10 Sustainable Strategies for Going Greener By Sara Perez Webber There’s a growing appetite for sustainable events. Are you meeting the demand? According to a recent report from Food for Climate League and Datassential, the foodservice industry research firm, 79 percent of consumers plan to eat more sustainably in the next year. That includes 33 percent who say they … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Events
A Toast to Collaboration
ECEP attracted its best turnout yet at its fifth annual Symposium in Napa Valley By Sara Perez Webber Photos by Jkapture Studios When the leaders of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) chose the location of the group’s recent annual meeting, they knew what would appeal to their audience. After all, what better place for a group of foodies to come together … [Read more...] about A Toast to Collaboration
Food Packaging Strategies
How caterers can satiate consumer and regulatory hunger for eco-friendly options By Alexus Medina, Sabert Today, all aspects of foodservice operations are under scrutiny, from sourcing to water conservation to food waste. Consumers and lawmakers are increasingly pushing the foodservice industry to adopt practices that will get us closer to creating a sustainable food … [Read more...] about Food Packaging Strategies
Advocating for Change
Thanks to ECEP’s efforts, caterers are taking their place at the government table By Liese Gardner Change and upheaval can be powerful catalysts for action. This was precisely the case for the founding members of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) as they faced the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which brought a devastating ripple effect to their … [Read more...] about Advocating for Change
Personalizing the Big Day
Creating weddings that capture a couple’s personalities is what it’s all about for event planner Brian Worley By Sara Perez Webber Like many event professionals, Brian Worley had no idea that what started as a side hustle would evolve into a passion and a career. The creative director and owner of B. Worley Productions in Atlanta, Worley was working at a Banana … [Read more...] about Personalizing the Big Day
ECEP Caterers Are Mad for Mocha Mousse
The rich, warm hue of Mocha Mousse—Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025—is adding sophistication to both desserts and décor. Caterer members of ECEP have embraced the earthy brown tone, creating irresistible desserts in the indulgent shade: The Mocha Mousse trend also extends to event décor. “In the past, wedding color schemes were often built around classic staples like … [Read more...] about ECEP Caterers Are Mad for Mocha Mousse
Small Plates, Big Impact
How two ECEP members—Ridgewells Catering and Behind the Scenes Catering & Events—create food stations that elevate events and surpass guest expectations By Sara Perez Webber A senior event designer at Ridgewells Catering in the Washington, D.C., area, Mary Margaret Hart follows a general rule of thumb when creating a food station or buffet. “You never put anything … [Read more...] about Small Plates, Big Impact
Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence
Five takeaways from ECEP symposiums to help you grow your business By Liese Gardner At the annual symposium for Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), top catering business owners come together with thought leaders to exchange ideas and best practices. From HR and operations to culinary, kitchen, sales and finance, the event is a dynamic gathering of collective … [Read more...] about Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Proof of the Pudding’s LaTosha Marks describes six strategies for retaining quality employees By Sara Perez Webber It’s a conundrum for hospitality businesses. Customer service is only as good as the people providing it. Yet it’s difficult to find and keep committed employees in an industry with one of the highest job turnover rates. To find out how one large … [Read more...] about Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
Smart technologies are helping foodservice businesses ensure food quality and safety By Nick Fryer, Sheer Logistics When the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness is mitigated, your customers are satisfied, and your business grows. Cold chain logistics—the storing, handling and transporting of temperature-sensitive items—play an essential role in ensuring food … [Read more...] about Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
