Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall

1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Group rates have been created to allow you and your team to get more bang for your buck! At the time of your registration, you may use the additional attendees function and those added will be accounted for in your group. Registrants only receive group discounts on the Catersource Conference Pass, The Special Event Conference Pass and the Combined Conference Pass. Registrants do not receive group discounts on the Premium passes or All Access Pass. Anyone registering 3 or more people for a conference pass will receive $60 off each pass.

Group Registration

To register more than one individual to the event and submit a single payment for your team, please follow these steps. After registering your first participant, at the “Review Your Information” page, select the “Add Registration” button, where you can then add an additional participant. Continue these steps until your entire team is registered and select “Finish” to complete your payment.

Get started with group registration here.

Details will be available soon

Catering professionals: Corporate and Business, independent catering companies, large contract catering companies, institutional caterers, restaurants, and Hospitality (Hotel/Resort/Casino) Manufacturer/Supplier, Non-profits, Associations, Foundations, Universities, Premium Incentives attend to learn, network and see products.

Leading event professionals: Convention or Meeting Center, Event Production, Destination Management Company, Event Design, Event Planning/Producing/Consulting, Event Site/Banquet Facility, Event Rental Companies, Entertainment Companies, Floral, Golf/Country Club, Hospitality (Hotel/Resort/Casino) Manufacturer/Supplier, Non-profits, Associations, Foundations, Universities, Premium Incentives attend to learn, network and see products.

You can purchase additional tickets for your guest to attend optional events with you during your registration process. If your guest is looking to attend the tradeshow or any conference education sessions they must have their own registration that grants access to these areas as only registered attendees are permitted to these areas.

Age Restrictions:

Children under the age of 18, including infants in strollers and/or carriages will NOT be admitted into the exhibit hall and/or educational sessions. Individuals under the age of 21, including infants in strollers and/or carriages will NOT be admitted into the Showcasing Events (this includes lunches, brunches and evening events). For the safety of everyone, especially your child, no exceptions will be made.

Business casual is the norm. Chefs may wear whites.

All optional events have a limited quantity of tickets available and they are offered on a first come, first served basis. If there are any tickets left, they will be sold on-site. If you really want to go to one of these events, you should buy tickets when you register!

All of our optional events offer another great way to network and continue your learning experience. Each event demonstrates some of the newest ideas, products and concepts in the catering and event industry. Come alone or with a friend to any of these optional events and share your thoughts and ideas with fellow attendees. View the showcasing events.

For a complete list of what is included in the full registration package, please visit the Packages & Pricing page.

You can buy additional Showcasing Event tickets by clicking the "Add Tickets" button at the bottom of the registration page. Confirm the total quantity you would like to purchase, click next at the bottom of the registration page to save, and then click "Make a Payment" at the bottom of the Review page to submit any outstanding fees.

Attendees may take video at all optional events and the tradeshow. Attendees cannot video any of the educational sessions. There are no restrictions on photo taking, except politeness and appropriate timing.

In your registration confirmation email, you will find a link to access your registration record. You can log into your registration record to update your personal information, and view/print your receipt. If you need assistance, please email us directly.

Yes. Most conference sessions are recorded and offered for sale starting 2/24/25 as an add-on to your Catersource or The Special Event Conference Pass. CS+TSE sessions, upon speakers' approval, will be available within a month after the event. The content will be available for 12 months. You will be contacted with access instructions once the recordings are available.

Yes! Please email us directly.

For information specifically designed for first-time attendees, please visit our First-Timer Toolkit. This resource covers everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.

The show is offering a limited number of attendees the opportunity to fully experience Catersource + The Special Event 2026 by joining the Hands-on Hundred program. Attendees commit to volunteer a minimum of ten hours (2 five-hour shifts) on the set-up, on-site logistics and tear down for the social events related to the conference.

This program is a learning and hands-on experience. You will meet other participants, sponsors, committee chairs and staff from around the world. If you are new to the industry, looking for a different experience at the show, or just want to help out on-site… this program is for you!

Rave reviews from past participants:

“It was my first event and I attended by myself. The Hands-On Hundred program was a way to meet new people.”

“After attending for many years, the Hands-On Hundred was a terrific new dimension to the educational opportunities of the conference.”

You can register for the Hands-On Hundred program through the show registration page. The process is simple. Limited to the first 100 participants that register. There is not an application process. We take whoever is willing to roll up their sleeves and join the team.

If you have specific questions on Hand-On Hundred, please contact our Hands-On Hundred manager, Kari Strolberg at ekstro@yahoo.com.

For sponsorships, please click here.

For exhibiting, please click here.

View Informa's privacy policy here.

• App Name: CS+TSE/AOCF
• Download from Apple | Download from Google

You asked, we listened! We're thrilled to announce that AOCF and CS+TSE will have separate dates and locations in 2026! AOCF will take place in August 2026, with the exact date and city to be determined. This exciting change means more immersive experiences and focused excellence for each unique culinary perspective.

The culinary magic you love hasn't disappeared—it's multiplied! Mark your calendars and prepare your palates for a new program of chefs, techniques, and sessions. We can't wait to welcome you there!