not only understand best practices but navigate the challenges and opportunities that come along with new technology. “Now remember, everyone knows that AI means artificial intelligence, but it has to be automatically interesting,” said Kevin Bilida (TLC Creative Technology) during Merrell’s session. “You should turn AI in your brain into automatically interesting, because if it’s not interesting to the catering world and live events world, AI means nothing.” For example, robotics (specifically robotic baristas and bartenders) are becoming more common at events, not only as an entertainment tool, but also to help ease some of the pressure on bar staff. “You can increase your bar output because the bartender can be working on another drink as the robot bartender is handing a guest a drink,” said Bilida. AI is also transforming the catering industry in myriad ways, as Chef Rich Rosendale discussed during his session Catering with AI , including: • Enhancing creativity: AI complements, not replaces, culinary skills • Streamlining operations: AI improves efficiency • Personalizing experiences: AI- driven personalization crafts unique dining experiences tailored to each guest’s preference • Event logistics: Predictive AI scheduling optimizes every aspect of event planning and execution • Customer engagement: AI- powered storytelling creates compelling narratives that elevate the dining experience Now, AI isn’t flawless, which is why a caterer’s touch is still needed, but it can be a great source for inspiration, to help with roadblocks, and can offer a starting point, thus cutting down on menu R&D (research and development) significantly.
An emerging signage trend is the use of holograms positioned high above a station, as TLC Creative Technology illustrated with its HoloSign during Merrell’s trends session and during the Closing Night Celebration. Station signage is now incorporating event themes, as well as getting creative with the materials used (think of things like chalkboards, polaroid photographs, and food carvings). Large-scale signage at food stations is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of catered events. Oversized menu boards, backlit signs, and hanging banners help guide guests efficiently through food stations while reinforcing branding and event themes. These bold, eye-catching displays ensure that guests can easily identify different food options, dietary accommodations, and ingredient sourcing, reducing the need for staff explanations and streamlining the service experience. “For mega events where you don’t want people to be reading individually, they can walk up and see what’s on the entire station, so they know whether they are going to stop there or not,” said Stavros. “They just make it a little bit easier.” On the opposite side of the size spectrum, passed items are also getting innovative with their signage by clipping them vertically or even adhering them directly to the tray itself. “That way there’s less interference on the actual tray so you can fit more,” said Stavros. Automatically interesting Artificial intelligence (AI) continues
ht Celebration; Light up signage denoting the direction of signage helped immerse guests in an old-timey gangster
to be the topic of the moment within the catering and events industry as professionals try to
CATERSOURCE ■ SPRING 2025
33
Powered by FlippingBook