The ECEP Trends Council convened at the 2026 ECEP Symposium, compiling a list of 10 catering and hospitality trends identified by these industry heavyweights. The third annual ECEP Trends Report reflects how catering’s most influential operators are reading the room—and redefining it.
Demand for private dining in New York City has increased more than fivefold ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, according to new data from venue marketplace Tagvenue. The trend signals a broader shift towards higher-value, experience-led bookings.
University dining halls haven’t always been known for culinary excellence. For many college grads, the cafeteria brings back memories of bland, boring buffets.
Today, that stereotype is being phased out of the curriculum, thanks to such campus foodservice providers such as Elior Collegiate Dining. The company—which serves more than 35 million meals annually at college and university campuses throughout the U.S.—tailors its offerings to what students want. Whether that’s the latest TikTok food trend, a macro count with every meal or the ability to order through the dining plan on Grubhub, Elior is meeting Gen Z students where they are.
With à la minute execution, a vast array of house-made products and sophisticated supply-chain leverage, Explora Journeys—the luxury cruise line launched by MSC Group—is making culinary identity a central pillar of the brand. Guests won’t find any mass-produced, boring buffet lines here. Instead they’ll discover an all-day dining venue modeled after a European food hall, with 17 chef-attended live stations—and much more.
Nearly one-quarter (23%) of U.S. consumers who drink alcohol are actively moderating or abstaining from alcohol in January through participation
If there’s one wedding trend poised to fully solidify in 2026, it’s this: Couples are designing their celebrations with guests squarely in mind. From how budgets are allocated to how weekends are structured, the focus has shifted from checking traditional boxes to creating memorable, immersive experiences for the people in the room.
As the corporate world regains its social rhythm, this year’s holiday event landscape reveals a significant shift in catering trends. Across the country, companies are moving away from lavish displays and toward meaningful, high-quality experiences that emphasize connection, culture and employee appreciation.
The National Restaurant Association released its highly anticipated 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, highlighting the trends set to shape America’s menus in the coming year. The report, based on insights from hundreds of culinary professionals surveyed in October 2025, reveals that nostalgia, comfort and “flavor escapism” are defining consumer desires in 2026.
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have unveiled Nature’s Vow, a new eco-chic wedding inspiration poised to define 2026 celebrations. Rooted in the spirit of the Caribbean, the design blends sustainable elements with elevated style, offering couples a trend-forward way to honor love, nature and purpose, surrounded by friends and family.
By Duncan MacNally The bar is often the heartbeat of a catered event. Whether it’s a wedding, gala or corporate
