From the food you select to how refreshments are presented, thoughtful catering choices can enhance event experiences and leave a lasting impression on attendees. Whether it's a lunch and learn, a holiday party, or another event, Modern Moments can bring your vision to life using these corporate event catering tips backed by creativity and expertise:
Understand your audience and event goals
Select the right catering service
Craft a balanced menu
Plan for logistics and timing
Enhance the guest experience
As you sift through our event planning tips, it can be helpful to start building your plan with a venue already in mind. Come visit us for a tour and discuss your upcoming event with our talented team.
Schedule Your Next Event at Modern Moments
With our charming, versatile space and affordable rates, Modern Moments is uniquely positioned to host your next corporate event. Complimentary tables and chairs make it easy to gather employees for a seminar or team-building exercise. We even have a day-of venue coordinator who will handle the clean-up process, allowing you to return to your business operations quickly.
Understanding Your Audience and Event Goals
No two corporate events should be exactly the same. Your audience and event goals will shift from occasion to occasion and your plan for the event should shift too. Start the planning process by clearly outlining:
What you’d like to get from the event: Your event goal will form the starting point of your plan and determine everything from the room setup to what you’ll serve.
Who you want to come: It's also essential to consider your audience. Just like seminars, parties, and workshops require different setups, clients, vendors, and employees need to be treated differently as well.
The food, activities, and décor that might resonate best with that target demographic: Survey past attendees and review data from previous events to get an idea of what the people on your guestlist like. Take note of dietary restrictions, survey past guests for likes and dislikes, and ask your caterer about current trends.
Select the Right Catering Service
Choose a catering service that best suits your plan and budget. Look for companies with plenty of positive reviews. You can also request references and ask for samples to check quality firsthand.
Pictures are also key. Each catering company’s portfolio is an opportunity to see whether their definition of “elegance” or “casual professional” aligns with your own.
As you review bids and contracts:
Be on the lookout for hidden costs
Review the caterer’s licenses and insurance coverage
Confirm any extra items you might need
Craft a Balanced Menu
Many catering companies have templated menus that can be used as-is or modified to suit your needs. Alternatively, you can create your own menu from scratch. It should include:
Your event’s theme
Any dietary restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free diets
A variety of flavors and colors
When crafting a special menu, you might also consider your company’s core values and culture. For example, an organization that promotes sustainability may want to choose produce and proteins that have been grown and/or caught using ethical methods.
Plan Logistics and Timing
On the day of the event, there will be many activities to manage, including setting up, coordinating with serving teams, and cleaning up after the event. Your plan should include multiple check-ins with caterers, outside vendors, and your own team.
What time can you start setting up?
Who’s responsible for directing the service staff?
Enhance the Guest Experience
A corporate event isn’t just a means to an end, but an opportunity to create an experience. Give guests a reason to take photos and post them on social media. Deconstructed appetizers, personalized menus, and individual desserts branded with the company logo are just a couple of ways to make your mark.
Plan Your Next Corporate Event at Modern Moments Today!
Between outdoor spaces that can accommodate 300 guests and an indoor venue that comfortably seats 100, we can create an event that exceeds your expectations.
Take advantage of professional event planning services for a more hands-off approach that ensures a perfect presentation without taking you away from your day job.