As conference organizers, we want to support catering and event professionals by ensuring all attendees feel welcome and included. To that end, we are always open to elevating new, diverse voices for our live content. Here is how you can be involved:
Conference Sessions at Catersource
Types
– Breakout sessions (averaging 125 sessions of various lengths and topics including demonstrations, hands-on, panel discussions, and traditional presentations)– Keynotes & other invited speakers (main, luncheon, or bridge stage sessions which resonate with a wide swath of attendees)
Breakout Session Selection Process
Our conference speaker selection process is as follows:
1. Breakouts are typically sourced in a three- to four-month long Call for Sessions, which is broadcast via industry e-newsletters such as our bi-monthly Get Fresh, social media, noted within Catersource magazine, and posted on our community website, catersource.com.
2. A new Catersource initiative mandates additional outreach to BIPOC associations and groups via personal contact and other methods
3. Proposed sessions are vetted by no less than three individuals so that its review is not skewed by implicit bias. They are scored (1–5) and commented upon
4. Similar session proposals that score equally will also be vetted via speaker-provided video and/or character references
5. Catersource will absolutely consider accepting a session from someone who has not ever stepped onto a conference stage and will offer mentoring/guidance to ensure the session is ready and presenter is comfortable. New voices are crucial to provide context in our industry.
6. Our goal is to provide our audiences with well qualified speakers and we know we need to work harder to offer a more diverse and beautiful melting pot of voices to our conference. However, we will not place an unqualified speaker on stage merely to enhance BIPOC or LGBTQI presence.
Keynote & Invited Guest Selection Process
Our keynote speaker selection process is as follows:
1. These curated sessions are based on current, researched, and/or perceived industry educational needs. Criteria includes:
• Industry relevance • Professional expertise • Topic focus and manner it is presented in
We are fully committed to considering BIPOC and LGBTQI individuals in the same approach that we might consider any other person.
2. Invited speakers are not the decision of just one person, but are discussed internally with colleagues and externally via trusted advisors to ensure the fit is correct for the audience
3. Invited speakers must have video clips available for vetting. References may also be requested.
4. As noted above, our goal is to provide our audiences with well qualified speakers and we know we need to work harder to offer a more diverse and beautiful melting pot of voices to our conference. However, we will not place an unqualified speaker on stage merely to enhance BIPOC or LGBTQI presence.
If you would like to propose content for Catersource + The Special Event, please query:
Kathleen Stoehr, Director of Community & Content Strategy
Email: [email protected]