Catersource + The Special Event is part of the Informa connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

View, browse, and sort the ever-growing list of sessions by pass type, track, and format.

If you are seeing varied colors of session titles, here is your guide:
Cranberry = Catersource education sessions
Bright pink = TSE education sessions
Dark blue = those sessions or events that can be attended by anyone with a Catersource or TSE pass, or requires a separate ticket.
Find your best experience by first choosing the pass type you have purchased. This will weed out all other extraneous sessions.

Sessions do fill up and seating is first come, first served. Note: Individual presentations may also be on this website shortly before the published show dates. They may or may not be the final presentation.

Duce RaymondDirector of CulinarySweet Baby Rays Catering

Duce Raymond is the dynamic CEO of SBR Events Group, which encompasses Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Wood Dale, LLC, and True Cuisine. With a deep-rooted passion for barbecue, hospitality, and business, Duce has dedicated his career to creating memorable culinary experiences and fostering a culture of excellence within his companies. Duce grew up in a family where the art of barbecue was a cherished tradition. His father, Chef Larry Raymond, perfected the family barbecue sauce recipe in 1985, which won acclaim at the country's largest rib cook-off. This success laid the foundation for Sweet Baby Ray's, a brand synonymous with exceptional barbecue sauce. Duce has carried forward this legacy, expanding the brand’s reach and impact. Under Duce's leadership, Sweet Baby Ray's Catering has flourished, now boasting over 650,000 followers on social media and consistently attracting around 2 million views each week. The company has leveraged its robust digital presence to forge successful partnerships and deliver exceptional catering services across various events, from weddings to corporate gatherings. Duce's strategic vision aims to grow the catering business from its current $8 million in sales to $12 million by 2026, with a 12% bottom line. In addition to his role at SBR Events Group, Duce has launched Duce's Wild Competition BBQ, a brand poised to achieve significant growth. His goal is to scale this venture from $500,000 in first-year sales to a $50 million brand over the next 15-20 years, with plans to eventually open a restaurant under the Duce's Wild brand. A dedicated family man, Duce lives in Itasca, IL, with his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Madeline, Emma, and Lauren. His commitment to family is paralleled by his devotion to personal health and fitness, working out seven days a week and prioritizing sobriety and wellness. Duce has been sober for over six years and is an active Christian, attending church with his family every Sunday. Duce is also the host of the popular "BBQ like a Boss" show on TikTok, where he shares BBQ education and innovative recipes with his audience. His show has been running for over two years and covers a wide range of BBQ techniques, blending traditional methods with international flavors. As a thought leader in the culinary and hospitality industry, Duce frequently shares his insights at various industry events and conferences, including the upcoming Catersource 2025 Conference. Alongside Shawn Walchef, Duce will present "Be the Show, Not the Commercial - How to Actually Build Brand and Reach on Social Media Today!" This presentation will delve into strategies for creating engaging content, building online communities, and leveraging cross-platform strategies to maximize brand reach. Duce's unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and community has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the culinary world. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and vision in building successful and impactful businesses.

Presenting: