders — brought together by their love of cake and community.

TIFFANY & JILL · THE BIG CAKE EXCHANGE

Jill Nguyen

CO-FOUNDER · @CAPITOLJILLBAKING

Jill is the baker behind @capitoljillbaking, a celebrated neighborhood microbakery and cake workshop based in Capitol Hill. A first-generation Vietnamese-American, she specializes in sourdough bread, naturally leavened pastries, and modern, whimsical cakes. She regularly hosts events and collaborates with chefs and restaurants in DC, in addition to her wildly popular weekly bread and pastry sale.

✨ GREAT MOMENT

Jill didn't bake at all before April 2020 (not even cookies, not even a brownie) -- and just recently saw one of the breads she worked on featured in the Michelin Guide. 😭

🍞 FUN FACTS

Works almost exclusively with Italian meringue buttercream, loves curvature in nature, and prefers an 80°F warm day -- just like her sourdough starter, Scarlett Doughhanson.

Tiffany MacIsaac

CO-FOUNDER · @TIFFMACISAAC

Tiffany is a 3x James Beard Semifinalist pastry chef -- currently "retired" after 22 years in the industry, but still finds herself baking daily because she just loves it that much. She began her career in New York, where she was eventually honored with the title of pastry chef at two separate Michelin-star properties. She later moved to DC with her husband (also a chef), where she owned and operated Buttercream Bakeshop for nearly 10 years.

✨ GREAT MOMENT

Being included in Art Culinaire Magazine -- and having one of her desserts on the cover of that issue.

🌺 FUN FACT

Born and raised on Maui -- and can't wait to move back. Also obsessed with her two dogs and cats.

Need To Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring a cake? ▾

ABSOLUTELY! The first and foremost rule of The Big Cake Exchange is that each attendee has to bring a cake.

How big should my cake be? ▾

Please bring a WHOLE, uncut cake, at least 6" in diameter and 5" tall. If you're planning to bring a sheet cake or a bundt cake, please make sure it can cut at least 10–12 servings. We encourage larger cakes so more people can try a slice!

What does my general admission ticket include? ▾

It varies slightly event to event, but generally your ticket includes a non-alcoholic beverage, a box for cake slices to take home, and a donation to the partner charity. Your ticket also helps us purchase supplies to set up and clean up the event. With a general admission ticket you must bring one full cake per person.

What comes with my VIP ticket? ▾

Again, it varies event to event, but it includes all the same things as the general ticket — except you do NOT need to bring a cake. Of course you can if you want to, but you don't have to!

Can I bring my friend just to hang out? ▾

Unfortunately everyone who attends must have a ticket and must bring their own cake. No sharing or splitting one cake between multiple people to gain entry.

Can I bring my child? ▾

While all ages are welcome, every attendee must have a ticket and a cake. We've found that children ages 12 and older tend to enjoy the event the most!

Can I use nuts in my cake? ▾

Definitely! If you can cake it, you can make it! Though please keep in mind there will be people with allergies, so cakes with nuts will be placed at a separate table to avoid cross-contamination. We will ask you to label your cake CLEARLY with any life-threatening allergens. All attendees should proceed with caution when consuming cakes, as we cannot account for every allergy.

How many cakes can I bring? ▾

The more the merrier!!!! Each attendee is required to bring at least one, but if you're feeling it, bring as many as your heart desires. Some people bring 3–4 cakes each!

Can I bring cupcakes or bars? ▾

Sorry, but no. The cake must be a whole, uncut cake at least 6" wide and 5" tall. If you want to bring a sheet cake or bundt cake, just make sure it can cut a minimum of 10–12 servings. (We love cupcakes. This is just not their event.)

Do I need to bake the cake myself? ▾

We would love to see your best work, but *Ina Garten's voice* storebought is fine! As long as you bring a whole, uncut cake (at least 6" in diameter and 5" tall, or 10–12 servings) you're good to go. But please consider baking one — that's the fun of it all.

What should I bring my cake in? ▾

That's totally up to you! We recommend placing your cake on a disposable cake board in a secured disposable box or carrier so it arrives safely. If your cake is on a plate or a reusable board, you'll need to wait until all the slices have been claimed before you can grab it back.

