— November 1, 2019
When it comes to corporate events, no two are exactly the same. That’s because every company or organization has different reasons to celebrate. Naturally, the event should be designed to match these goals. Whether you’re seeking a quick, delicious meal for a work luncheon or want to go all-out for a themed company cocktail party, it’s important to understand everything that can be done to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible.
Here are some of the most popular event formats and ways to ensure your event is a success for your special guests.
All-Day Meetings
After a long day of discussion, attendees should be able to count on the food. As a planner, it’s important to select energizing meals that are just enough to get attendees to that next session. Here is one of our favorite game plans for an all-day meeting:
Breakfast
It’s the most important meal of the day, they say! One of our favorites is breakfast tacos because it’s different from your typical all-American buffet. This comes with:
- Breakfast Tacos: Egg and cheese taco with potato, bacon and/or sausage served with salsa roja
Lunch
For most meeting attendees, lunch is a critical time to reflect and prepare for the rest of the day mid-meeting; attendees will definitely appreciate a hot meal to re-fuel! The below entrees come with rolls and sides.
- California Dreaming: Chicken breast topped with fresh avocado, monterey jack cheese and pico de gallo
- Stuffed Portobello Mushroom (vegetarian): Large marinated portobello mushroom grilled and stuffed with artichokes, roasted peppers and garlic, topped with mozzarella cheese
Breakout sessions
A morning and afternoon break are becoming pretty standard in the meetings industry. They provide attendees time to take a quick walk to stretch their legs, time to return phone calls, and most importantly, time to grab a snack! Here are some of our favorite break options:
- Yogurt Granola Parfaits: Vanilla yogurt layered with fresh berries and granola
- Individual Popcorn Boxes or Snack Packs (yes, professionals like a good Snack Pack, too!)
With these group-friendly options, all your attendees will leave the meeting satisfied and in good spirits.
Trainings
Training is a critical piece of any successful organization. It’s important to choose food that will ensure attendees are fully focused and fueled to succeed.
Breakfast
Breakfast food is pure fuel! These options will satisfy and are super good for you, too!
- Oatmeal Breakfast Bar: Old-fashioned oats with dried mixed fruit, nuts and brown sugar on the side. Served with fresh fruit tray filled with seasonal fruit and berries
- English Muffin Sandwiches: Egg and cheese with bacon and/or sausage
Lunch
Keep it simple so attendees can grab and go or continue working, which can definitely happen during intense training. Pro tip: make sure boxed lunches are clearly labeled to ensure efficiency.
- Signature Sandwich/Wrap Box Lunches: Boxes come with a sandwich or wrap, chips and a dessert.
Breaks
With training breaks, sometimes they’re quick and un-official, so keep it simple by offering options like granola, protein bars and whole fruit. During training, the biggest thing to keep in mind are items that can easily be brought back to guests’ seats to eat while learning continues, just in case!
Board Meetings
These meeting require a lot of energy. Getting a pulse on the business, coming up with new goals and making decisions can certainly work up an appetite. That’s why structuring your board meeting to match the flow of the conversation at hand is essential.
Breakfast
Choose menu options depending on the goals of the meeting and the timeline. If there’s time, do an interactive station or two to get the day started on the right foot; if not, a stationary option is a perfect choice.
- Omelet Station: With all the fixings!
- Breakfast Casseroles: Eggs and bacon, potatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese and avocados. Served with a fresh fruit bowl
Lunch
You can still serve boxed lunches for a working-lunch option, but take it up a notch for these types of groups!
- Black Tie Box Lunch: With upgraded sandwich, dessert and salad options.
If you don’t think boxed lunches will appeal to your board, do a three-course lunch with salad, entrée and dessert. Some favorite entrees include:
- Caribbean Chicken: Seasoned with flavors from the islands of the western Caribbean with pineapple served with coconut rice
- Fish Pontchartrain: Grilled filets with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, shrimp, creole vegetables and a white wine and butter sauce
Pro tip: Always provide menu cards so your guests know exactly what’s on the table.
Company Cocktail Events
Bring on the fun! Start with a fun artisan cheese and antipasto station, then wow them with appetizers and stations throughout the evening, including:
- Armadillo Eggs: Jalapeño slices with cheese rolled in sausage, herbs and spices and baked to a golden brown
- Baked Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry: With a choice of apricot or raspberry filling served with French bread rounds
- Greek Salad Skewers: Marinated feta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and cucumber
- Cilantro Chicken Skewers: With honey jalapeno sauce on the side
- Tenderloin Sliders: With a creamy aïoli spread
You can even serve local Texas brews and create a list of what bites pair best to add a fun, interactive component.
It’s important to balance creative and healthy options to ensure you’re helping your attendees be their best selves and create impact for their organization or industry. For help crafting the perfect menu for your next corporate event, contact our experts online or give us a call at 713.699.1693.
