Glynis Keith, Senior Sales and Event Manager Catering By Seasons, College Park, MD


Anticipated top trends for 2020: Planners will approach catering with a more focused eye toward mindfulness - for the planet, the local community and attendees; looking for vendors who share values as well as vision - a catering partner to help create menus that incorporate ingredients that can be locally sourced, reducing waste and taking into account the dietary needs of those in attendance.


Greater eco-centricity is another anticipated trend. Catering by Seasons’ trade- marked Seeds to Celebrations program gives the opportunity to work with the caterer side-by-side to plan, plant, nurture and harvest many of the items that will be served to guests. Also, reducing food waste and looking for creative and delicious menus that take into account various dietary needs of guests (gluten free, nut-free, vegetarian or vegan).


Keith’s wish list for the industry in 2020 and beyond: Industry associations taking the lead in providing eco-friendly education and/or alternatives to their members… a high-level shift so that the caterers, florists, stationers, et al have the tools and resources to share with clients. And, then - rather than respond to a trend - forge the path to make all events greener.


Kathryn Lezynski, Program and Event Coordinator Roberts Event Group, Philadelphia, PA


Anticipated top trends for 2020: More money put into interac- tive experiences and activities to create “wow” moments for guests, and less money spent on “nicer” hotel rooms, upscale meeting spaces, etc.; also less focus on human interaction in venues, hotels, etc. with more of a focus on technology to assist with guest experiences, completing tasks, etc.


Lezynski’s wish list for the industry in 2020: Sustainability meas- ures to assist with the creation of less event waste, and finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable aspects to every event.


Cindy E. Rossi, Senior Director, Programs and Special Events University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA


Anticipated top trends for 2020: Serving wine on tap as it is eco-friendly, offers consistent quality and taste, plus provides cost savings and ease of operation; and donating florals where they can be redesigned and delivered to hospitals, shelters and other care facilities (through resources such as forgetmeknotflowers.org).


Rossi’s wish list for the industry in 2020 and beyond: More mentorship from experienced planners to junior planners - and cross training with various types of events; greater work life/family life balance for planners who work long hours and who have to travel (it’s a priority for me as a supervisor).


Mid-Atlantic­EvEnts Magazine 21


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