The Special Event + Catersource 2020 A Winner in Vegas

The two big guns in catering and events—The Special Event and Catersource—closed out the 2020 show with a bang on Thursday with a jam-packed slate of events. The event ran March 9-11 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Along with education sessions and a bustling show floor, TSE CS featured the 19^th edition of Michael Cerbelli’s “The Hot List”—a fast-paced showcase of exciting new services and products for events.

The 'Remember When Rock Was Young' Elton John tribute rocks the house.

'100 Million Moments' from Brett Culp.

Click the image above to see the 'Stage Story' video from Brett Culp.

The annual Leadership Lunch, held at the Keep Memory Alive Center—a venue that raises money for brain research—keyed on “mindfulness.” The event featured a menu of “brain-care” foods such as salmon, kale and beets.

At the lunch, catering and event industry leaders were honored.

Longtime rental leader Larry Green accepts the Richard Carbotti Gala Award from Susie Perelman in honor of his long commitment to philanthropy.

Donnell Baylot (right) of the International School of Hospitality accepts the Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement on behalf of late industry educator Patti Shock from Lenny Talarico of Blueprint Studios.

Melissa Fromento, managing director with the Informa meetings group, accepts the Steve Kemble Leadership Award from Steve Kemble.

A highlight of the day was the Awards Ceremony, which presented the Gala Awards, ACE Awards and Catie Awards.

The stunning awards stage from Animatic.

Jim Hooker (right) of Stratelyst Creative celebrates his Gala Award win.

See all the 2020 Gala Award winners here.

The day ended with a lively Closing Night Party at the House of Blues, produced by Imprint Group.

The Special Event Catersource 2021 will run from March 8-11 in Miami Beach.