CS+TSE Los Angeles 2026

Catersource + The Special Event (CS+TSE) 2026

Catersource + The Special Event (CS+TSE) lands in Los Angeles in 2026 for four packed days of education, networking, and expo-floor discovery, running March 2 to March 5, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For caterers, event planners, venues, rental pros, and hospitality suppliers, CS+TSE LA 2026 is one of the most efficient ways to sharpen your skills and build real industry connections in a city that lives and breathes production.

CS+TSE Los Angeles 2026: What It Is and Why It Matters

The official Catersource event listing describes Catersource + The Special Event as “The Ultimate Celebration of Catering & Event Excellence,” positioning it as a premier industry gathering where caterers, planners, and suppliers come together in an immersive environment designed to inspire and elevate the industry. In other words, this is not a general public festival. It’s a professional event where your time is spent learning what’s next, meeting people who can help you execute better events, and walking an exhibit hall built around tools you can actually use.

Los Angeles is a fitting host city because it’s a global hub for large-scale production and experiential design. Between Hollywood’s influence, the city’s creative vendor ecosystem, and the constant demand for corporate, entertainment, and social events, LA gives the conference an “industry in motion” backdrop that feels appropriate for a show focused on innovation and excellence.

Confirmed Dates and Venue in Los Angeles

Catersource confirms the 2026 event runs March 2, 2026 to March 5, 2026 in Los Angeles. The same source confirms the venue as the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

These dates are especially practical for professionals because they fall early in the spring calendar, when many teams are mapping out the rest of the year’s event season. If you’re building vendor relationships, shopping new products, or updating operations, March timing can help you implement what you learn while the year still has runway.

What You Can Do at CS+TSE 2026 in LA

The conference pricing page outlines what many passes include, and it helps paint a realistic picture of what your days can look like. Multiple conference pass types include access to the exhibit hall and the awards ceremony, plus opening and closing general sessions with keynotes depending on the pass.

You’ll also see that CS+TSE is structured to support different attendee goals. Some passes focus on education (conference sessions and keynotes), while higher-tier options bundle in signature networking experiences that can be valuable if you’re trying to meet collaborators quickly.

Education, Ideas, and Practical Takeaways

CS+TSE is designed around professional development, so you can expect learning content that speaks to operations, sales, creative strategy, and execution. The pricing page explicitly references that conference passes include Catersource On Demand and The Special Event On Demand for VIP All Access, which signals a learning model that extends beyond the show dates.

If you’re attending from out of town, plan your schedule with intention. Pick a few “must-attend” education blocks each day, then leave open space for the expo floor and spontaneous networking, because those unplanned conversations often become the highest ROI part of the trip.

Exhibit Hall and Sourcing in One Place

The exhibit hall is included in several listed passes, including the VIP All Access Pass, Combined Conference EDU Pass, and individual conference passes. This matters because sourcing is not just about finding new vendors. It’s about comparing options side-by-side, seeing product quality in person, and getting direct answers about pricing models, logistics, and lead times.

Networking Events That Make LA Feel Like a Host City

The conference pricing details show that the VIP All Access Pass includes tickets to key networking celebrations, including the Opening Night Party and Closing Night Celebration, as well as Connect Live. That’s a strong signal that CS+TSE is built to be social and collaborative, not just educational.

Registration Pricing (Verified) and What It Includes

If you need verified pricing for budgeting or expense approvals, the official Conference Pricing page provides clear numbers for major pass types:

• VIP All Access Pass: $1,645.
• Combined Conference EDU Pass: $1,345.
• Catersource Conference Pass: $995.
• The Special Event Conference Pass: $995.

The same page also states that conference registration rates increase by $150 USD at each rate change leading up to on-site rates, and it lists the rate windows: Regular Rates (Nov 22–Feb 6), Advanced Rates (Feb 7–Feb 28), and On-site Rates starting March 1. For teams, it also confirms a group discount: save $60 per pass when registering three or more for eligible conference passes.

A quick planning note: some items are listed as additional charges. The Conference Pricing page states that “All remaining Showcasing Events, & SEARCH Foundation tickets are available at an additional charge,” which is worth factoring into your total trip budget if you plan to add ticketed experiences.

Making the Most of CS+TSE in Downtown LA

The Los Angeles Convention Center sits in Downtown LA, which makes it relatively easy to pair conference hours with great food and classic city sights. If you have extra time, you can explore nearby areas like the arts and dining scene around DTLA, or extend your trip to the beach cities or Hollywood depending on your schedule.

Because conference days can be long, it helps to plan your “conference commute” like an event pro. Stay close enough that you can return to your hotel quickly, change between sessions and evening events, and avoid losing time in traffic during peak hours.

Who Should Attend CS+TSE Los Angeles 2026

Catersource’s official event page frames the show as a place where caterers, event planners, and suppliers unite to elevate the industry. That means it can fit a wide range of roles:

• Catering owners and operators who want sharper systems and better margins.
• Event planners and producers who want stronger vendor networks and fresher design ideas.
• Venues and hospitality teams looking for new partners and trends.
• Suppliers and service providers who want leads and brand visibility.

A Simple 4-Day Planning Mindset for First-Timers

The event runs four days, so it’s realistic to treat it like a layered experience rather than a single sprint. A balanced approach:

• Day 1: orient yourself, map the exhibit hall, and prioritize sessions.
• Day 2: go deep on education and schedule meetings with vendors.
• Day 3: refine purchasing decisions and build relationships.
• Day 4: wrap up, take notes, and leave with a clear action plan for your business.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event name: Catersource + The Special Event (CS+TSE)
• Event category: Trade show and professional conference (catering and events industry)
• Confirmed dates: March 2, 2026 to March 5, 2026
• Confirmed city: Los Angeles, CA
• Confirmed venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
• Verified registration pricing (conference passes): VIP All Access $1,645, Combined Conference EDU $1,345, Catersource Conference Pass $995, The Special Event Conference Pass $995
• Verified pricing policy: Rates increase by $150 USD at each rate change; On-site rates start March 1
• Verified group discount: Save $60 per pass when registering 3+ attendees for eligible conference passes
• Verified included elements (varies by pass): Exhibit hall and awards ceremony are listed as included in the pass descriptions shown; VIP All Access includes tickets to Connect Live, Opening Night Party, and Closing Night Celebration
• Verified extra-charge note: “All remaining Showcasing Events, & SEARCH Foundation tickets are available at an additional charge”

If you’re ready to level up your catering or event business in 2026, put Los Angeles on your calendar for March 2–5, plan your days with purpose, and come prepared to learn, source, and connect at CS+TSE in a city that knows how to turn bold ideas into unforgettable experiences.