How To Get The Fundamentals Right When Planning Catering For Your Next Corporate EventPosted by Liz Seyi on July 16th, 2022 Whatever the nature of your organisation’s next corporate event may be – whether it will be a product launch, a get-together with your most valued clients, or something else entirely – you might initially imagine the arrangement of the catering to be one of the simpler aspects of the whole event planning process. You would, of course, be wrong to think that. Any corporate event, after all, needs to convey all the finest things about your brand. And in order to do that, you will need to achieve exacting diligence and attention to detail. So, let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of catering for your corporate event that you will need to get right. Establish the overriding theme and purpose of the event The very term “corporate event” is an exceedingly broad one. So, narrow down your aims by answering one question: what are you looking to achieve from this event? Whether you are seeking to raise funds, publicise a new product or service, or even cultivate networking opportunities, your answer to the above question will influence many other aspects of planning your event – and in all probability, even the catering. Determine what the best food would be for the occasion The cuisine that is served to your attendees will make such a profound impression that it is likely to be one of their overriding memories of the event. So, at the very least, the menu that you put together needs to feel like a natural fit for the type of event you have planned, and should indicate positive things about your brand. We’re talking delicious, nutritious, and rewarding. The most suitable corporate catering companies are likely to be able to advise you here and make their own suggestions, to ensure that whatever dishes you have prepared are well-aligned with your brand image and aspirations. Secure the desired date and venue The importance of a given event happening at a very particular date, at a very specific venue, will doubtless vary from one event to another. If you are planning to hold the event in question at a popular venue at a time of the year associated with holidays, you might have your work cut out if you were to try to secure a booking at short notice. But dates at other times of year might give you the benefit of attractive venues and hotel rooms being easy to secure. Then, when talking to potential corporate catering companies, make sure they can definitely make the agreed-upon date, including preparing all dishes in accordance with your specifications. Consider the most appropriate type of food service Being sure about such aspects of your upcoming corporate event as the date, location, how many people will be attending, and everyone’s dietary requirements, will inform you in your efforts to decide on the best type of food service to go with. After all, a reception entailing light or finger foods being rotated through the space, will be quite different to a buffet situation, in which attendees would be able to serve themselves from food stations in the venue. Or what about more of a ‘café’ vibe, or even a relatively formal sit-down meal, whereby guests are seated at designated tables and food is brought to them? Again, different corporate events favour different approaches on the catering, so these are all important decisions to make; no one from outside your firm can dictate the single ‘right’ choice for your organisation. Are you ready to discover the difference that can be made by one of London’s premier corporate catering companies? If so, our team at TPM Catering is ready and waiting to ‘serve’ you in more ways than one; simply call or email us for further information and advice. Like it? Share it!More by this author |