The tradeshow floor at Catersource + The Special Event is always bustling with new and exciting services and products, and this year was no different.
Held this past March in Orlando, this year’s tradeshow floor combined catering and event booths into a mixed floor so that attendees could mingle through FOH and BOH inspiration all at once.
Exhibitors offered technology, rentals, entertainment, special effects, samples, and more throughout the day. A late afternoon happy hour was added this year as well, featuring libations, snacks, and plenty of entertainment.
Wandering the floor, attendees were offered the latest technology, products, and services. Some fun things we spotted throughout the week:
- Pzazz Productions brought glamour to the floor with their costumed servers and performers, wearing anything from a glitzy serving table to colorful animal costumes (a lion, giraffe, cheetah, and peacock could all be spotted wandering around the booth)
- WASIO Faces offered free headshots
- TLC Creative Special Effects showed off robot arms and how to use robotics at events
- Champagne Creative drew attention with a futuristic space woman roaming the floor wearing a massive QR code that led attendees to their website
- VerTerra displayed compostable plant-based dinnerware
- Gastro Garage blow-torched brioche-style donuts, of which attendees enjoyed free samples
- Bluegrass Chic displayed not only their floral designs but a fun holiday scene, complete with colorful Christmas trees, faux snow, and lampposts.
The tradeshow floor was also a place to pick up some knowledge, thanks to these education sessions on the Ignite Stage:
- The Rise of a New Industry Standard: How to Adjust Your Staffing Strategy
Andreina Morales, Jamie Adams, and Bill Hansen talked recreating their businesses to run on smaller teams, more demand, and increasing customer expectations - The Benefits of Rental Equipment in the Catering Industry
Dave Kelty of Polar Leasing examined the question “Should I purchase or rent my equipment?” - Rethink the Event Process: Collaborate. Visualize. Experience.
Rebecca Salem of Allseated looked at 2D and 3D simulation technology for event planning - Google and Your Online Reputation: How It Can Make or Break Your Business
Tyler McQueen of Kenect discussed Google Reviews
Both days the tradeshow floor was open, performers took to the stage to entertain attendees. From acoustic covers to theatrical tunes to a Michael Bublé tribute, music kept the energy flowing and attendees having fun.
Click through to see the photos from this year’s tradeshow floor!
