b'planning tipsExamples may include poke bowls with regional fish or tacos featuring locally grown produce. This balance between exotic and familiar adds excitement without alienating attendees.Customization stations: Theseinclude build-your-own salad bars, grain bowls, taco stands, noodle carts and other interactive stations that cater to a range of dietary needs while allowing attendees to engage with the food. into catering trays or used hubcaps totiming restraints and group size. Grazing walls: Pick-and-goserve food at a car dealership event.For instance, says Matthews,snacking stations, such as verticalWeve also done things like designYou may be in a more corporate charcuterie boards or snack walls,a 10-course meal around differentoffice setting where theres no offer a striking visual and functionalcolours, or had our servers all real way to serve hot food without alternative to flat buffets.dressed up in particular uniforms compromising the quality, so thats Mini portions: Instead of heavy,plated meals, some groups areor costumes to match with the where you might consider bento opting for smaller bite-sizedgroup theyre serving. bowls, salads or other options that selections (e.g., small plates andIts all about making food serviceare designed to be served athors doeuvres) that allow them toan interactive and memorable event,room temperature.eat while moving throughout thehe continues. When people are4. Go with the flow: Food should crowd. These provide a excited about the food, theyre support the rhythm of the event. If more dynamic catering excited about the event. It you want to encourage mingling, experience, especially duringcreates momentum. opt for food stations or passed networking sessions. bites instead of a sit-down meal. Variety is, indeed, the spiceMAKING THE FOOD A HIT For focused sessions, pre-boxed or of contemporary events. And if aGreat event food doesnt happenbuffet-style lunches save time.particular food item or menu themeby accident. It requires planning,5. Keep it coming: Avoid letting isnt part of a catering providerscreativity and collaboration with theattendees go too long without repertoire, a seasoned team will find aright vendors. Here are several tips forfood or drink. Coffee breaks, way to make it happen. We never saymaking sure the food enhances hydration stations and ample no right off the bat, says Matthews.your event: snacks keep energy levels high, We try to accommodate the best1. Keep your caterer informed: Theespecially during long workshops we can, and if something just doesntmore information you can provideor conferences.work in a given scenario, we look foryour food caterers up front, the the next best alternative. better. This includes the big detailsBACK FOR SECONDS(e.g., group size, industry, eventFood isnt just about keeping SERVED WITH STYLE style) as well as the little detailsattendees fed; its about creating Oftentimes, the catering service can(e.g., dietary restrictions, eventmemorable, inclusive and buzz-worthy be as memorable as the meal itself.timing, venue amenities, etc.).experiences. By staying ahead of This is particularly true when planners2.Consider dietary restrictions andtrends, embracing customization work with their catering partners topreferences: Offering optionsand viewing food as part of the create unique culinary experiences.for different dietary needs (e.g.,event design, planners can work with These can include chef demos,vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free andcaterers to make their meals and mixology classes or even make-your- allergen-free) isnt just about beingrefreshments breaks as impactful as own sushi booths, which not onlya good host; its about ensuringany other event ingredient. break up long agendas but also giveall attendees leave healthy andBeing adaptable and flexible attendees something memorable tosatisfied. Labelling foods is criticalis key, says Matthews. Each event do while connecting with colleagues. to help guests navigate theiris different in terms of its logistics, Pairing food service with a groupschoices quickly and comfortably. budget and expectations, and its our industry or event theme can also3.Understand your restrictions: Workjob to come to the table with exactly make an impact. For example, sayswith your caterer to understandwhat theyre looking for. That makes Matthews, Weve worked recordwhats doable and most effective,each day different, but thats also what launches where weve turned vinylgiven your venues facilities,I love about the job.46 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'