LAS VEGAS — This summer, Trade Show Executive (TSE) is checking in with venues across the U.S. to learn about F&B trends that are shaking up the events industry.
Today’s “Food Friday” spotlight is on the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which is ranked No. 2 by size in TSE’s 2024 World’s Top Convention Centers report.
TSE discussed the venue’s F&B trends with Jay Lattimer, Vice President of Operations at Sodexo Live!
1. Action Stations Are Growing in Popularity
At action stations, food is created in front of guests and served freshly prepared.
“In 2023, we had approximately 21 action station BEOs,” Lattimer said. “In 2024, that grew to over 60 … It brings an interactive element to the service which is entertaining and brings an added level of personal service.”
Action stations were especially popular at this year’s CES® and National Association of Home Builders® (NAHB) International Builders’ Show.
The LVCC’s action station offerings include a Four Corner Slider Station, featuring sliders made with various protein options, Las Vegas Street Vendor Taco and Looking West to the Far East, which includes crab rangoon, winter curry vegetable dumpling ponzu glaze and numerous other options.
Related. “Food Friday” — F&B Trends at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)
2. Activations and Tastings Are on the Rise
Lattimer shared that activations, or “special services,” are becoming more popular as well.
Examples at the LVCC include champagne dresses, donut walls and espresso services.
“The clients and guests seem to enjoy the activations and action stations,” Lattimer explained. “Also, tastings seem to be on an uptick … even for shows that are not food related, such as the 2024 Premium Cigar Association’s (PCA) PCA Trade Show, which had several booths doing liquor tastings to compliment their cigars, or the NAHB Show, which had several wine/liquor tastings throughout.”
3. Sustainable Strategies are Increasing
“Sustainability has kicked into high gear with several of the shows this past year,” Lattimer explained.
WasteExpo 2024 required specialty compostable products for one-time use items and the 2024 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition wanted only sustainable options for one time use items.
Also, there were requests for compostable goods for CES® 2025.
“Sustainability benefits everyone,” Lattimer shared. “The more sustainable we become, the better we are doing for the planet and our future.”
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