Corporate events like conferences, trade shows, and holiday parties often provide catered food. Working with a catering company like Distinctive Catering verifies that the setup, service, and cleanup of food is handled. Here are a few tips when planning a catered corporate event:
1. Evaluate the Type of Event
Evaluate the type of corporate event you are hosting before finding catering services. Casual events benefit from flexible, buffet-style catering, while formal gatherings require plated meals and a polished dining experience. Breakfasts and lunches work best with light, quick service options; dinners require additional planning for more elaborate meal options. The team at Distinctive Catering will meet a variety of needs with our strolling station, buffet, or plated entree-style meals.
Alcohol can add a fun, festive atmosphere to a celebratory gala or retirement party. Catering experts offer bar services that include professional bartenders who customize the alcoholic beverages to suit your event’s needs; non-alcoholic mocktails also provide a fun option for individuals who abstain from alcohol. Bar service packages often include the following beverages:
- Craft and Domestic Beers: Choices include ales, lagers, and more.
- Wines: These options include wines like chardonnay, rosé, cabernet, and more.
- Liquors: Selections include vodka, whiskey, gin, and more.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: These offerings feature soda, tonic water, orange juice, and more.
2. Assess Your Audience
Understanding your audience requires assessing their dietary preferences and what they actually want to eat to feel engaged and comfortable during the event. Determine if any of the attendees have dietary restrictions and are vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free. For events like training sessions or seminars, your audience may prefer light snacks and hors d’oeuvres. Coffee stations and other beverages help keep your attendees alert and hydrated during the various stages of the event. Planning food services around your audience allows everyone to feel included and valued, and it helps make sure the event runs smoothly.
3. Plan the Food Presentation
Presentation plays a key role in the experience during your corporate event. When buffet station, appetizer trays, and dessert tables are arranged carefully, traffic flows smoothly, and guests can move quickly through the different lines. Clearly mark areas or use food labels to distinguish between different types of appetizers and entrees.
Time each course or snack break strategically, allowing attendees to enjoy each meal without feeling rushed or waiting too long. Food service professionals handle the setup for different meals; they also make sure that stations remain organized throughout the event. For sit-down dinners that require a more elegant setting, they deliver the meals directly to the attendees at their individual tables. Different packages also supply disposable plates and cups or china tableware and glass goblets, depending on the style and formality of the event.
Work With Catering Experts Today
The professionals at Distinctive Catering handle every aspect of meal preparation and service for corporate events. If you want to simplify the meal planning process, work with a catering company that offers a variety of food types and styles, depending on the event type. Reach out to our team today to reserve our catering services.