Bringing people together for important business events sets the table for great morale boosting, communication and idea sharing. Don’t underestimate the importance of food in supporting your business goals. Providing delicious and healthy foods for a meeting is as important as providing the appropriate
environment and technology. The right menu provides relaxed opportunities for social networking before, during and after a meeting while keeping your participants alert and appreciative of your attention to detail.
Your objective for the meeting should determine what type of food you provide and how it is served. It's very important you work closely with the caterer or chef to ensure everything goes smoothly and within your budget.
Plated meals, where dishes are delivered to the table, avoid the distraction of traffic coming and going and ensures your guests are all served at the same time. Boxed lunches may be your answer, as they are easily transportable, compact and disposable. You can go the extra mile with an appropriate theme
for your meeting's food, but avoid exotic menu items or at least offer comfortable alternatives. Although you can't cater to every individual's personal taste, you do have a responsibility to provide enough choices and variety so no one goes hungry. Make sure you gather information about special dietary needs or concerns in advance. Your meeting is sailing along and everyone's happy. The last thing you want is people snoozing and losing energy after lunch. A great way to reduce this risk is to avoid food and drink that make people sleepy. Turkey, milk, and milk products are high in tryptophan, nature's sleep-aid. Fatty foods take longer to digest making people uncomfortable, weighed-down and fatigued. You should also continually offer plenty of spring water and regular, diet, and caffeine-free beverage choices. Straight from the Sandman, some basic Do’s & Don’ts for providing culinary choices that will both satisfy
and stimulate at your next business meeting:
• Avoid messy foods that can drip, plop or splatter.
• Be sensitive to guests’ special dietary needs; provide vegetarian options if lunch is being served.
• Offer a variety of culinary choices.
• Avoid greasy or heavy foods that cause a mid-afternoon snooze.
• Be considerate of other guests by not heavily seasoning foods. Seasoning does not make up for good taste.
• Have set times for serving food. Continuously replenishing drinks and snacks strains your budget.
Good food is just good business at any corporate meeting, retreat or occasion. Palette pleasing foods create enjoyable environments for your guests and help support the goals of the meeting. While a bagel and deli platter may offer fast and filling menu fare for lunch or dinner, it won’t provide the sensory
satisfaction or motivation your colleagues deserve. The next time you’re planning any type of corporate event, consider the positive impact you can make with the right food. Sandman Gourmet Catering prides itself on planning, creating and serving tasty menu options that are guaranteed to delight the palettes of your meeting guests. Our years of training and experience in creating the right menu for the right occasion have provided positive results for countless meeting participants and hosts. Whether it is a lighter fare or full course meals, we can offer you comprehensive menu ideas that reflect good taste. Our highly-skilled, catering consultants are glad to meet with you and discuss the many options at no charge.
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