13 Sessions and Events You Don’t Want to Miss at Catersource 2018

So you’re going to Catersource.

What’s in store for you? You’ll attend dozens of sessions led by professionals in catering and events, meet a ton of new people, celebrate 45-year catering veteran Bill Hansen as he receives the Mike Roman Lifetime Achievement Award and take home lots of great ideas for your company.

If you’re a Catersource veteran, you probably have your own short list of tried-and-true tactics for making the most of it. But regardless of whether this is your first or 15th Catersource attendance, here are the top 13 sessions and events you can’t miss at Catersource 2018.

1) Carl Sacks on Venue Contracts

According to the ICA annual survey, 94.16% of caterers surveyed are reporting that business will be up! And many of those caterers we have spoken to are attributing their growth to venues. Don’t miss this session with venue expert Carl Sacks to help you get your next venue contract.

2) Alan Berg on Pricing

88% of couples want to see pricing information before they reach out to you. Whether it’s in person, on the phone, via email or on your website, handling pricing questions is a delicate art. Asking “how much…?” is a natural part of the buying process, so learning how to address it, no matter your service or product, regardless of price point, is critical to your business success. In this fast-paced presentation, sales guru Alan Berg will help you navigate this subject with confidence—confidence that should lead to more appointments and more sales.

3) Keith Lord & Greg Shapiro Talk Meat

There’s more to carving stations than beef! In keeping with the #nowastechef movement, these talented chefs will show you ways to use 100% of your chosen ingredients to make your stations not only delicious but sustainable too.

4) The Best in Sales

Sales talk is never boring! Follow an impactful journey through the sales process to refine your current methods. In four separate round robin segments, Cory Gosik, Heidi Brice, Tim Seeberg, and Steve Sanchez will discuss topics across the life of a sale.

5) The Great Game with Russell Morin

As we have mentioned before, if you take care of your team, they will take care of your business! One way we take care of our employees is by giving them a stake in our financial income by practicing the Great Game of Business. We think everyone can benefit! Learn from both a practitioner, Russ Morin, and a coach, Steve Baker, in this session.

6) Jennifer Perna on Millennials

Millennials often get a bad rap, but owners and managers need to embrace this young generation! This is the next generation of salespeople. Jennifer Perna will discuss her success in managing a large team of millennials, as well as the hiring process related to this “target market,” recommended compensation and benefits programs desired by this group and daily management life lessons of a sales manager leading a team of dynamic individuals on the cusp of very successful careers.

7) Jeffery & Marcia Selden on Weddings

Roughly 2.2 million people get married each year, which equates to 6,027 weddings a day. With all these weddings occuring, you will want to attend this session to take your wedding business from drab to fab with these insider tips from seasoned wedding experts (and siblings) Jeff and Robin Selden.

8) Event Management by Zilli Hospitality Group

Put your best foot forward! This session will show you how to execute the best event possible, from decor, setup efficiency, customer interactions, guest interactions and staff to how to please the parents—and the couple!

9) Ken Barrett-Sweet’s Lunch & Learn

Spirited conversation is the hallmark of any great meal. Join your culinary peers in this three-course learning luncheon, moderated by Ken Barrett-Sweet, in which topics and ideas will flow along with your trend-forward meal. We promise you will have lots of laughs and energy after spending the afternoon with Ken; we always do!

10) Stavros Talks Trends

Get drool-worthy photos to fill your Instagram feed—and fulfill your sales goals by attendings this session with Michael Stavros, better known as just Stavros. He will share his take on the hottest food and beverage trends from around the world, as well as reinvented classics.

11) The Spark! Awards Gala & After Party

Let’s toast! After all the learning, you may need to take a break to sit back, relax and toast to the success of your fellow industry peers at the Spark! Awards Gala & After Party. The Catersource ACE and ICA CATIE Awards celebration recognizes the best in catering and events. Enjoy cocktails and a scrumptious plated meal during the program, then head to the After Party focusing on celebration, entertainment, dancing and dessert. Learn more about the finalists and this event here.

12) The ICA Inspiration Zone

If you are already an International Caterers Association (ICA) member, then you know the spot to be is at the ICA Inspiration Zone, where you can mix and mingle with fellow association members as well as learn about exclusive membership perks like the We Grow Value buyers program. If you aren’t a member, what are you waiting for? Stop by, meet the ICA team and sign up. Learn more about the ICA here.

13) Beer! with Chef John Reed

Last but not least, have a little fun and a drink while expanding your culinary knowledge with this class from Certified Cicerone John Reed. John will walk you through an overview of beer styles and how to interpret the technical specifications of the major styles from Old World to the cutting edge of craft brewing.

BONUS

Come find us and give us a high-five! We are excited to have several team members attending Catersource 2018. Our nuphoriq “on the ground team” will be giving some talks (see below) and manning our trade show booth, #1520.