Networking

Welcome Reception: Cocktails & Connections
Sunday  |   5:45pm-7:15pm

It is not just what you learn during the Conference that’s important! The ideas that YOU bring to the table are a vital part of the learning process, as are the people you meet as you experience a real sense of community at the Catersource Conference.

Attendees met on The Cosmopolitan pool deck for the Sunday night Welcome Reception for hosted wine and desserts. This was a great place to unwind and charge up all at the same time!  After the first day of the Conference, attendees mingle with others to discuss the business of catering with others from across the country who fully understand your job, because it’s their job too!

Specific groups of like-minded professionals like Catersource Forum contributors as well as Catersource Consultants, ACE Award winners and finalists, speakers and more gathered in specific areas for focused conversations and the sharing of ideas.

The Cosmopolitan pools overlook the Strip and the multilevel space offered unobstructed sight lines in all directions - the perfect place to kick off a great week of inspiration.

This event is included with your registration!

Attendee Lounge sponsored by the ICA
A place to relax, network and discover, the Attendee Lounge offered a relaxing atmosphere where attendees could meet with co-workers to plan their day over coffee, mingle with other attendees and share their thoughts.

New this year! The ICA Inspiration ZONE presented what we call “inspiration in a flash!” Attendees could browse and be inspired by hundreds of examples of marketing materials, menus, floorplans, artist renderings, videos, story boards, food photos and more. After viewing hard copy materials they were able to download the examples they liked and take them home to use right away!

The Lounge was always staffed by a member of the ICA who was available to help attendees find and connect with people who were ready and qualified to discuss the topics they wanted.

And on-going round table discussions kept the conversations going throughout the Conference! 

Connection Boards
The new Connection Boards were available for attendees to meet others who shared their interests and point of view.  They were able to look for someone to discuss menu trends and business strategies in a common market, find a friend to attend evening events with, or just to share a cab to the airport.

All-You-Can-Network Buffet
Everyone bellied up to the All-you-can-network "buffet cart" and loaded  up with stackable badge ribbons that tell others exactly who they are! Attendees identified themselves by the type of catering operation they were, the kind of events they do, their market size or region or the position within their operation. This helped them connect with other professionals who share similar interests or ideas! 

This buffet didn't offer any food, but it helped satisfy the hunger for the invaluable insight you get from bouncing your ideas and challenges off others.