Speakers 2026
The education opportunities at Catersource + The Special Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
Cassandra DeLisle, Director of Sales & Marketing, Purple Onion Catering
Cassandra DeLisle is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Purple Onion Catering, where she brings more than a decade of experience and a lifelong passion for food to the table—literally. Her journey in hospitality began at age 15, working in restaurants and helping organize music festivals while in college. Since then, she’s planned everything from corporate galas to intimate dinners, always with a focus on thoughtful details and meaningful guest experiences. After graduating from James Madison University, Cassandra spent five years in the Destination Management world, partnering with major hotels to bring large-scale events to life. When the world shifted in 2020, so did she—pivoting into catering and finding a new way to combine her love for food, culture, and celebration. Cassandra’s approach is rooted in storytelling through food—drawing inspiration from her early days cooking with her grandmother and the culinary traditions she’s explored across the U.S. and abroad. She thrives on creating innovative menus, mentoring up-and-coming event professionals, and making sure every client walks away smiling (and well-fed). When she’s not planning events, you can find her experimenting in her home kitchen or sneaking a taste from the catering line.