Which business sector have you garnered the most business from thus far in 2024? Corporate events Weddings Social gatherings
35% 24% 16% 11%
SURVEY SAYS...
Fundraisers Associations Festivals Other
5% 3% 6%
What are the greatest professional challenges facing you in 2025? Labor shortage/lack of skilled labor 57%
Earlier in the third quarter, Catersource released a survey to our readership. Let’s first look at the questions we asked, and some of the interesting responses we received, and then we will move into the overall Catersource State of the Industry 2024. Who responded to our survey? • 38% identified as Owner/CEO • 19% as Sales/Marketing • 18% as Director/VP • 15% as Event Planning & Staff • 7% as Culinary • 3% as CFO Interestingly, 20% noted that they have been in the events industry for 10–14 years, 19% have been in the industry for 15–20 years, and an impressive 42% have worked in the industry for more than 20 years. This year’s survey looked at everything from staffing to challenges to trends to client requests. Take a look at the accompanying data to hear from your peers on what they encountered this year. How many events of any kind have you been contracted for in 2024?
An uncertain economy Reduced client budgets Increased competition Shorter lead times Demonstrating the value/ROI of special events Dealing with procurement/ purchasing (supply chain) issues Coping with new technology Consolidation of client base Lack of a career path at my company Issues I personally face surrounding DE&I Other
54% 52% 32% 30% 21%
21%
17% 15% 14%
6%
6%
What has been the most concerning for your company in 2024? Cost of goods and services
10% 15% 15% 8% 10% 42%
Less than 25 25 to 50 51 to 75 76 to 100 101 to 200 More than 200
33% 28%
Staffing live events appropriately in all areas Client budget constraints Supply chain issues Other
26% 8% 5%
WINTER 2024 ■ CATERSOURCE
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