Savor the Experience: How Food and Beverage Shape Events

When planning an event, the food and beverage offerings should complement and enhance the overall experience for your attendees. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, a lavish wedding, or an industry conference, what you serve, how you serve it, and the thoughtfulness behind your choices leave a lasting impression. 

What You Serve

Keep in mind the type of meal you provide will influence the energy and engagement of your attendees.

For instance, a heavy meal at lunch during a conference or meeting might leave participants feeling sleepy or sluggish during afternoon sessions, stifling audience participation and group discussion.

Instead, consider lighter, nutrient-rich options that sustain energy and keep minds sharp. Lunch options such as fresh salads, lean proteins, and whole grains can be perfect choices to maintain productivity throughout the day.

Options for Those with Dietary Restrictions

In today’s diverse dietary landscape, accommodating guests with dietary restrictions is essential.

Offering vegan, gluten-free, and other specialized options ensures all attendees feel included and cared for. This attention to detail not only shows respect but also enhances the overall experience by preventing any dietary issues that could detract from the event’s success.

As you’re planning your event, gather information regarding attendees’ dietary needs and preferences to ensure there are nutritious, filling options for everyone.

Check out this great article from Skift Meetings for detailed information on dietary restrictions.

Open Bar vs. Closed Bar

Choosing between an open bar and a closed bar is a bigger decision than it seems! The option you choose will set the tone for your event.

An open bar fosters a more relaxed and social atmosphere, ideal for weddings, social galas, and sponsored happy hours. However, for other events, a cash bar or ticketed bar with a limited selection might be more appropriate to maintain professionalism.

Tailor your bar service to the nature of your event, the preferences of your attendees, and be sure to keep your event budget in mind. Evite has a great drink calculator to help you buy the appropriate amount of each type of beverage.

High-Quality & Unique Options

Serving high-quality or unique food and beverages can really put your event over the top, turning a good event into a truly memorable experience.

At weddings and galas, for example, offering signature cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, or an elaborate dessert station can leave a lasting impression. Unique food presentations and interactive stations, like a live sushi bar or a gourmet taco truck, provide engaging experiences that attendees will talk about long after the event.

Check out these current food trends from Party Slate!

Food Presentation Psychology

Guests probably don’t even realize it, but everything down to the table setting can influence our overall enjoyment of a meal.

For example, smaller plates can make small portions appear to be larger, and heavier forks and knives have been proven to make food taste better. Research from the University of Oxford found that the size, weight, shape and color of our cutlery influences our perception of how the food actually tastes.

All of these small details tap into our senses and emotions, ultimately influencing our memory of the event.

Bonus Tip: Avoid floral arrangements with fragrant flowers, such as lilies on the table. The smell of the flowers can interfere with how people perceive the taste and quality of the food.

Local Restaurants

Partnering with local restaurants for catering not only supports the community but also provides attendees with a taste of the local cuisine. This is especially beneficial for events with out-of-town guests, as it gives them an authentic culinary experience.

Highlighting local specialties can also be a great conversation starter and adds a cultural touch to your event.

Destination & Theme-Specific Cuisine

Consider aligning your food and beverage choices with the event’s location or theme to enhance the overall experience.

Tapping into local delicacies can make the event feel more immersive and special. For example, you can serve fresh crab at a Maryland event, offer a variety of cheeses and charcuterie at a Wisconsin gathering, or feature a signature margarita in Mexico.

And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, work with hotel staff to arrange an authentic pig roast for a luau-themed event in Hawaii.

This attention to detail gives guests a taste of the local culture while establishing positive memories associated with your event.

Focus on Sustainability

Incorporating sustainability into your food and beverage planning can appeal to environmentally conscious attendees. Reducing food waste, using eco-friendly materials, and sourcing local and organic ingredients are practices that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

The 2022 IMEX America event is a fantastic example of food waste reduction in action! In addition to reducing waste at the source, IMEX America recovered and donated 113kg of food to the Three-Square Food Bank, translating to about 208 meals reaching those in need. Food that could not be reduced at the source, or donated to humans, was routed to Las Vegas Livestock to feed pigs. A whopping 18,249kg of event material was sent to Las Vegas Livestock instead of a landfill.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that the food and beverage choices at your event contribute positively to the overall experience, leaving your attendees satisfied and impressed.

Thoughtful planning and attention to detail can transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one, creating memorable moments that attendees will cherish long after the day has ended.

Ready to take your event planning to the next level? Sign up for a free GroupSync™ account today and discover how our comprehensive tools and resources can help you create unforgettable events effortlessly. Create your FREE GroupSync account now!