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Catersource Conference & Tradeshow - March 10-13, 2013 - Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas

Buffet Contest

An old favorite makes a return to the 2013 Catersource Conference. The Buffet Contest will showcase some of the most unique ideas in design, presentation, use of materials and WOW factor! Not since 2009 have we showcased the creativity of buffet design, so we look forward to seeing what new and exciting concepts caterers have to share. The displays of this contest will be featured at the Buffet/Boxed Lunch event and winners will be selected by attendee vote.


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Live Buffet Building

An old favorite makes a return to the 2013 Catersource Conference. The Buffet Contest will showcase some of the most unique ideas in design, presentation, use of materials and WOW factor! Not since 2009 have we showcased the would creativity of buffet design, so we look forward to seeing what new and exciting concepts caterers have to share.

All winners will be featured in an upcoming issue of Catersource magazine, and will receive a trophy, two 2014 Catersource Registration Certificates and cash!
First Place: $3500
Second Place: $1500
Third Place: $500

Winners will be chosen by attendee vote during the Buffet/Boxed Lunch event on Monday March 11. Winners will be announced during the Closing Session on Wednesday, March 13 at the 2013 Catersource Conference & Tradeshow at The Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

To enter the contest, fill out the online entry form
or download the pdf and return to [email protected].

Official Rules
1. Space for this contest is limited, so enter early! One contest entry per company or organization.

2. Catersource may adjust these rules with notice to contestants at any time.

3. Contestants will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to the Boxed/Buffet Lunch. Additional participants must purchase a ticket (valued at $69/79).

4. Buffets and stations must fit in an area no larger than 10'x15'. The Catersource staff will assign you a section of the room when you arrive. There is a 12' height limitation to all buffets.

5. Actual food menu items may not be used on the buffets. Food may not be used to portray your menu items. Food items may be used as props only. However, it should be clear where the catered food would be placed using serving pieces. You must place written signs on the buffet, or in  a serving piece, as to what food would be used in a particular place.

6. Catersource will provide any tables that The Mirage has in stock for your buffet. All other equipment and design elements including specialty tables, linens and floral are the contestant's responsibility. Electricity and sound is available for a fee from The Mirage.

7. Contestants must have at least one person attending the Catersource 2013 Conference. Non-attendees may assist with set-up of the buffet.

8. Shipping: All contestants must complete and return the Advanced Shipping Information Form by March 1, 2013. All materials must arrive in Las Vegas no later than March 4th, 2013. 

9. POV (Privately Owned Vehicles): Please use the provided map for delivery instructions if you plan to transport your own equipment to The Mirage.

10. The Buffet Building Contest schedule is as follows:
Load-in and Set-up:     Sunday, March 10 - 7:00am - 6:00pm
                                       Monday, March 11 - 6:00am - 11:00am
Buffet Viewing:            Monday, March 11 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Strike and Load-out:   Monday, March 11 - 3:00pm - 6:00pm
                                       Tuesday, March 12 - 7:00am - 4:00pm

11. Winners will be selected by attendee vote and winners will be announced at the Closing Session on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

12. The Conference attendees will vote for their favorite using their voting ballot attached to their registration badge. Attendees will place this ballot in the voting box of their choice. An independent panel will collect and count the ballots in the presence of Catersource to determine the winners.

13. Voting boxes with your company name will be at your buffet for attendee voting ballots. Please be aware that these boxes need to be displayed on your buffet.

14. Prizes are as follows:
First Place: $3500 cash, two (2) 2014 Catersource Registration Certificates and a trophy
Second Place: $1500 cash, two (2) 2014 Catersource Registration Certificates and a trophy
Third Place: $500 cash, two (2) 2014 Catersource Registration Certificates and a trophy

15. Contestants agree to allow attendees to photograph and/or video their buffets. Catersource is given permission to use photos and/or video of the buffets in Catersource magazine or future Catersource marketing.