Catersource, World's Premier Event for Catering and Events Professionals, Announces Featured Speakers and Chefs for 2017 Event in New Orleans

More than three million events will be planned in 2016 alone, hosting more than 450 billion guests. The Catersource conference covers all corners of the thriving special events and catering business. Packed with more than 100 educational sessions, the program is designed to showcase the most up-and-coming trends, as well as tools and tips to give professionals a leg up in the competitive catering and events industry.

Headlining the conference are four featured speakers, specifically chosen to ignite passion and inspire the industry, as well as introduce new ways to interact and understand clients.

The 2017 Featured Speakers include:

• Jackie Huba, author and professional speaker: Using concepts made popular by Lady Gaga and cult celebrity followings, Huba will outline the positive effects of word of mouth marketing and how to focus your goals on increasing customer loyalty.
• John Folse, chef and owner, Chef John Folse & Company: New Orleans resident, Chef John Folse will bring a local perspective to the conference by showcasing the notorious art of Cajun cooking using Louisiana's native pantry.
• Mitch Joel, owner, Mirum: As one of the world's leading experts on new media and emerging technologies, Joel will introduce attendees to digital marketing strategies that will drive business growth in a mobile world.
• Doug Lipp, former head of training, Disney University: Popular speaker Doug Lipp returns to Catersource to close the conference with an animated presentation on building a better brand using concepts made famous by Walt Disney.

On top of these headliners, many additional education sessions will be offered throughout the conference suitable for any level of event and catering professional to gain valuable resources and expand their skillset. Other featured speakers include events guru, Michael Cerbelli of Cerbelli Creative; "The most personable speaker in America," David Rich; and renowned industry consultant, Meryl Snow, to name a few. Experts from all areas of the catering and events industry will introduce new concepts and ideas that will bring attendees' events to the next level.

Art of Catering Food
New this year, The Art of Catering Food adjoins the Catersource conference, presenting a three-day intensive course for chefs and catering kitchen staff, with unmatched inspiration through in-depth and specialized content for menu development. Attendees will discover new ingredients, recipes and techniques while sampling creative cuisine.

"While chefs are learning about culinary trends and sampling new recipes, their colleagues can participate in equally immersive education that covers business practices, expert logistics, design and much more. The enhanced education offerings at the 2017 event, along with exceptional networking opportunities have our 25^th anniversary lined up to be our best event yet," says Catersource Brand Director Ron Bigley.

400+ Suppliers Feature Innovative Products & Services at the Tradeshow
Food, equipment, and service resources – the tradeshow has it all. Hosting more than 400 of the industry's top suppliers across the catering and events spectrum, the tradeshow brings buyers and sellers together under one roof for unmatched networking, learning, and ultimately, business. From live culinary competitions to food tastings and seminars, the tradeshow is the perfect place to discover new products and technologies, while exchanging ideas with peers. The tradeshow is open to all event pass holders.

For more information about the 2017 Catersource packages and pricing, visit conference.catersource.com. Early Bird rates are available through December 6.

Apply for a Media Pass: Please email [email protected] with your request and credentials.

Follow Catersource

• Facebook: facebook.com/Catersource
• Twitter: twitter.com/catersource_llc with official hashtag #CS2017

About Catersource
For 25 years, Catersource has served as the world's premier educational resource and expansive network for the catering and special events industry. Catersource, the Show for Catering and Event Professionals, produces in-depth educational offerings, networking opportunities, and a marketplace of cutting-edge products at the largest industry conference and tradeshow. Catersource magazine, an award-winning B2B resource for industry professionals who are passionate about their businesses, is published seven times a year and provides rich editorial content online. For more information, visit catersource.com. Catersource is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc (UBM.L), an events-first marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com.

Contact
Catersource PR
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161031/434801

SOURCE Catersource