Proof of the Pudding’s staff preps in the kitchen in advance of the ACE-winning corporate event, Standing the Test of Time. Photo courtesy Amanda Mazonkey
Operations outlook The post-pandemic boom may still be in effect (45% of survey respondents saw an increase in events over 2023 while 26% did not see any change), but now the industry is settling into its new normal. “The catering industry in 2024 was hopeful,” says Christie Altendorf (D’Amico Catering). “With the pandemic wreaking havoc on hospitality that had long- lasting ramifications, 2024 was a year where many organizations were able to settle into what felt something like a new normal. With that normalcy on our side, hope for more stability in the future was able to grow.” For starters, planning timelines are getting shorter and shorter. Whereas previously caterers had months to plan and execute a corporate event, today they are being tasked to turnaround in mere weeks, and in some extreme cases, even days. In fact, 30% of survey respondents cited this as one of their greatest challenges in 2024. “It seems to be the year of last-minute booking requests,” said Betty Kalin (Dish Food & Events) during an operations roundtable with the International Caterers Association. “It’s not economic uncertainty anymore,
Miniature Quesabirria Grilled Cheese sandwiches from 24 Carrots Catering & Events. Photo courtesy Amelia Lyon
WINTER 2024 ■ CATERSOURCE
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