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Catersource and The Special Event
Feb 24 – 27, 2025
Broward County Convention CenterFort Lauderdale, FL
Feb 24 – 27, 2025
Broward County Convention Center,
Fort Lauderdale, FL

See the Trends. Set the Trends.

Catersource + The Special Event is the only annual event of its kind. A show of unrivaled influence and inspiration, it’s a spirited gathering of all the people, ideas, and trending innovations shaping the catering and events industry.

Top 5 reasons to Attend Catersource + The Special Event

  1. Education – We attract the best speakers in the events and catering industry. Earn continuing education credits in over 150 sessions including topics on catering, design, wedding, business development, sustainability, health & safety and much more! 
  2. Real Connections – In our world, relationships are everything. Network with your peers and industry leaders to share ideas and solutions.
  3. Showcasing Events – Experiences that deliver ideas to create breathtaking, delicious, and seamless moments to wow your clients.
  4. Tradeshow – Explore and develop relationships with the vendors that will take your catering and events to the next level.
  5. Two Shows in One – Event planners and caterers need each other. This brings the entire event industry under one roof for an unparalleled immersive experience.

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.

Who Attends Catersource + The Special Event?

We might come from different places, have diverse skillsets and unique talents, but we share a common bond: a sincere passion and enthusiasm for the catering and events industry. Regardless of your role, Catersource + The Special Event is the place to make new connections, learn from the crème de la crème, and source the innovations that are all the rage in your profession.

Caterers & Event Planners

Imaginative and resourceful, you know that food and events brings people together and take pride in being that conduit of connection.

Chefs

Talented and creative, you’re hungry for ingredients and techniques to elevate your recipes and spread joy through your culinary creations.

Business Owners

Hard-working with an undying entrepreneurial spirit, you appreciate the elegance of our industry and are driven to build your business. 

Get Schooled by the Best in the Business

We could all learn from proven industry vets—and from fresh new voices. The education opportunities at Catersource + The Special Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.

Conference Program

Three full days of access to exceptional sessions focused on all the strategies transforming the events and foodservice landscape.

Tradeshow Floor Theatre

Go from the closed session rooms to the energetic tradeshow floor where education and entertainment take center stage.

Official Publications of Catersource + The Special Event

Catersource

Catersource, owned by Informa Connect, engages the industry, builds community, and connects caterers to current and reputable products, information, and services relevant to their business. It includes Catersource magazine, various e-newsletters, the Candid Conversations by Catersource podcast, Catersource Conference & Tradeshow, Leading Caterers of America Executive Summit, and the Art of Catering Food (co-sponsored by the International Caterers Association).

Special Events

Special Events Magazine takes the experience of The Special Event Conference & Tradeshow and translates it into 365 resources for you. Timely content, beautiful imagery and the tech you need to stay competitive. SpecialEvents.com is your day to day resource for ideas and innovation.