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.
Roy Porter, CEO, Engage-Works Inc.
Roy Porter is a nationally recognized expert in catering operations and hospitality strategy. Honored with the Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, Roy has built a reputation for transforming catering teams through his passion, leadership, and practical insights. With more than 3,600 weddings and landmark events under his belt, including the Emmys, Oscars, Governors Ball, Grammys, U.S. Open, and several Super Bowls, Roy brings world-class experience to every team he leads. His guidance is frequently sought by top caterers, venues, hotels, private clubs, and staffing agencies across the United States. Roy is the industry's pioneer of Lean Catering, known for his hands-on, "in the Gemba" coaching style. Whether in the kitchen, warehouse, or on the floor, he leads with simple yet powerful mantras like "Fix what needs improving!" and "Two seconds or two steps = two dollars." He brings a "Seal Team Six" mindset to hospitality—ready to serve anywhere, anytime, under any condition. His social media presence and podcast commentary on hospitality and all things catering have attracted several thousand engaged viewers, cementing his role as a respected thought leader in the catering and hospitality industry. He can be reached via email at [email protected]
Presenting:
- Hand-on Basic Bartending Skills 101: Free Pouring, using a Jigger, Shaking and Mixing Cocktails!
- Lean Catering: Learning to See and Eliminate the Nine Wastes of Catering!
- Plating Master Class Part 1: Executing Fast Plating Line(s) for Multiple Courses!
- Plating Master Class Part 2: Hands-on Plated Service 101: From Pass to the Guests – Five Ways for Getting Courses out Correctly and Quickly!