Get Ready for the Catersource + The Special Event 2025 Showcasing Events!Get Ready for the Catersource + The Special Event 2025 Showcasing Events!
Sneak peek at this year's exciting celebrations, competitions, and more
January 30, 2025

There is plenty to look forward to every year at Catersource + The Special Event—enlightening sessions, exciting new products, meetups with industry peers, and usually a healthy dose of sunshine. One thing that attendees eagerly await is the showcasing events, which create memorable moments throughout the show. Here are the moments to put on your schedule as you begin preparing for CS+TSE:
Education
Opening & Closing Keynote Sessions
Wednesday, February 26, 9:00am-10:00am
Will Guidara
Thursday, February 27, 9:00am-10:00am
Brett Culp
Evening Events
Connect Social
Monday, February 24, 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Join your friends and colleagues as we’re transported to the days of gracious living, charm and whimsy of Old Florida.
Opening Night Party
Tuesday, February 25, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
A journey of the past (Legacy), present (Innovation), and future (Evolution) of the culinary arts and event industry. This event will showcase the story of how events have evolved from the 1920's to the future.
SEARCH Foundation Annual Signature Event
Wednesday, February 26, 8:00pm - 11:00pm
THE can’t miss networking celebration to raise funds for our industry is back! Join the SEARCH Foundation for their Annual Signature Event and mingle with top industry professionals all while supporting friends and colleagues in crisis.
Details coming soon!
Closing Night Celebration
Thursday, February 27, 7:30pm - 10:30pm
A distinguished celebration honoring the exceptional figures shaping the event industry.
Competitions
DICED Competition
Wednesday, February 26, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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. A great chance to get fresh, creative ideas for the culinary aspects of your events!
Tablescape Competition
February 27 from 11am - 12:30pm
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!
Awards Ceremony
February 27, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Join Catersource + The Special Event in honoring industry leaders during the 2025 reveal of the highly desired ACE & Gala Awards.
Plus, bonus events:
Beverage Garden Tasting
February 26, 3:30pm–5:00pm
February 27, 1:30pm–3:00pm
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. Note: this is a ticketed event.
Hall Happy Hour
February 26, 4:00pm–5:00pm
We can’t wait to see you for all of these thrilling events!
About Catersource + The Special Event
Coming to Ft. Lauderdale, FL February 24-27, 2025, Catersource + The Special Event promises a showstopping event with knowledgeable speakers, education sessions, networking with the catering and event planning industry peers, and cutting-edge suppliers—all in the Broward County Convention Center.
Haven’t registered? What are you waiting for!
Early bird rates end February 7.