FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Catersource 2010

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the Catersource Conference & Tradeshow.

How long has the Catersource Conference been held?
Every year since 1992.

How many people attend the Conference & Tradeshow?
We are expecting 6,000 + attendees in 2010.

How large is the Tradeshow? Where is it held?
In 2010 we will have 800+ booths. The Tradeshow is held in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall. We will have complimentary transportation taking attendees door-to-door from the Paris Hotel to the Tradeshow. During Tradeshow hours, the education at Paris is placed on hold and other education and demonstration sessions are taking place at the Tradeshow - you can learn and shop at the same time!

After I register and decide later to add more attendees from my company, will my registration price drop?
Yes. In fact, right up to the start of the Conference the more people you bring, the lower your price becomes until you reach the lowest possible price. So, if you register even one person before December 7, all additional attendees registered after that date keep the same price grid used before December 7, even though the deadline has passed. 

If you have already registered and would like to add an attendee at the reduced price, you can contact the registration help desk at 866.585.4101 to update your registration. 

What is the difference between Catersource and Event Solutions registration? 
By registering for Catersource you are granted full access to all the Catersource and Event Solutions education.  However, if you register for Event Solutions you will not have access to the Catersource classes. Attendee badges will be checked for each class. If you would like the benefits of both shows, you should register as a Catersource attendee.

How do I pick the sessions I want to attend?
Pre-selection of sessions is not necessary. You may attend any sessions of your choice. Seating is first come, first serve. Your Conference Badge is your admission to sessions.

Should I take the CORE or the regular Conference?
The CORE FastTrack is a focused catering education track designed and written by Michael Roman.  Find out specific details about CORE and who is best suited for this program click here.

Which hotels are available?
Most attendees stay at the official Conference hotel the Paris Hotel Las Vegas. It offers maximum convenience, extreme networking, morning coffee & pastries and the fullest conference experience. We have a large block of rooms at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas available to attendees of the Conference for only $139/night. Use the discount code SPCS10 when you book your room to get this special rate. Click here for more.
Perfectly located right on the strip, Paris Hotel Las Vegas is convenient to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, shows and all the city has to offer.

Door-to door bus service from Paris to all Catersource events and the Tradeshow will be provided for attendees of the 2010 show.

Discount rates, booking codes, phone number and internet links to make your reservations will be posted in November.

How do I get to the Paris Hotel Las Vegas from the airport?
Most use taxis. The fare is usually between $15.00 to $19.00.

How far is the Paris Hotel Las Vegas from the airport?
Depending on traffic you should be able to get the Paris in less than 30 minutes.

When is the Tradeshow?
The 2010 Tradeshow will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Tuesday 3/9 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday 3/10 10:00am - 3:00pm
Complimentary bussing door-to-door from Paris Hotel Las Vegas

What is included with the full registration fee?
For a complete list of what is included in your full registration package click here.

Are there recordings available of the sessions?
Yes. All Catersource sessions held at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas are recorded and offered for sale at a discount on-site at the Conference.

What is an alumni?
Alumni status is for your company, not your attendees. In other words, if your company has attended a Catersource annual educational conference during any of the last five years, then anyone who registers for 2010 from your company is deemed an alumni and entitled to a $50 discount. If you did not receive your alumni discount code, please email us.

I don’t know if my company is an alumni?
All alumni companies will receive an email giving them instructions on how to register.  If you are unsure if your company has been to the Catersource show or not, contact Mike Roman via phone at 877.932.3632 or email Mike.

What happens if I can’t attend after I register? I need to cancel one of my people coming… what do I do?
You must email all cancellation requests to Jeff Hansen, he will process the request and email you when it has been processed. Refund requests before February 1, 2010 will be processed minus a $50 administration fee. No refunds will be issued after February 1, 2010 but you may transfer your paid registration to any future Catersource or Event Solutions conference regardless of whether the price is higher or lower.

I’m already registered but I need to change the credit card that I used… what do I do?
Email Jeff Hansen with all the information including company name, name, address, email, phone number and credit card with expiration date.

I’m already registered but I need to change the name of an attendee to someone else…what do I do?
Please email Mike Roman detailing which attendee you want changed and she will confirm the change with an email.

I’m registered – can a guest of mine just attend a few sessions?
No, everybody who attends sessions must have a Conference Badge. Your guest can purchase a one or two day pass to the Conference.  Guests of attendees can also purchase tickets to all of the optional events. 

Do Event Solutions attendees have access to Catersource classes and vice versa?
No, Event Solutions attendees do not have access to the Catersource classes, however, Catersource attendees have full access to both shows.

I’m registered; can my guest attend the parties?
You can buy extra tickets for the optional events for your guest:
Opening Night Las Vegas - $99

ICA CATIE & Event Solutions Spotlight Awards - $99 for Conference attendees / $149 for guests

Tuesday Night Anthology - $169

The complimentary events that go along with the Conference are only open to full conference attendees.

