CONFERENCE NEWS By Amber Kispert
Catersource + The Special Event: Taking it to Tinsel Town
C atersource + The Special Event 2025 just wrapped an amazing week in Fort Lauderdale, but we’re already thinking ahead! The team is deep into planning for a week of stellar learning, networking, and opportunity next March 2–5, 2026 in Los Angeles. Additionally, Art of Catering Food (taking place March 1–2, 2026) will bring fresh ideas, expert techniques, and real-world strategies to help chefs and caterers create unforgettable catered experiences. Be a part of Catersource + The Special Event 2026 Call for Speakers is now open for both Catersource Conference & Tradeshow and The Special Event, which will be co-located in Los Angeles. Go to https://informaconnect.com/catersource- thespecialevent/ for conference information, or https://cs2026.c4p. catersource.com/ to pitch a session topic. We are also accepting submissions for Art of Catering Food 2026. Food and beverage (and recipes to accompany) are at the helm of this conference, but we are also looking for hands on activities, solutions for off-premise catering in dire or unusual conditions, outrageously creative ways to deliver the guest food experience, and more. Put your thinking cap on: what have you learned over the past year that you could share with your colleagues to make their work lives easier? What was the restaurant or food truck experience that you recreated and turned into a best-selling short plate on your wedding menus? What are your best catering hacks? Go to https://aocf2026.catersource-cfp.com/ to pitch a session topic. ACE Awards 2026 now open It’s once again time to celebrate the best of the best! Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 ACE Awards! To submit an entry and see the full list of categories, please visit our awards portal at ace-gala.awardsplatform.com. Join in the excitement and the spirit of our industry as we celebrate the hard work and exceptional accomplishments of our peers.
The Beverage Garden proved to be a popular draw at the show.
Attendees head to the tradeshow following the Opening General Session.
All photos courtesy Ivan Pieda Photography/SpotMyPhotos/AGNYC Productions Inc unless otherwise noted.
Pzazz Productions welcomed guests to the Opening General Session with a Wicked/Wizard of Oz Performance.
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SPRING 2025 ■ CATERSOURCE
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