Cater+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.

March 22-25, 2027
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans, LA

Cater+Event Schedule 2027

Good Vibes Don't Pay the Bills: A No-Nonsense Approach to Negotiating

Kate Foster  (President, Hospitality Marketing Solutions Inc)
Pass Type: Cater+Event Conference Pass, VIP All Access - Get your pass now!
Track: Sales & Marketing, Business, Financials & Operations
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: Intermediate

We've all been there. The vibe check passed with flying colors. The client is nodding, the excitement is palpable, and you're already imagining the Instagram-worthy results. But the moment the contract hits their inbox, the mood shifts. Suddenly, they're chipping away at your pricing, questioning your terms, and renegotiating details you thought were settled.


As event professionals, our instinct is to preserve the harmony. But caving too quickly destroys your margins, while being too rigid can cost you the date.


This session is your blueprint for navigating the negotiation conversation. We will dismantle the biggest mistake pros make—jumping straight to discounts before figuring out if a concession is even required. Whether you manage menus, timelines, floral counts, or playlists, this no-nonsense guide will teach you how to sell through objections, uncover hidden client hesitation, and strategically match their demands with equal trades, olive branches, or a firm "no."


Stop trading your expertise for good reviews. Leave this session with the exact tools, scripts, and confidence you need to protect your profit and close the deal on your terms.