One of the greatest challenges facing anyone planning a large corporate event is finding new ways to set it apart from other, more staid, business gatherings. While some of the day’s, or night’s, activities must remain constant (speeches, demonstrations, performance reviews, instructional discussion panels), the ambitious event planner is always looking for a new twist, something unique that will add a bit of memorable fun to the proceedings.
One of the best ways to accomplish this rather formidable task is through a food station or food bar. Catering choices can have a big impact on the success of any event, and foregoing the traditional rubber chicken dinner is a great way to make a lasting impression on your guests. So, if you’re looking to spice up your next corporate event, why not try something a little different?
Interactive Food Stations
Interactive food stations are a great way to breathe some new life into your event catering. Rather than settle on a one size fits all menu (served up during a break or at the end of the day), take the opportunity to get your guests up out of their seats and enjoying themselves.
Food stations can bring some much needed fun and excitement to any corporate event, and there are many food station ideas for your guests the chance to mingle, relax, and enjoy some fine food in the process. Even better, food stations can be as economical as any other form of catering, providing a greater variety of choices for your guests without breaking your event budget. So, without any further ado, let’s look at a few examples to get your event catering onto a new track.
The Meatball Bar
Sure, the lowly meatball has been the brunt of jokes for ages, but deep down inside we all love them to bits. I mean, what’s better than a hot and saucy meatball hoagie? Not much, that’s what. But make no mistake, there’s more to meatballs than that delicious Italian staple.
A meatball bar can offer your guests a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional beef and pork meatballs in a tomato sauce to lamb or sliced veal with a savory cheese. They can be served as appetizers or, with the help of some fresh ciabatta and sour dough rolls built into scrumptious sandwiches. Add a few simple sides and your guests can build a meal on the spot, or take a few samples and move on to the next food station.
The Taco Bar
The elevated taco has been making something of a mark on the culinary scene, with major cities playing host to exclusive high end taquerias. That flavor and excitement can be brought to your event with a full service taco bar. Your guests can build their own tacos from a variety of fresh ingredients for a light and tasty afternoon snack or late night meal. Add a cerveza or two and you have a party that can put the finishing touch to a long day of business activities.
The Hot Chocolate Bar
For those winter time events, nothing rounds out the day like a piping hot cup of coco. Hot chocolate bars appeal to the kid in everyone, and the ability to mix and match flavors brings some adult fun to a childhood favorite. Add a dash of something harder and you have a welcome hot chocolate toddy to close out the day’s events. What better way to network or close an important business deal than over a hot cup of coco and a fine cigar?
The Interactive Candy Station
While candy stations may seem a bit frivolous at a large corporate event, they typically turn out to be a big hit with everyone involved. No matter how grown up people like to consider themselves, when they see a vast array of tasty treats on offer they instantly become kids again. Load your candy station with a variety of candies (include some regional favorites if you are hosting out of town guests), and let everyone pick and mix their own selections. The station attendant can bundle up your guests’ selections and present them with a fun and memorable party favor.
Here’s an extra tip for you corporate party planners – provide the candy station with some personalized party wraps featuring your company logo so your guests will not only go home with a bag of tasty treats, but also with a permanent reminder of your business and your brand.
Sometimes it can seem rather difficult to find new ways to brighten up a corporate event. Naturally, you want to create a memorable experience for your guests, but you also need to be mindful of your budget. Catering choices provide the perfect opportunity to spice up your event, without interfering with the day’s activities or sacrificing a well balanced spreadsheet.
If you’re looking to bring something new and exciting to your next event, why not skip the traditional catering menu and wow your guests with a variety of fun and interactive food bar. It’s sure to provide a memorable, and flavorful, event experience.
