It’s that time of year again! Catering and event professionals across the nation are preparing to descend on Orlando, FL, eager with anticipation for this year’s Catersource + The Special Event. Every year, industry pros are treated to four days packed with education, networking, tradeshow activities, and festive events.
See Clint Elkins LIVE during Catersource + The Special Event. The Catersource Conference & Tradeshow, co-located with The Special Event, is heading to Orlando March 27 – 30, 2023. With fresh keynotes, new networking opportunities, eye-popping showcasing events and never-before-seen industry speakers, prepare to be wowed. Learn more
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, keep reading for tips to maximize your investment and walk away from the conference with meaningful results.
Create a game plan
Showing up onsite without a plan can lead to information overload—and it might cause you to miss out on some valuable education. Avoid scrambling on day one by researching speakers, topics, and events that pique your interest.
“Look ahead at the sessions and decide which track or topic you want to focus on,” encourages Tim Mitchell of Mangia Catering. “It's impossible to go to every session, so highlight the ones that will be the most impactful for your company.”
Yet, even the best planning can lead you to a session that doesn’t quite measure up to your expectations. In that case, Mitchell offers a reminder that “you don't have to stay in a class if you aren't feeling the topic or presenter. Be prepared with a Plan B session should you need to jump ship!”
The conference website provides a detailed schedule and a map of tradeshow exhibitors, so spend some time doing the pre-work now to hit the ground running when you arrive onsite.
Leverage the many networking opportunities
Education is a primary draw to the conference, but the in-person networking opportunities set Catersource + The Special Event apart from online summits and virtual webinars. So don’t leave for Orlando without your business cards!
But intentional networking is more than just handing out business cards to anyone who will take one. Instead, go into the conference with a strategy, identifying key speakers and attendees you want to meet. And don’t hesitate to take every chance to strike up a conversation with someone of interest.
“If you attended a session and enjoyed the information presented, go up after the session and introduce yourself to the speaker,” Mitchell recommends. “Introduce yourself to attendees sitting around you at each session. Catersource is no place to be shy!”
Joann Roth Oseary of Someone’s in the Kitchen also recommends taking advantage of the many planned events throughout the conference, like the Opening Night Party and the SEARCH Foundation Annual Signature Event.
“I strongly suggest that you attend the SEARCH event,” she confirms. “At this one, you will align yourself with so many of our industry leaders and join the generous supporters who take care of our own when they are in need.”
Out of business cards? Consider using one of the many digital business card solutions available, like Popl, Blinq, or HiHello. These programs allow you to set up lead captures to collect email addresses and direct people to your website, social media, appointment scheduler, and other useful links.
Make time for the tradeshow
Don’t let the tradeshow fall to the bottom of your to-do list! With so many brands on the floor, it’s perfect for discovering business solutions and making meaningful connections.
“I suggest using the many networking opportunities as these are your people,” Roth Oseary confirms. “Walk the floor and identify new products and new vendors.”
Check out the exhibitors beforehand and map out the booths you want to visit. Then, when you’re onsite, find an hour or two between sessions or during a lull in the schedule to learn about the latest trends and see what industry companies are offering this year.
Keep the conversation going
Your time at the conference will go by in a flash, but if you want to make the most of your investment, you’ll need to put in more effort than showing up and taking a few notes.
While onsite, a great way to soak in as much education as possible is by staying back to hear from other session attendees. “You will be surrounded by a myriad of peers who work at small, medium, and large companies, but a lot of my takeaways came out of the Q&A section of the session,” Mitchell reveals.
But the real value comes in the days after the conference, as you return to your office and reflect on key takeaways. From implementing newly-learned strategies to checking in with new contacts, set aside time during your first week back to revisit your conference experience and take action.
And if you have more questions after the conference, Mitchell encourages reaching out to the speakers you saw. “Most speakers provide their contact information after the session ends,” he explains. “You can always e-mail your follow-up questions if you want more in-depth answers.”
While the conference and tradeshow only last a few days, strategizing your attendance and follow-up approach can produce results that pay off for years to come. So start planning now and get excited for a fun, educational, and advantageous experience!
