Catering A Networking Event: Four Things To Keep In Mind

Posted on: 9 January 2018

Networking events offer people a chance to connect and discuss business opportunities, job openings, or a host of other business-related topics. If you plan to host one of these events, it's important to have a menu that's conducive to letting people hold conversations. Here are a few things to consider when planning a networking event.

Use Buffet Tables To Encourage Mingling

You want your guests to walk throughout the event venue so they can meet other people, and one way to do that is to use your buffet tables strategically. Set up smaller tables throughout the venue, and serve unique items at each buffet station. This will encourage people to walk from one station to the next to determine what they want to eat, and they will hopefully meet new people at each station. Post signs at each buffet table advertising what's being served, and consider also listing the items guests can find at the next table over to encourage exploring the event venue.

Serve Small Bites

You don't want people to fill up a large plate and sit down to eat. This can prevent people from mingling and chatting with others. Instead, serve small bites that people can easily manage while standing and talking. You may also want to consider only offering small plates so guests have to venture to different tables to grab more food during the event. Small bites to serve might include slider sandwiches, mini quiches, or mini desserts.

Hire Servers

Having servers move throughout the event venue with trays of drinks can make it easy for guests to keep their conversations going without having to make multiple trips to the bar. Have servers walk around with trays of nonalcoholic drinks as well as wine and cocktails, as this will help ensure that everyone can partake of their favorite beverages, even the designated drivers at the event. You can also have servers passing around small bites for a more upscale touch at your networking event.

Use Pub-Height Tables

Pub-height tables can make great gathering places for guests at your networking event. The height of the tables makes it easy for attendees to either stand or sit on pub-height stools, which can help to encourage more conversations. Sitting at a low table can make it a bit more intimidating for a stranger to walk up and ask to take a seat, while pub tables offer a more communal feel to the room.

Talk to a caterer at companies like Uncle Bub's BBQ, Catering & More about what you want your networking event to accomplish, and work together to create a menu and event space setup that works for you.

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