Will there be food or drink on site? ▾

This varies event to event — check the ticket page for each event for details.

Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend? ▾

We are organizing this event as a positive community space, using our time and energy outside of work. While it's unfortunate that you can no longer attend — especially since tickets tend to sell out — we are not able to offer refunds. We do try to facilitate trades on Instagram, so check there for a "ticket swap" post.

I have an allergy. Can I still come? ▾

The short answer is "yes!" — all are welcome. The long answer is "at your own risk." We do everything possible to separate severe allergens — cakes containing nuts are on separate tables in a separate area. That said, it is the honor system, and while we have not had any issues to date, we can never be 100% sure cakes are labeled correctly. Please proceed at your own risk.

We request that other allergens like coconut, sesame, and soy are written on the labels, but they are not on separate tables.

It should be assumed that every cake contains gluten, dairy, and soy lecithin (from cooking spray).

Do you plan to do a Vegan or Gluten Free Cake Exchange? ▾

Unfortunately not at this time. But good news! Head on over to the "Host Your Own" tab on our website and see all the instructions for hosting your own!

What does a Cake Exchange look like?

See for yourself…

Tag us in your photos and use #BigCakeExchange

@thebigcakeexchange @tiffmacisaac @capitoljillbaking

⬇ Download Host Toolkit PDF ⬇ Download Checklist

why we do this

Cake exchanges are one of the most joyful, low-barrier ways to build real community. Whether you're welcoming a family to the neighborhood, getting together with friends, or hosting a larger neighborhood event — a cake exchange is an excellent way to come together.

After seeing big companies hosting cake exchanges around the country and struggling to get any to come to the DMV, Jill and Tiffany decided to throw their own: bring a cake, meet your community, go home with a box full of something new. This toolkit is for anyone who wants to host in the same spirit. Bring a cake. Eat many cakes. Leave with a full belly and heart.

The concept in 30 seconds: Every attendee purchases a ticket and brings a whole, uncut cake. Groups take turns cutting slices and filling a box with samples. Guests go home with a box of slices and new friends. Homemade is the spirit — but store-bought is welcome. Sheet cake, bundt, angel food — as long as it's whole and serves at least 12, you're in. Cake required. Fork optional.

what size is right for you?

Every size works. The steps are the same — only the quantities change.

🏠

Cozy

8 – 20

Home, backyard, apartment common area · Entry fee optional · Budget ~$50–$140 · Charity tie-in not required

🏘️

Neighborhood

20 – 60

Park, community room, restaurant patio · $15–20 recommended · Budget ~$140–$450 · Charity highly recommended

🏛️

Community

60 – 200

Museum, gallery, restaurant event space · $20–30, VIP tier available · Budget ~$450–$1,400 · Charity essential

🌟

Big Event

200+

Convention space, outdoor venue, large hall · $25+, tiered pricing · Budget $1,500+ · Charity critical — seek sponsorship

step-by-step planning

1

LOCK THE BASICS

Date & time — Weekends work best. 2–4 hours is the sweet spot. We love Sunday afternoons so people have Saturday to bake. Avoid overlap with major local events.
Guest count — This determines everything else. Pick a number and plan to that capacity.
Venue — Must have tables for cake display, a check-in area, and space to mingle. For 40+ guests, confirm outside homemade food is permitted and prepare to use a waiver.
Charity partner — Optional but powerful. Even a casual event can donate $5/head to a local cause.

2

SET UP TICKETING

For events of 20+, ticketing is highly recommended. Use Eventbrite, Partiful, or your venue's system.
Include the cake requirement clearly in the ticket description and confirmation email.
VIP tier (larger events): $75 for first access to cake slices. VIP guests do not need to bring a cake. Recommend ~5–8% of total tickets as VIP.
Comp tickets: Reserve 10–15% for professional bakers and pastry chefs — invite them to bring extra or larger sheet cakes.
Partner with a vendor to supply NA beverages. Water must always be available — this is key.

3

RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS

For 25+ guests: at least 3 volunteers. For 100+: 6–8.
Check-in & wristbanding — 1 volunteer per 40–50 guests
Cake table management & allergen labeling — 1 person per 2 tables
Slicing & distribution — 1 volunteer per 30 guests
Social media / photography — 1–2 volunteers

Tip: Partner with your charity beneficiary — they often have volunteers who will help in exchange for visibility. And if your event sells out, people usually line up to help because all volunteers get to cut cakes too!