When does the Conference start and end?
The Conference is officially Monday through Wednesday but there is a half-day of bonus sessions in the afternoon on Sunday and also a half-day of bonus sessions in the morning on Thursday. Approximately 90% of past attendees arrive in time to take all or part of Sunday and 80% stay for the special Thursday sessions. The Sunday sessions begin at 1:00pm and the Thursday sessions end at 12:15pm (times subject to change)

Are there any airline discounts?
Catersource has made arrangements with both American and Northwest Airlines to offer attendees discounts on flights.  Click here for more information.

Can I buy the complete Conference Binder?
No. Conference Binders are only available to Full Conference Attendees.

Can I take my own video of the Conference?
Yes and No. Attendees may take video at all optional events, Tradeshow and CatersourceXperience Room. Attendees cannot video any of the educational sessions. There are no restrictions on photo taking except politeness and correct timing.

I’m registered; can my guest attend the Tradeshow?
Yes, they can go to Catersource registration at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Central Halls and register for a Tradeshow floor pass or take care of this ahead of time through online attendee registration.

Can I just go to the Tradeshow? How much does it cost? How do I get a pass?
A Tradeshow Floor Pass for the Catersource Tradeshow is complimentary for qualified hospitality professionals.  You can register for a tradeshow pass through our registration system. 

Can I buy event tickets when I get to the Conference?
All paid events have limited numbers of tickets available and they are on a first come, first served basis.  If there are any tickets left, they will be sold on-site.  If you really want to go to one of these events though – you should buy them when you register.

I have special dietary needs or religious observances I need to follow, is there food I can eat during the breakfasts, lunches and optional events to meet my needs?
Please address any specific concerns or questions via email to Mike Roman.

Can my children attend with me?
Everyone that attends must have a paid Conference Badge.  All Tradeshow floor attendees must be 18 years of age or older.

I’m in a wheelchair…do you offer assistance?
Las Vegas is ADA compliant so there will be handicapped access to everything at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas and Las Vegas Convention Center.

I’m having trouble registering online… can you help me?
You can call CompuSystems Customer Service at 866.585.4101 and they can help you between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm CST, Monday through Friday.

I’ve registered already but I want to pay for my party tickets… what do I do?
You can go back on-line and check the button to change your registration.  You can then add event tickets and pay for them on-line.

I am unable to come until later on Monday, what will I miss?
There is a full education schedule on the website.  Depending on what time you come you will miss classes up until that point. There are audio recordings of all our sessions, which you may purchase while at the Conference.

Can I buy a ticket for just one session?
No, you can buy a full conference package, a 2-day package or a 1-day package.  If you buy a 1 or 2 day package you will not be able to register for your badge until the first day your package begins.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes – when you register on-line, you can click either the 50% Deposit button or the full payment button. If you use the 50% deposit the remainder of the payment will be due February 1, 2010.

When is my full payment due?
Payment is due in full February 1, 2010

When does registration open?
Registration opens on Monday September 21, 2010. 

When is the cancellation deadline?
All refund requests must be made in writing by February 1, 2010. If you cancel after that date a credit will exist for your company’s future use at Catersource.

Can I use multiple discount codes for 1 or 2 day registrations?
Multiple discounts only apply to full conference registrations.  If you have any questions or concerns about this, please email Mike Roman.

Where are the classes held?
All educational classes will be held at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas.

What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?
Door to door bussing will be available from Paris Hotel Las Vegas to all Catersource events including the Tradeshow.  Other options include taking the Monorail or a taxi.

What can I expect at the ticketed events?
All of our optional events offer another great way to network and continue your learning experience.  Each event demonstrates some of the newest ideas, products, and concepts in the catering and event industry.  Come alone or with a friend to any of these optional events and share your thoughts and ideas. 

Below is a schedule of dates and times for these ticketed events, click on each for more information.

ICA Owner’s Forum
Sunday March 7, 2010
Noon – 5:00pm
Location to be announced

Ask the Experts Lunch
Monday March 8, 2010
Noon - 1:30pm
Paris Hotel Las Vegas
 
“Out of the Box” Boxed Lunch
Monday March 8, 2010
12:15pm - 1:30pm
Paris Hotel Las Vegas

Opening Night Las Vegas
Monday March 8, 2010
9:00pm - Midnight
Location to be announced

CATIE & Spotlight Awards
Monday, March 8, 2010
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Off-Premise Night Club to be announced

Anthology
Tuesday March 9, 2010
8:00pm - Midnight
Bally's Event Center adjacent to the Paris Hotel Las Vegas

Experience NACE Event
Wednesday March 10, 2010
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Caesar's Palace, Poolside

I have special dietary needs or religious observances I need to follow, can I attend the events for less money since I won’t be eating?
Unfortunately not, there are no discounts available for event pricing.

How can I apply for a credit I have from past conferences?
Anyone that has a credit to be applied should email Jeff Hansen at the Minneapolis office.  These registrations will have to be done manually. 

What is the dress code for the Conference?
Business casual is the norm. Chefs may wear whites.

What Certifications are offered at the show?
You can earn American Culinary Federation continuing education credit hours for culinary sessions at the show.  National Association of Catering Executives is also offering the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) Track and testing on-site at the Conference. Please click here for details. 

If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please email Mike Roman for a quick response.