Let’s focus on just one of these areas – catering – and how important it is to get things right. Depending on the company you work for, there probably aren’t very many catered events during the calendar year. When there is a corporate catered event, management wants to make sure it’s done right. Unless you plan on catering the event yourself (not usually recommended), the most effective way to guarantee success is to find a caterer who will deliver across the board. Obviously, that means an impeccably prepared menu; but it also means a smooth and collaborate planning process, and rock solid service throughout the whole process.
But if the success of your corporate catered event begins with finding the right caterer, how do you proceed? There are a lot of caterers out there, and most of them will be happy to sign a contract. But which caterer will truly elevate the quality of your corporate and leave every guest with lasting, positive impression?
You probably don’t need to be reminded that the reviews of past customers are a hugely important aspect of any caterer’s reputation – but we’ll remind you all the same. Experience and professionalism are also extremely important. Another underrated aspect of catering is equipment. You want to make sure that your caterer is showing up to your event with modern, clean, functional equipment. If the setup doesn’t look good, it’s very difficult to maintain a positive impression overall. Consider asking potential caterers about this aspect of things. Make it known that you require a highly professional look and feel for your corporate event.
Beyond the professional acumen of the caterer, it’s important to make the right decision in terms of menu and logistics. Does a buffet-style format make more sense for your particular event, or will you require table service? What kind of menu should you offer, and how should seasonal fare be incorporated into that menu? Are there any specialties that would make a big impression on your corporate colleagues? All of these questions are well worth asking – that is, if you want your event to be the absolute best it can be.
How to research caterers
You may or may not have organized catered corporate events in the past, but either way, it can be a stressful experience if you don’t know how to go about it. Look for a caterer who has all of the professional qualities mentioned above, but who also has specific experience with corporate catering. You might even consider reaching out to colleagues who work at other companies to ask for personal recommendations from catered events in the past. Good luck!