Now that everything is almost back to normal and offices are starting to open again, many businesses are planning to resume in-person meetings. If you’re in charge of planning a meeting, there are many things to consider to make it successful. But one detail that is often overlooked is catering. A great caterer can make all the difference, providing delicious food and drinks that will keep everyone fed and hydrated throughout the meeting.
If you’re not sure how to order catering for a meeting, here are some tips you can follow:
- Determine the number of people attending the meeting
This will help you determine how much food and drink to order. You don’t want to run out of food or drinks, but you also don’t want too much left over. Aside from counting the attendees, also take into account any other people who might be present, such as company employees who are not attending the meeting but might drop by.
- Choose a menu that will please everyone
It’s important to have a variety of options so that everyone can find something they like. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the caterer for suggestions. In addition, you have to ask the confirmed guests about their dietary restrictions. This is essential to make sure that everyone can enjoy the food.
- Consider the time of day
The time of day will affect what kind of food and drink you order. For example, if the meeting is in the morning, you might want to order breakfast items like bagels and coffee. If it’s in the afternoon, you might want to order lunch items like sandwiches and salad. And if it’s in the evening, you might want to order hors d’oeuvres and wine.
- Make sure there’s enough for everyone
As mentioned above, you don’t want to run out of food or drinks. But you also don’t want people to feel like they’re being starved or thirsty. Make sure to order enough so that everyone can have seconds if they want. You might even want to order a little extra, just in case.
- Get a quote in advance
Before you commit to a caterer, make sure to get a quote so that you know how much the catering will cost. This will help you stay within your budget. You can also ask the caterer for discounts or promotions that they might be running. This way, you can get the best deal possible.
- Review the contract
Once you’ve decided on a caterer, be sure to review the contract carefully. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or surprises later on. You can ask the caterer to explain anything that you don’t understand. You can also ask someone from your office to review the contract especially if they’re familiar with legal documents.
- Make a final confirmation
A few days before the meeting, make a final confirmation with the caterer. This will help ensure that everything is still on track and that there haven’t been any changes. You can also use this opportunity to ask if there’s anything else you need to do on your end. Aside from confirming with the caterer, you should also send a reminder email to the attendees about the catering arrangements.
- Have a backup plan
In case something happens and the caterer is unable to make it to the meeting, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. This could mean ordering food from a nearby restaurant or having someone from your office bring food from home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
By following these tips, you can be sure to have a successful meeting with great catering. Your attendees will appreciate the delicious food and drinks, and they’ll be able to focus on the meeting itself instead of being distracted by hunger or thirst. So don’t forget to include catering in your meeting planning!
Do you have any other tips for planning a successful meeting with great catering? Share them with us in the comments below!
