Editor’s note: Kate Patay, CPCE is the 2021 SEARCH Executive Committee chairwoman and has been a champion for this charitable endeavor for many years. Along with 20 other executive committee/board of director members—many of whom will be present at Catersource + The Special Event as speakers or attendees—I encourage you to purchase a ticket to the annual signature event and support caterers and event pros in need. —Kathleen
As we prepare for one of our first major industry events face-to-face in Miami Beach, there is a sense of cathartic anticipation in the planning process. The last event many of us attended was Catersource + The Special Event in Las Vegas in 2020, and the return of the show marks a first for a good majority of the audience. To me, this is a celebratory time; a time of healing and progress. It is a time to reconnect with our friends and colleagues while idea sharing, and having the meaningful conversations that help to move us forward toward recovery. We are smart, we are resilient, and we are creative. Now is the time to show how the creative minds of our industry will help bring us back together safely.
Today, I pen this to you following a committee meeting to discuss how to bring a meaningful event to you in Miami that helps an incredible cause near and dear to the hearts of many readers and attendees: The SEARCH Foundation.
See Kate Patay at Catersource + The Special Event
Kate Patay will be presenting on leadership and communication during The Special Event, as well as a Candid Conversation session on Wednesday, July 21 at 1:00 p.m. Learn more
For those who may not be familiar, SEARCH is an acronym for Special Events Assistance, Relief & Crisis Help. We are a 501c3 which directly funds individuals in catering, meetings, hospitality and live events that are faced with a catastrophic illness or loss. When someone hears the dreaded words “it’s cancer,” or has been in an accident, loses their home in a flood or wildfire...SEARCH is there to help. SEARCH was started by industry pros for industry pros and to date we have funded 100% of qualified cases, all thanks to the generosity of our amazing industry.
As you peruse the schedule of all-star speakers, Showcasing Events and exciting new exhibitors, make sure you add Wednesday, July 21 at 9:30 p.m. to your calendar. The SEARCH Foundation will be hosting its Annual Signature Event in the heart of the Miami Design District at the uber chic Paradise Plaza. Known for being “the” event to attend in order to rub elbows with the who’s who of the industry, this year’s Late Nite Chill vibe will ensure you don’t want to miss this party.
Experience a true Miami celebration as we raise funds for colleagues in crisis. Supporters of our flagship donor program, the SEARCH100, will have an exclusive VIP Pre-Party as a thank you for their continued support. If you’d like to learn more about the Foundation and how to support it, please visit SEARCHfoundation.org or email me directly at [email protected]. Tickets can be purchased with your Catersource + The Special Event pass or on the SEARCH website. I look forward to welcoming you in Miami!
