We are all one tribe.
What does that mean to our industry, one that is built on bringing groups of people together for the purpose (primarily) of celebration? In this application, it is the overarching theme that author and speaker Meryl Snow set into place at the opening session on a sunny March morning in Las Vegas. Having recently read Seth Godin’s book, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, in which he argues that modern technology can help rekindle the ancient ways for humans to positively support one another, Snow looked out upon the capacity crowd and made a strong case for pulling together, leaning upon one another, creating a sense of purpose and community, and connecting through common interests and goals as professionals in the catering and events industries.
“Over the next few days,” she predicted, “you will meet new people, you will learn—and you will teach. You will even share your mistakes.”
But best, over the four days of the Catersource and Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow, attendees, exhibitors, speakers, staff—everyone shared so much more than stories and lessons. We also shared in the experience of being a tribe together, of being many versus one. Finding new information and new products is paramount to your businesses, and making new friends, networking, and learning from one another—is what makes this Conference & Tradeshow unique.
Throughout the week, social media exploded with the hashtag #CSES2016 announcing new trends, seminar starts, photos of friends and colleagues rekindling or those meeting for the first time, and exhibitors on the Tradeshow floor, so enthusiastic about the products and services being offered by their companies.
Over the next few pages, we will give a shot at showing you the very powerful and team building four days that ignited and inspired over 6,500 people.
Next year, be a part of our celebration as we move back to the city that started it all. As Catersource celebrates its 25th anniversary, we will return to the location of our very first conference: the beautiful city of New Orleans, LA on March 12–15, 2017. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Keynote speaker Doug Lipp delivered an inspiring speech, “Snow White Never Has a Bad Day – 7 Lessons from Disney U”
Kendall Collier was the 2016 recipient of the Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award
King Dahl was inducted into the Event Solutions Hall of Fame by colleague Lynnann Martin and 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee Liese Gardner
Meryl Snow addresses the opening session crowd with her inspirational words
