From Caterer to Concessions Operator: Lessons from a 34-Day Fan Experience

When Dish Food & Events was approached to operate the beverage and snack concessions for Adidas' 34-day fan experience at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the team quickly realized this was not simply another catering event. It was an opportunity to build and operate an entirely new business for just over a month. Ryan Corvaia, Founder + Owner of Dish Food & Events in New York City and President of the International Caterers Association, sat down with the ICA to discuss how an existing client relationship opened the door, what surprised him most about the concessions business, and the lessons every caterer should know before saying ‘yes’.

The catering and events industry has never been for the faint of heart. Long hours, demanding clients, staffing shortages, tight timelines, and the constant pressure to execute flawless events create an environment where stress is often viewed as part of the job. But according to workplace wellness expert and licensed professional counselor Kim Wilson, there is a critical difference between stress and burnout—and understanding that difference may be one of the most important leadership skills in today's event industry.

The catering and events industry has never been for the faint of heart.

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE:

GROW becomes the inaugural partner of ICA’s first annual ASCEND Conference.

Baltimore, Md. | March 17, 2026 — The International Caterers Association (ICA) is pleased to announce GROW Catering Educational Foundation (GROW) as the first official partner of ASCEND 2026, ICA’s annual conference taking place July 19–22, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia.

The International Caterers Association has announced the 2026 CATIE Awards finalists and winners. 

The CATIE Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in catering, and the 2026 winners have truly set the bar high. 

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine the spotlight on Gina Barber in our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. While Gina is usually the one orchestrating the details behind the scenes, today she takes center stage.

With more than 28 years in the event industry, Gina has built a career that spans weddings, large-scale public events, corporate gatherings, and non-profit initiatives. Her experience includes creative direction, event marketing, and strategic leadership, all rooted in long-standing relationships with trusted vendors and partners.

In the world of catering, few relationships are as influential as those between caterers and venues. Venues are often the first decision made when planning weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events, and once that space is secured, the preferred catering list becomes the gateway to bookings. Being included matters, but being the caterer a venue actively recommends is what sets top performers apart.

In the world of catering, few relationships are as influential as those between caterers and venues. Venues are often the first decision made when planning weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events, and once that space is secured, the preferred catering list becomes the gateway to bookings. Being included matters, but being the caterer a venue actively recommends is what sets top performers apart.

Catering sales isn’t just about closing the deal; it’s about who you are when you do it. In the words of Jennifer Perna of Fulton Market Consulting, “You are not what you sell, you sell what you are.”

Catering sales isn’t just about closing the deal; it’s about who you are when you do it. In the words of Jennifer Perna of Fulton Market Consulting, “You are not what you sell, you sell what you are.”

If that statement makes you pause, it should. The experience your client has with you becomes their perception of your entire company. Your habits, communication style, and level of professionalism directly influence whether a client books or looks elsewhere.

September 2, 2025 by Sara Perez Webber,  CFE News

Small Plates, Sweet Statements: The 2025 CATIE Award Finalists and Winners for Best Small Plate and Best Dessert

August 12, 2025 featured in Catersource

These standout entries blended elegance with innovation, often using seasonal ingredients and stunning presentations to surprise and delight guests.

What's longtime ICA member and Founder of Feastivities Events, Meryl Snow been up to these days? Welcome to Boomer Reboot! Today, I’m turning what looked like total trash into high-end home decor, and you won’t believe how easy (and fun) it actually is. As a couple navigating life after 60, Andy and I are all about second chances—whether it’s for glass vases or our own retirement adventures.

ICA Members, Bill Hansen Catering, 24 Carrots Event & Catering, and Footers Catering were highlighted in Catering Foodservice & Events for their great social media strategies!

August 5, 2025 by Sara Perez Webber

Nameless Catering, one of the largest caterers in Indianapolis, has introduced a new culinary trend called ‘charcuterie on a grill,’ which is gaining popularity for its customizable and interactive dining experience. Read the article and watch the video which posted March 24, 2025 on WishTV.com.

With the high price of eggs and shortages, Chef Jolie of Low Country Quisine shows you how to go eggless for breakfast and brunch. Watch the video that aired on WFAA on March 18, 2025.