Catersource + The Special Event Schedule 2026
Mastering Large-Scale Catering: Logistics, Planning & Personnel for 1,000+ Guests
Stephen Hunt (Founder, RH Events & Catering)
Mary-Evelyn Kirkland (Media Manager, RH Events & Catering)
Lee Reith (Founder, RH Events & Catering)
Location: 304ABC
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-On- or Off-Premise Catering, CS-Trends, Events & Design
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
The rules of catering change significantly when the guest count stretches into the thousands, or the event spans weeks. In this session, RH Events & Catering will take you behind the scenes of successful large-scale catering operations, where precision, adaptability, and strategic planning are paramount. Whether you're feeding 3,000 employees at a corporate picnic or managing food service for a multi-week activation, success lies in mastering the logistics, both before and during the event.
Through a moderated discussion, we'll walk through the full planning lifecycle: from client intake and site assessments to kitchen setup, staffing strategies, equipment sourcing, food safety protocols, and onsite execution. Learn how to design scalable menus, determine necessary staff, and create seamless guest experiences even in non-traditional or remote locations.
This session draws on real-world case studies and proven systems to help you elevate your operations for high-volume events. Whether you're new to large-scale catering or looking to refine your systems, you'll leave with actionable tools, checklists, and insights to streamline your next big event and exceed client expectations.