With vegan and vegetarian cuisine in demand for meetings and events, Catersouce + The Special Event made sure to highlight it on the educational agenda. Here, Eric Centeno, owner and executive chef at Exquisite Delites Catering Company, leads a session on building out a better plant-based menu.

Event producer Michael Cerbelli curates outstanding event talent into a showcase called The Hot List. For this highly anticipated session at Catersource + The Special Event, Cerbelli’s acts ranged from high-energy bands to a robotic dog to a drone that delivers cocktails.

Gastro Garage offers blow-torch-fueled, multi-course, one-of-a-kind interactive dining.

What would your attendees think of a contortionist who shoots an arrow with her feet?

The all-female band combines music and entertainment.

Technology Logistics Creative, which offers technology and show-production services for events, showcased a robotic dog that can be used for product launches or as an intriguing booth draw.

For entrepreneurs running business-event and catering companies, a presentation by Cindy Lo, CEO and chief event strategist for Red Velvet and Strong Events, focused on ways to scale up a business.

Event-production expert Scott Frankel, president of Animatic Media, had a standing-room-only crowd at the Ignite Stage in the exhibit hall for a session called Next-Level AV for Planners and Contract Negotiation.

Catersource + The Special Event recognized David Merrell, CEO & Creative Director at AOO Events, as Designer of the Year. To read about who took home Gala Awards in various categories, such as Best Entertainment, Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association: Budget Over $500,000, and Best Multiple-Day Event Program for a Corporation or Association, click here.

Welcome to the party!

The closing-night celebration at Superstition Night Club featured live music and a packed dance floor.