Contests

Contests

Competition between caterers unlocks a creative streak that everyone can learn from and be proud of.  The 2013 Catersource Conference & Tradeshow once again gives caterers a chance to showcase and show off their best work in a variety of fun, informative and exciting contests. Plus: thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are up for grabs!

ACF Culinary Challenge

Now in its third year at Catersource, the ACF Culinary Challenge Las Vegas will give both rising and established culinary stars an opportunity to compete in a variety of cooking, cake decorating, decorative centerpieces, sugar centerpieces and carving competitions to win ACF Medals. 

Tabletop Contest 

The ever-popular Tabletop Contest brings creative ideas to life! You’ll be inspired by the themes, unique use of materials and concepts set up by caterers and planners in this camera-worthy contest. PLUS: David Tutera will return to discuss the designs and award his pick for favorite tabletop.

Buffet Contest

An old favorite makes a return to the 2013 Catersource Conference. The Buffet Contest will showcase some of the most unique ideas in design, presentation, use of materials and WOW factor! Not since 2009 have we showcased the creativity of buffet design, so we look forward to seeing what new and exciting concepts caterers have to share. The displays of this contest will be featured at the Buffet/Boxed Lunch event and winners will be selected by attendee vote. 

"Out of the Box" Boxed Lunch Contest

Boxed lunches and drop-off catering are still hot sources of revenue. Caterers, restaurants and other foodservice segments know that this type of catering opens up an opportunity for a huge ROI. Show off your best-selling ideas for this profit center with creative box, bag or plated and delivered lunches and provide all attendees with some great ideas "to-go" in the Catersource “Out of the Box” Boxed Lunch Contest.

2013 ACE Awards

Regional recognition of the best of the best, the annual Catersource Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Award is an inspiring way to kick of the start of the 2013 Conference.

ICA CATIE Awards

The International Caterers Association will once again present Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence.

Aside from the fact you might actually WIN, there are some great reasons to take part in these contests!
Obviously contests and competitions are valuable if you win. On top of the cash and prizes, there are several ways you can capitalize on taking home the prize:

Bragging rights. After you win, you can brag until you’re blue in the face. That’s what it’s all about, right? “Our company won a national tabletop or buffet design competition.” Let your customers – and your competitors – know that you have what it takes to excel in creativity.

Build credibility with clients. It’s easy to tell a client that your ideas are great, but it’s different to let them see for themselves that they really are great.

Marketing and PR: Draw lots of attention by sending a press release about your win to local media and cross-reference the news via Twitter, Facebook, your blog and website. Good news travels fast, take advantage of it!

But even if you don’t win, there is tons of value in entering. This is an opportunity to:

• practice the creation and set up of a new design or idea

• tweak your process so it’s perfect when it comes time to use it for a client

• take photos of your design or set up so you can really sell it in your next proposal

• get a second opinion and feedback from industry insiders

• loosen up the creative block by dreaming up an over-the-top presentation