Nestled ten miles from downtown Los Angeles, the Pasadena Convention Center (PCC) is a premier Southern California venue in the heart of Pasadena. Known for its dedication to culinary excellence and seamless coordination for events of all sizes, Sodexo Live! partners with the PCC to orchestrate unforgettable food and beverage experiences that leave a lasting impression.
The Salvation Army's 2024 Testify Congress marked a significant event for the organization and the venue. They had last held the event at the Pasadena Convention Center in 2016 and were returning after exploring other venues that did not fit their needs. From the onset of planning in December 2023, the Sodexo Live! culinary team worked with the Salvation Army's event planners through evolving schedules, fluctuating guest counts, and diverse dining requirements.
To guarantee a successful event, the Sodexo Live! team embarked on a meticulous planning process that spanned over six months. This involved refining menus, accommodating varying guest counts, and tailoring event styles to meet the specific needs of the Congress. Effective communication with the client's team, led by a dedicated event planner and assistant, ensured that all details were addressed and finalized well in advance.
Results
The event witnessed the successful execution of over 30,200 meals served over three days, featuring plated dinners, buffets, custom culinary creations, and even superheroes.
"With over 30 separate banquet event orders and some days having 11 simultaneous events, feeding the Salvation Army's guests required an incredible amount of coordination between my team, the culinary staff, and the event management crew from the convention center."
The Salvation Army wanted a kids-only event for the 1,000 young guests who were part of the gathering. Sodexo Live! and the Convention Center transformed an event hall into a gigantic playground with bounce houses, superhero decorations, pizza parties, popcorn, cakes, and more. "It was a wonderful opportunity for kids to have their own exciting party," said Solano. "The energy and joy were infectious, making it a memorable experience for us all!"