4

ORDER SUPPLIES

See the full supplies checklist in the section below — or download the printable checklist.

5

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR GUESTS

Send a reminder email 48 hours before the event reiterating the cake requirement, allergen labeling instructions, what to bring, and venue details. Include the disclaimer language.

supplies checklist

Best sources: Webstaurantstore.com or Restaurant Depot for bulk. Amazon for wristbands, tablecloths, straws. Local print shop or Staples for printed materials (4"×6" postcard size).

Item	🏠 Cozy (8–20)	🏘 Neighborhood (20–60)	🏛 Community (60–200)	🌟 Big Event (200+)
6-ft rental tables (~12–13 cakes each; separate table for NUTS)	1–3	4–8	8–20	22+
Rental sound system	Not needed	Possibly	Definitely	Definitely
Cake slice boxes + cake pads (allow 10% extra)	10–25	30–70	75–220	220+
Cake flavor/info cards (postcard size, allow 10–20% extra)	10–25	30–70	75–220	220+
Pens — Sharpies + regular (lots needed)	8–10	15–30	40–80	80+
Disposable nitrile gloves	2 boxes	2 boxes	2–3 boxes	3+ boxes
Disposable cake knives (1 per cake + 15% for breakage)	10–25	25–80	70–230	250+
Plastic forks	20–30	60–90	150–250	300+
Napkins	1 pack	2 packs	4–6 packs	10+ packs
Wax paper pulls (for picking up slices)	2–3 boxes	4–6 boxes	8–10 boxes	15+ boxes
Hand sanitizer at check-in	1 bottle	2 bottles	4 bottles	6+ bottles
Wristbands — color-coded + 15% extra	Not needed	3 colors	4 colors	5–6 colors
Allergen signage (printed)	1–3 signs	4–6 signs	8–12 signs	15+ signs
Welcome / event signage	1 sign	2–4 signs	5–6 signs	8+ signs
Table covers (one color standard; different color for NUT table)	2–3	4–6	8–12	15+
Cleaning supplies, paper towels, trash bags	Basic kit	Basic kit	Full kit	Full kit + venue supply

⬇ Download Printable Checklist

event day flow

This schedule is designed for a 2-hour event for 100. Adjust proportionally. The color-coded wristband system prevents a cake-table stampede — do not skip it for groups of 30+.

2–4 HOURS BEFORE

Pre-fold the boxes (takes significant time — recruit helpers!). Set up tables, tablecloths, and signs. Count and prepare wristbands. Get Sharpies and pens distributed. Place gloves, wax paper, and cake cutters throughout tables. Have a quick team meeting and assign leads for each area.

FIRST 30–60 MIN
Check-in & Setup

Guests arrive, receive a wristband + cake flavor card, and drop off their cake. Each cake is labeled by the guest with flavor, allergens, and their name. Nut-containing cakes go to the designated zone. Guests mingle and explore.

30–75 MIN
Slicing Begins

Call wristband groups up in 6–7-minute windows. Each group gets first access to fill their slice box. This keeps lines manageable and the energy high.

75–95 MIN
Open Sampling

All tables open to everyone. Guests go back for seconds, chat with bakers, trade slice boxes. This is the golden hour — music up, energy high. Perfect moment for brief remarks, a charity shout-out, or a raffle.

LAST 30–90 MIN
Wind Down

Remaining cake can be boxed and taken home by guests. Tables broken down, space reset. Send volunteers and guests off with a thank-you.

fun extras we've loved

✍️ THE INSPIRATION WALL

Put up a wall of post-its where guests write who inspired their baking journey. It becomes the most-photographed element of the event. Prompt: "Who taught you to bake?" or "What does cake mean to you?"

🎨 FLASH TATTOO ARTIST

Have a local tattoo artist doing flash tattoos and charge participants directly — low lift but adds serious whimsy. A crowd favorite.

🎶 MORE IDEAS

Recipe exchange on Instagram or a Google folder · Temporary tattoo station · Live music or a DJ · Photo booth with cake props · Raffle drawing during open sampling

the rules

These apply to every event except the cozy friends-and-family format. They protect the experience for everyone and keep allergen management clean.

