Early Bird Rates End February 7!
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Explore the Dynamic Exhibit Hall at Catersource + The Special Event
Step into the vibrant world of the Exhibit Hall
Discover hundreds of cutting-edge suppliers offering everything from specialty foods to trending technologies, all designed to elevate your events to the next level. Whether you're seeking the latest in design, transportation, or unique event solutions, our diverse exhibitors are ready to help you wow your clients and customers. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your vision into reality—register now and prepare to be inspired!
Meet Your People. Find Your Solutions.
Catersource + The Special Event is a bustling marketplace—a vibrant agora bringing together thousands of the catering and event industries’ most invested professionals and solution providers. This is where welcoming exhibitor booths, relaxed happy hours, community-building receptions, award ceremonies, and bonus education all converge to celebrate our industry and drive it forward.
Expand Your Network
Receptions and happy hours where a simple “hello” to a fellow attendee often leads to an engaging discussion, business contact, or even a new friend.
Be More Innovative
Fun and enlightening festivities, tastings, and competitions show you the most creative food designs, cocktail R&D programs, and more!
Source Products and Services
We’ve got hundreds of cutting-edge suppliers from specialty foods to trending tech to design, transportation, and more—ready to help you wow your clients and customers.
The Tasting Experience
Join us in the Beverage Garden on the tradeshow floor for a bespoke tasting experience—only open to ticket holders—that will inform the myriad ways you approach beverages and how they are built, garnished, and served. Walk the garden and compare cocktail bitters (i.e., not all bitters of the same "flavor" taste the same!), sample garnishes, assess Bloody Mary mixes, and enjoy a signature cocktail to round out your experience, among other tastes.
The Tasting Experience: A Journey Through Flavors
Discover a curated selection of drinks and flavors in our exclusive Beverage Garden. Expand your palate with unique taste sensations crafted by industry experts. Join us for an unforgettable tasting journey!
The Tasting Experience: Featuring Why Wine? Why Not? Elevate Your Catering Offerings Beyond Food with Thao Moore
Wednesday, February 26 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm • $125
Featured education with wine pairings:
Why Wine? Why Not? Elevate Your Catering Offerings Beyond Food with Thao Moore
Food and wine! We hear this term frequently, but how much do you REALLY know about wine? The world of wine can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Chef Thao Moore is WSET Level 3 Wines Certified from Napa Valley Wine Academy. In this session, you will sample beautiful wines that won't break your (or your client's) budget. Thao will break down the basics of wine education and discuss how you can take wine to the next level in your business offerings to include VIP wine and dinner pairings or teach wine classes. You will walk away with knowledge that will help elevate your company and brand. Learn, laugh, and get inspired!
The Tasting Experience: Featuring The Allure of Spirit-Free Alternatives with Johnson & Wales University
Thursday, February 27 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm • $125
Featured education with non-alcoholic cocktail pairings:
The Allure of Spirit-Free Alternatives with Johnson & Wales University
Session description to arrive shortly!
2025 Tablescape Competition
Thursday, February 27th, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Dive into a world of Tablescape design and event magic with Michelle Joy Howard, along with Matthew Crowe, and Colton Staver on Thursday, February 27 from 11am - 12:30pm. This is your chance to shine in an engaging, hands-on Tabletop Competition where your creativity takes center stage. Join one of 12 exclusive teams, each made up of 5 talented individuals, and embark on a journey to craft a stunning tablescape. You'll be surprised with many unknowns as you work against the clock to design and assemble your masterpiece. The winning team will earn coveted passes to the 2026 Catersource + The Special Event! Secure your spot and let your imagination blossom!
Click here to sign up to participate in the competition!
DICED Competition
Wednesday, February 26 • 11:00am – 12:15pm
Are You Ready to Turn Mystery into Masterpiece?
Six chefs will compete in this live mystery box competition at the Broward County Convention Center in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, emceed by Chef Robin Selden, Marcia Selden Catering & Events.
Each chef will have the same staple ingredients at their station as well as a limited pantry to pull from. The Mystery Box will have ingredients that chefs must use in some capacity. Chefs will have about 30+ minutes to prepare a total of four tasting plates featuring the mystery box ingredients and a revealed concept they must embrace.
