Catersource + The Special Event Schedule 2026
Stadium Seats to Luxury Suites: The Future of Catering at Live Sports & Entertainment Events
Mike Pappas (Executive Vice President of Operations, Proof of the Pudding)
Location: 403B
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Pass Type: All Access, Catersource Conference Pass, Combined CS/TSE Conference Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: CS-Trends, Events & Design, CS-On- or Off-Premise Catering
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
Next-level hospitality is transforming the fan experience at major venues. With a focus on innovation and profitable growth, this session will explore the trends redefining catering in sports and entertainment, from elevated culinary offerings and personalized dining to sustainable sourcing and tech-powered convenience.
Mike will share insider perspectives on how premier events, including NASCAR and F1 races, PGA tournaments, Coachella and other global music festivals leverage smart concessions, interactive service models, and scratch cooking to enhance fan engagement and boost revenue. He'll detail real-world implementations such as experiential beverage events, high-end local fare, and zero-waste practices, along with the operational strategies that make them successful.
Key Focus
• Trends redefining catering in sports and entertainment
• Tools and technologies driving next-gen concession experiences
• Proven strategies for integrating sustainability into F&B operations
• Ways to enhance fan engagement and increase spend-per-cap through hospitality
• Insights into the future of multi-purpose venues and immersive event experiences