1

Every ticket holder must bring a cake. No exceptions. You cannot split one cake between multiple attendees for entry. Doesn't matter if you're 9 or 90.

2

Cakes must be whole and uncut upon arrival. Minimum size: 6 inches in diameter. Ideal: 7–10 inches or larger. Sheet cakes are welcome, and you can bring more than one flavor.

3

Cakes do not have to be homemade — a store-bought cake is allowed. That said, in the spirit of the event we really hope everyone makes a cake.

4

No cupcakes, bars, brownies, or other non-cake items. It must be a whole cake. (We love those things. This is just not their event.)

5

Label your cake clearly with flavor and any life-threatening allergens — especially NUTS. Cards and pens will be at check-in.

6

Cakes containing nuts must be placed in the designated nut-containing zone. This is non-negotiable and should be actively monitored.

7

Take one slice per cake during your wristband window. Open sampling begins after all groups have gone. Don't be the person who takes half a cake on the first pass.

8

Be kind to the cake table. Gloves are available. Use a spatula. Grab the wax paper. Help a friend struggling to cut.

allergens & food safety

For events of any size, separate your cake table into two zones:

✅ NUT-FREE ZONE

The main / primary table. All cakes here must be completely nut-free. Green signage throughout.

⚠️ CONTAINS NUTS ZONE

A separate table, clearly signed. All cakes with any nut ingredients go here. Red signage throughout.

Assume all cakes contain: gluten, dairy, soy. Guests should exercise personal responsibility.

Disclaimer to include in your ticketing, event description, and at check-in:

Please be aware that the cakes at this event are homemade and brought by individual attendees. They have not been prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen. Consumption is at your own risk. While we encourage participants to label their cakes with ingredients and potential allergens, the event organizers, hosts, venue, volunteers, sponsors, and charity recipients are not responsible or liable for any illness, allergic reaction, or other issues arising from consuming these homemade cakes. By purchasing a ticket and attending this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

Note: This is not a legal document. Have a lawyer in your area approve messaging and check on local food safety laws.

frequently asked questions

Do I have to bake my own cake? ▾

We hope you will — but technically you can make it or buy it. A whole, uncut cake along with a ticket is all that's required. It must be at least 6 inches in diameter (7–8" or larger is ideal).

Can I bring cupcakes or cake bars? ▾

No. It must be a whole, uncut cake. We love cupcakes. This is not their event.

Can I bring multiple cakes? ▾

Yes, please! Each attendee must bring at least one, but more is merrier. Pro bakers and industry guests are especially encouraged to bring extra or go big with a sheet cake.

Can my friend come just to hang out without a cake? ▾

Unfortunately no. Every attendee must have a ticket and bring a cake. No sharing or splitting one cake between guests for entry.

What if my cake contains nuts? ▾

You can bring it — but nut-containing cakes must go in the designated separate zone. Label your cake clearly with all life-threatening allergens at check-in.

What does a ticket include? ▾

General admission includes entry to the event, one to-go slice box, a cake flavor card, and a welcome beverage. Water will always be available. VIP tickets (larger events) also include first access to cake slicing — no cake required to attend as a VIP.

What happens to leftover cake? ▾

We have yet to have leftover cake — but it will be eaten by volunteers or disposed of. Unfortunately it cannot be donated due to food safety regulations.

Can I host a Big Cake Exchange as a Welcome Week or community event? ▾

Absolutely — that's exactly what this toolkit is for. Register your event at thebigcakeexchange.com and we'll help promote it, connect you with local families, and count your event as part of the national story.

after the exchange

💌

Send thank-you notes to your venue, volunteers, sponsors, and charity partner within 48 hours.

💸

Make the charity donation and share the amount publicly with your guests — it closes the loop and builds goodwill for your next event.

📸

Post your photos and tag your charity. Tag @thebigcakeexchange and use #BigCakeExchange — your event becomes part of the national story.

📋

For larger events you plan to repeat, send a short follow-up survey. The two most useful questions: "What did you love?" and "What would you change?"

🎂

Start thinking about next year. Our best events have been the third or fourth iteration — when hosts know the rhythm and guests already know what to expect.