Let’s Talk About Returning to the Catersource Tradeshow Floor

For the first time since March 2020, the industry is finally returning to its roots with the upcoming Catersource conference and tradeshow. So, before we begin, it’s time to take a moment and consider where your business has ended up post-pandemic, as well as how your goals have shifted. This will really define what makes the conference a success in your eyes. Plus, it’s very important to always have a roadmap of what’s relevant to your niche and goals.

Think about the gaps and try to fill them in from there - which partnerships are you searching for? Does your business need a tech update, new ways to attract prospects, or otherwise?

“Inspiration comes from everywhere and the Catersource tradeshow concentrates some of the newest and best ideas into one space,” says Alan Berg of Wedding Business Solutions, LLC. “It’s a big tradeshow so it’s best to dedicate time to it, rather than just running through.” 

Meryl Snow of Feastivities Events and SnowStorm Solutions agrees, adding: “Make sure you spend a lot of time at the tradeshow. It’s huge — it has trending products and many booths have show specials, so take advantage of that. Plus, there is even more education and inspiration there.”

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed on the tradeshow floor, especially after a whirlwind year of simply trying to stay afloat. It’s best to go in prepared with a game plan, so we asked our expert partners for their best tips for making the most of the Catersource tradeshow floor.

Plan ahead wisely

The last time we walked the tradeshow floor, we had a room full of ideas from 2019 and 2020. Those decor items and catering ideas are now outdated for some couples that have rescheduled and postponed, so we’re essentially starting from scratch. Keep trends in mind!

“Develop a list of items you would want to investigate at the show before you go,” encourages Lon Lane of Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions. “It’s the best place to see color trends, new food products, new presentation items and equipment, and new technology.”

Anthony Lambatos of Footers Catering and MIBE Tribe elaborates: “It can be overwhelming to walk on the floor, so I recommend doing a little research in advance on the products you are looking for — then you can ask better questions of the vendors you talk with, be more prepared to make purchasing decisions, and take advantage of tradeshow specials.”

Own your networking game

Bear in mind that many things have changed, from businesses closing, to colleagues taking on new positions and career shifts. Take a look at industry Facebook groups or social media to make sure you’re being aware of these transitions. Set sometime aside after the conference to also map out your follow-up with anyone you meet with.

Berg adds: “People you meet in sessions can be great tradeshow buddies. It’s hard to go it alone because there are so many distractions. Whether you decide to divide and conqueror go as a group, more eyes and ears are always better.”

Additionally, it’s of top priority that you have a conversation with yourself regarding your comfort level. It will vary from person to person, but it’s better to know now if you’re comfortable with going out to dinners, shaking hands, wearing a mask, or taking other precautions. We really want to respect the comfort and safety of others as well, of course. 

For a full list of precautions that Catersource is taking as a whole for attendees, you can visit this link.

Mix up your team

“I always encourage our team to walk the tradeshow floor with someone from a different department within our company,” shares Lambatos. “This allows them to collaborate on what they are looking for, see things from a different perspective and talk to a wider variety of people. For example, if a salesperson is with one of our chefs, they might end up talking to other culinary professionals that they wouldn’t necessarily get to know if they weren’t with the chef.”

This year, Catersource and The Special Event will share the tradeshow space once more, so it should be quite the return. There will be plenty to see, so make sure you are dedicating enough time to make your rounds.