Great Caterer + Corporate Event = Organizer Success

By Catering Staff | September 13, 2016

If you have been assigned as the person-in-charge of an upcoming large corporate event for the first time, you’re probably wringing your hands with worry by now. But you shouldn’t be because with a great restaurant caterer, such as your nearest Applebee’s restaurant, you can successfully pull it off! Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind to do so.  

Start by Looking for a Great Caterer

Your first step is to consider the best caterers in your area preferably the ones that cater to corporate events, such as business meetings, trade conventions, and industry gatherings. You have to remember that catering for commercial and residential events will have different challenges – and you want the catering company to have experience with your specific corporate event, too.

You have to consider several factors in choosing from among dozens of catering companies in your area, such as:

• Number of years in the business
• Reputation among its clients
• Experience in the type of corporate event to be held including the manpower, equipment, and menu for it
• Price range

When you find a great caterer that addresses your specific needs and wants in catering services, you are well-advised to establish a good professional relationship with the company. You will not only be getting discounts in the succeeding jobs but you can work with the assurance that the caterer will be able to deliver.

Proceed with the Planning

Once you have chosen the best caterer – or at least, the catering company that can best meet your unique requirements – your next step is to plan for the event. Let’s assume that you already have the other details, such as the venue, materials for the participants and speakers, and other non-catering matters, in order. You can ensure the success of the catering aspect by:

• Making a head count of the participants. You will be able to set a budget and discuss matters related to head count, such as the price per person and the price for additional dishes, with the caterer.
• Deciding on the wet bar. You may want a wet bar for a sit-down dinner for business prospects – just to make them relax and receptive to your company’s proposals – or you may skip on it in case of a training seminar.
• Plan for a variety of food and drinks. The corporate event will likely host people with different dietary preferences and restrictions so much so that you may want to include at least two dishes for vegetarian, vegans, and gluten-free dieters.

Of course, you have to be hands-on when the catering company’s staff are in the event’s venue, if only to ensure that the food and drinks are in order as well as to provide instructions to the wait staff.