Catersource + The Special Event Schedule 2026
From Stakes to Stunning: Everything You Need to Know About Tented Events
Jennifer Ball (owner, Knot Your Average Events (& Travel))
Location: 306AB
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
Pass Type: All Access, Catersource Conference Pass, Combined CS/TSE Conference Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: CS-Trends, Events & Design, TSE-Event Planning
Associations & Accreditations: ABC
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
Tented events are where raw land meets refined elegance—but they also come with high stakes and hidden challenges. In this must-attend session, we'll pull back the canvas on everything you need to know to confidently plan, design, and execute unforgettable tented experiences. From site inspections and permitting to flooring, lighting, climate control, and contingency planning, you'll learn how to transform a blank outdoor space into a fully functional, breathtaking venue. Whether you're working with a backyard, a beach, or a vineyard, this session will equip you with the tools, questions, and vendor strategies to ensure your tented event is structurally sound, visually stunning, and guest-ready—rain or shine. Don't let the logistics intimidate you—master them.