It has been a whirlwind since Catersource 2017 wrapped in New Orleans and the call for education sessions was broadcast for Catersource 2018 in Las Vegas. A record number of catering and event experts submitted their best proposals, all because they have nuggets of information they want to share with colleagues and peers at Catersource and the Art of Catering Food.
Over the next few months, I’ll be focusing a spotlight on the wonderful individuals who have been selected to get up on a stage and open themselves, their knowledge, and their companies up to you. My prediction? Scintillating conversation and multiple takeaways are in store this February!
So—until we are on the ground in Las Vegas, welcoming you all—will offer an inside look at some of our inspiring speakers. You won't want to miss
Let’s have a look!
Weddings & Special Events
Lauren Randolph
How to Connect with the Millennial Bride & Increase Your Wedding Bookings
Lauren Randolph, a hotel wedding business strategist and part of the millennial generation, founded My Hotel Wedding in 2012 based on her decade of experience as a wedding planner and catering manager for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts at the world famous Beverly Wilshire.
“At the Beverly Wilshire I worked with wedding couples daily. What I learned is that most had no idea what to ask for or how to go about the process," says Randolph. "Millennials are different than other generations. We're curious and we want mentorship, organization, and transparency. The couples I worked with didn't need a wedding planner as much as a teammate or a mentor to interpret the hotel's communication and help them make sure they got what they wanted.” Randolph will be presenting a short 25 minute TED-talk-style session, offering a lot of info for you to grab and go!
Business & Operations
Jamie Quickert
Pleasing Your Goldilocks: Getting it Right the First Time
Corporate Director of Catering for Lancer Hospitality, Jamie Quickert can be found…often…boarding or deplaning as she coasts between multiple venues (golf courses, zoos, civic centers, and museums to name a few) in multiple states. Having built her career on the simple concept of being kinder and working harder than those around you, Quickert is a natural to present on common complaints from clients and how to avoid them with grace.
Art of Catering Food
Duce Raymond
Chef Duce Raymond grew up in and around the culinary world, where he learned at an early age that sharing food and drink with friends and family creates lifelong memories. At the age of 14, Duce began working alongside his father in their family-owned restaurants. Early in his professional culinary career, Duce worked with his Uncle Dave (Sweet Baby Ray) Raymond, whose success is founded “doing the right things for the right reasons.”
Join this award winning pitmaster as he creates flavorful ethnic masterpieces with a little smoke and fire, inspiring you to take your next catered BBQ event to the next level.
Sales & Marketing
Meryl Snow
Perennial favorite Meryl Snow returns to Catersource to present in a new way: a three-hour deep dive session into sales techniques that will absolutely help you increase your business.
Meryl professes that hers is more than a job: she’s on a mission to help businesses get on their own paths to success. A passionate believer in entrepreneurship, she uses her gifts to support catering and event businesses build a stronger economy.
Meryl Snow also blogs at catersource.com.
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Kathleen Stoehr is the Director of Community & Content Strategy for Catersource. She'll be all over the place at Catersource & the Art of Catering Food, this February in Las Vegas! Please do say hello.
