Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat or an industry wide conference, there is nothing that can derail your proceedings faster than a poorly planned catering menu.
That’s because your menu is a reflection on the amount of care and respect you have for your attendees. A hastily planned, unaccommodating catering menu sends the message that you weren’t invested in the comfort of your attendees.
In this post we’ll address some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when planning a menu that is hospitable and delicious, and set the bar for years to come.
- Well-Rounded
One of the cardinal sins of choosing your catering menu is to only choose the types of food that you like. Keeping in mind the tastes and preference of your colleagues is important, but sometimes you cannot be sure exactly who will attend a corporate event or conference.This makes it extremely important to plan a diverse and well-rounded catering menu. In fact, 78% of corporations will include a vegetarian option on their catering menus for that reason when planning a corporate event, according to a recent consumer survey.
- Adventurous
Another important thing to consider is offering some twists or unexpected dishes when you’re planning your catering menu. While no one is expecting you to keep up with the latest culinary trends, a few unique and yummy passed hors d’oeuvres can go a long way to pique your guests’ interests.Working with your caterer to select the right balance of familiar and novel can help even the most culinarily conservative crowds to push past their comfort zone and try food’s they had never considered before.
- Allergy Friendly
It’s no secret that food allergies are on the rise. These allergies can range from inconvenient to life threatening, so it’s important that you and your caterer work together to create both a catering menu and a layout for your corporate event facility or meeting room to avoid problems.That’s not to say every item needs to be safe for every attendee, but you should work to ensure that everyone is safe by clearly labeling food allergens where they’re present. Additionally, setting up specific allergy stations can be easy: for instance, an oyster bar is often a great option for gluten free attendees.
It’s important to consider you attendees carefully when you’re planning an event. With a little consideration and the help of you catering services, you can provide a truly memorable experience.
