Crafting a Meeting Menu That Wows

You already put together a meeting that for sure will jaw-drop your guests. But, what if the food you serve could enhance productivity and engagement? It’s true! A well-crafted meeting or event menu can be the secret weapon that fuels focus, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Treat your meeting menu with the same planning you give the agenda and objectives.  Food sets the tone for your gathering, and attendees value thoughtful food and beverage options, especially for longer events. Spice up your next program with these key considerations for a menu that excites.

Reflect on Dietary Diversity

Attendees may have various dietary needs due to allergies, intolerances, medical conditions, ethical beliefs, or religious practices. By providing a range of options, you show respect for these needs and contribute to everyone who feels included and cared for. Collecting information about any dietary restrictions or allergies among your invitees ensures the availability of safe options for everyone’s health and well-being.

Portion Control

Keep portions appropriate for the time of day. Opt for smaller bites for breakfast and lunch to prevent attendees from feeling weighed down during the meeting; make sure they stay focused and engaged with the content. Food control shows a thoughtful approach to the event and sets the stage for a productive and enjoyable experience.

Offer Refreshments

Whether it’s a short team briefing or an all-day conference, ensuring attendees stay hydrated is essential. Proper hydration has been linked to improved mood and reduced feelings of anxiety and stress. A positive mood can lead to more productive and harmonious meetings. Offer a variety of options such as water, coffee, tea, and fruit juices. Consider providing both regular and decaffeinated coffee to accommodate different preferences.

Keep it Finger-Friendly (for less formal meetings)

Choose foods that are easy to eat with minimal mess, especially if the meeting involves networking or discussions. Finger foods like sandwiches, wraps, skewers, and bite-sized appetizers are convenient and allow attendees to snack without disrupting the flow of conversation.

Sustainable Practices

Connected to finger foods we find a practice that prioritizes sustainability; whether avoiding plastic utensils or reducing the amount of water needed for cleaning. Guests are increasingly concerned with their carbon footprint and they are prioritizing the use of locally sourced ingredients. Implementing sustainable practices in events is not just a trend but a crucial step towards protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of future generations. 

The Don’ts: Mistakes to avoid when designing a menu

Forget About Timing

By strategically scheduling meals and breaks, event organizers can promote that attendees remain energized, focused, and engaged, contributing to a more productive and enjoyable experience. Timing the food service appropriately ensures attendees are adequately nourished without disrupting the meeting flow. Also, meal breaks provide valuable opportunities for attendees to network, socialize, and build relationships. Well-timed breaks maximize these opportunities without interrupting the main agenda.

Ignore Feedback

After the meeting, gather feedback from attendees about the food provided. Use this feedback to continuously improve future meeting menus and make sure they meet the preferences and dietary needs of your invitees.

The Messy Culprit

While delicious and visually appealing dishes are essential, it’s equally important to consider the practicality and ease of consumption. Some meals, despite their popularity, can be particularly messy and disruptive in a professional setting.

Sugar Rush Reversal

One major pitfall to avoid is the inclusion of high-sugar items that can lead to a sugar rush and subsequent crash. Although some pastries or cookies are okay, offer healthy alternatives like fruit or yogurt parfaits. This provides a balanced choice and avoids a sugar crash later.

Bonus Tips for that Wow! Menu

• Incorporating local or seasonal ingredients into your menu. This adds a touch of uniqueness and shows a commitment to fresh, high-quality food.
• Consider introducing entertainment value with your food and beverage options, from mixologists and baristas to expert chef carvers. Wow your guests visually and tastefully.
• Immersive dining is one of the top catering trends for 2024. Contemplate some DIY stations, such as cocktail/mocktail bars, taco bars, or carving stations, allowing guests to customize their meals. Alternatively, add a touch of drama with live catering where food is prepared right before the guests’ eyes. Features like smoke, open flames, and artistic presentations are sure to impress and captivate your audience.
• Captivating food displays are more than just a feast for the eyes—they can significantly enhance the overall experience of your event and leave a lasting impression on your guests; they reflect the quality and professionalism of the event and show that the hosts and caterers are attentive to detail and committed to providing a high-quality experience.

 

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