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

Special Events

January 30, 2025

3 Min Read
Ivan Piedra Photography/AGNYC Productions, Inc./SpotMyPhotos

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.  

Register now

About the Author

Special Events

Special Events Media includes an annual conference, tradeshow, and magazine, online presence, e-newsletters, and more. Click here for conference information. Click here to sign up for any of our free e-news products or the quarterly issue of Special Events magazine. We provide event professionals with design and menu inspiration, wisdom for producing events, updates on products and services, sales-building strategies, and business management tips.

Subscribe and receive the latest insights & essential content in the special events industry.
Yes, it's completely free