When organizing a seminar, sponsoring a conference, or setting up a staff or board meeting for your business, it is best to leave the food to caterers. Convenience, variety, cost-effectiveness, and quality are key reasons for hiring a caterer. Selecting the right catering company is simple when following basic tips.
1. Food Sources
The first tip is to ask caterers where their food is sourced. Experienced caterers will have established relationships with high-quality suppliers for ingredients. Vegetables will come from local growers, beef from ranchers who refrain from using growth hormones, and fish from certified salmon farms.
Ensuring the highest quality will help avoid illnesses from contamination, an abundance of chemicals, or the use of antibiotics. Any harmful effects caused by the food will reflect poorly on the business.
People will remember the symptoms of food poisoning experienced instead of the information provided at the event. Liability issues are likely to become a problem if a low-quality or cheap catering company is chosen.
2. Accommodate Common Needs and Preferences
Find a catering company that offers a variety of menu options to accommodate common dietary needs and preferences of most of the guests, attendees, or employees. It is impossible to please everyone but being thoughtful and considerate in choices presented is always appreciated. Options can be found to suit even the budgets of small businesses.
Offering Kosher and vegetarian options, for example, does not add to the total cost. Healthy and low-calorie foods will not only please those dedicated to managing their weight but also provide nutrition to boost participation for the rest of the day. Sugar and gluten-free items, fresh fruits, and caffeine-free beverages are also excellent choices.
Along with a stunning presentation, which is the third tip, have the caterer label all foods for clarification so people are not guessing about dishes or ending up with something they were not expecting. A list of common allergens, such as peanuts, onions or shellfish, must accompany items containing those ingredients to prevent severe or life-threatening situations.
3. Avoid Specialized Catering Companies
Unless the specialization is business catering, stay away from companies that focus on limited events or foods. A wedding caterer may be exceptional at setting up for large formal sit-down dinner but fall short when setting up a buffet line for lunch at a seminar. A barbecue catering company will not be the best choice for the annual board meeting, although may be perfect for the summer staff appreciation picnic.
4. Catering Companies with Longer Years of Experience
This fourth tip will help make the catering a success for any business occasion. A general catering company that has been in business for years will know the most practical way to set up the meal, light refreshments, and beverages so people can get their food quickly and have time to eat it before the next session or workshop begins.
5. Search for Companies That Offer Consultations and Recommendations
Search for a company that offers consultations, selection assistance, and recommendations for menus. The professionals have probably planned and executed more business events than most administrative assistants so they will be able to provide advice and make organizing the event easier. Ask for help when unsure what type of items are appropriate.
Time and energy spent on providing critical information specific to your business is a priority for any meeting or event. Leaving the food to a catering company allows the focus of coordinators and presenters to remain on a topic rather than on other details.
Also read: Understanding The Customer Journey
