Enjoy the savory cuisine and history of New Orleans, including gumbo, jambalaya, and Andouille while exploring city landmarks such as Bourbon Street and the French Quarter at Catersource, the ultimate conference and tradeshow for catering and event professionals.
Join us from March 12-15, 2017 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for this inspiring event, where you’ll network with thousands of professionals, discover new products and services at the tradeshow, and learn new information to keep you ahead in today’s competitive business environment.
Innovative Tradeshow
Filled with over 400 trendsetting exhibitors and sponsors, the award-winning tradeshow floor, conveniently located in the same building as conference activities, features non-stop excitement and business ideas waiting to be discovered. Explore trending foods, inventive techniques, interactive demos, creative products, and new services to differentiate your company and set your company up for success in 2017. Additionally, the tradeshow offers face-to-face interaction, networking, and relationship-building with more than 6,500 culinary and event professionals.
Take a sneak peek at the contests and activities at the Culinary Competition Arena on the tradeshow floor:
Diced Culinary Competition | Tuesday, March 14 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
With thirty minutes on the clock, each chef team will be assigned to create a specific dish and given a mystery basket of ingredients. Our judges will name a winner after tasting each of the final products.
Out of the Box Lunch Contest | Tuesday, March 14 | 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by Anchor Packaging, contestants will prepare a hot or cold lunch using Anchor Packaging products. All eligible entries will be posted on the Catersource “Out of the Box Lunch” Pinterest board. At the tradeshow, the competition will include live demonstrations that you won’t want to miss.
Rapid Recipe Challenge | Wednesday, March 15 | 10 am – 2:00 pm
In this exciting contest, modeled after Top Chef’s Quickfire Challenge, participants will be challenged to develop a recipe from a diverse list of food items in a limited time frame. Cheer them on as they reveal their original culinary creations!
My Favorite Things | Wednesday, March 15 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Tradeshow Headliner Stage
A fan-favorite and huge success last year, My Favorite Things is returning to Catersource, revealing the latest products that will lead your business to success in 2017. Lively trio, Sasha Souza, Emily Ellyn, and Jack Milan, will take the stage to present their favorite things! The first 400 guests will receive a swag bag filled with gifts, including products from the tradeshow floor. Don’t forget to pick up your ticket for this can’t-miss event!
ACE & Spotlight Awards – Together at Last!
Brought to you by Sterno Products, the ACE and Spotlight Awards are combining to form the new Achievement in Catering & Events Awards (ACE). The annual awards show, taking place on Wednesday, March 15, will wrap up Catersource 2017 to honor those who remain on the cutting edge of the catering and events industries. Katheleen Stoehr, our very own Director of Content, will be emceeing the event along with very special guests.
Toast to the success of our industry as you cheer on the winners of Best Plated Menu, Signature Caterer, regional catering excellence, and many more!
The ACE Awards consist of three regional categories, and each region is further broken down by annual company revenue of either over $2 million or below $2 million. Applicants will select their category, and then answer questions for two of their best events that represent your brand aesthetic and quality.
- Why did you choose this event as a representative of your company?
- What challenges did you face executing this event?
- Choose at least 2 of your favorite aspects of this event and talk about them.
- Tell us why you believe your company to be unique and worthy of this award.
- Furthermore, submit no less than 5 images that best represent your participation in each event.
A new, simple application process enables companies to showcase their work and business successes. Entries close on January 11 and finalists will be announced on February 6.
We’ll See You in NOLA!
With enhanced networking opportunities, meeting-facilitation through our mobile app, and fun evening events, Catersource 2017 is the ultimate investment for your business in 2017! You’ll make new friendships and connections, and leave inspired and ready for a successful year.
Get Fresh, December 2016
