Adventures at Catersource & Event Solutions Tradeshow 2016

Most years I find myself attending at least the tradeshow portion of #CSES2016 and especially this year with the new company and venture, it was no exception. However, this year was the first year I was completely disappointed by the it on several levels. I know being in the events field this conference and tradeshow is mainly directed toward catering companies and commercial kitchens but several years ago they partnered together with Event Solutions to create a HUGE combined conference which catered to both sectors of the industry. This year was different. 

First, there was no tablescape competition or viewing area at the tradeshow. This has been and always was one of the highlights for me, getting to see the new trends and what other creative minds in my field were doing with florals, linens, themes, plateware, decor, chairs, etc. This creative element was always so unique as it featured people from around the country doing what they do best and creating absolutely gorgeous table settings. Trends and themes get overdone, stale, and used repetitively within certain areas and Vegas is no exception. Seeing the new ideas and trends from across the country was a fantastic way to get new ideas to spice up my events. 

Second, the tradeshow floor had significantly decreased from previous years. There were definitely not as  many vendors as in previous years. I heard that part of it was due to the outrageous pricing to be a vendor and cost of the convention space in general. Whether this was a factor or there were other factors involved, it was deflating knowing that this magnificent gathering of like-minded individuals was decreasing in size, rather than growing as it should be. 

Lastly, I found out that due to several factors that next year's conference and tradeshow will be held in New Orleans. Las Vegas is known for it's large scale conferences, events, and being host to many different large groups throughout the year. To hear we are losing the primary event planning and catering show to New Orleans, is disheartening and hopefully doesn't say anything about the changing landscape of events in Las Vegas.

Next year, money will definitely play a factor in my attendance at this conference with it not being in my backyard any longer. I will also have to seriously deliberate on whether the show will provide enough content and learning opportunities for the expenditure, given the state of this year's show.