Mistakes to avoid when planning a corporate event
Corporate Event Catering: How to Plan a Successful Event
If you’ve been put in charge of planning your corporate event, then you know there’s a fair amount of work to be done, especially if it involves inviting a large number of guests. You want to give your business every opportunity to make a great impression, which means paying attention to every detail. With Brisk Catering in Melbourne’s CBD, we can help you make your event a resounding success so you can enjoy it too. However, don’t fall into common planning pitfalls. Mistakes are easy to make, but with our help, you’ll get everything right
The Food Needs to Be Outstanding
You might have the best venue, a fantastic speaker, or a superb DJ if it’s a corporate party, but if the food isn’t up to standard, it could ruin your event. Hungry guests won’t stay long. That’s why hiring a reputable Melbourne catering company like Brisk is crucial for organising your food. Remember, a corporate event is often a duty rather than a preference for guests, so keeping them happy is key. Offer a menu that caters to all palates, with familiar flavours and a few exotic additions for variety—our Arancini, Crostini, and Frittata are always a hit!
Hire a Professional Corporate Event Caterer
Unless you’re catering for a very small group, don’t attempt to handle it yourself. Aside from food preparation, you need to consider dietary requirements such as gluten-free options, nut allergies, or vegetarian needs. It’s important to account for these dietary concerns to ensure everyone is accommodated. If you’re organising a large corporate event, consider asking about dietary preferences on the invitation so your corporate caterer can tailor the menu accordingly.
For large events, avoiding nut-based products can help prevent cross-contamination. Severe allergy sufferers will likely flag their concerns in advance, but having ingredient lists displayed alongside dishes is a considerate touch that guests will appreciate.
Ensure Adequate Seating and Tables
Seating is another crucial factor. Even at a stand-up event, guests need a place to rest. If your corporate event involves presentations and documents, balancing food, papers, and drinks while standing is inconvenient. Plan your venue layout carefully, using an online seating planner if necessary.
If space is limited, consider setting up seating for meals and then transitioning to a standing arrangement for drinks and networking afterward. Likewise, ensure sufficient tables for guests handling documents. After all, if you’re investing in top-quality catering from Brisk, your guests should be able to enjoy it comfortably.
Keep Menu Choices Simple but Satisfying
Offering variety is essential, but too many options can slow down service and create long lines at buffet-style events. A balanced menu with a few protein choices—such as chicken, fish, beef, and a vegetarian option—is usually enough. Avoid overwhelming guests with excessive options that lead to indecisiveness and delays.
It’s also important to have a clear estimate of attendee numbers before your event. This helps your caterer prepare the right amount of food, preventing both under-catering (a disaster) and over-catering (which leads to waste). Always order slightly more than your estimated number to ensure no guest leaves hungry.
Save Alcohol for After Presentations
Hold off on serving alcohol until after the business portion of your event. Alcohol impairs focus, which means serving drinks before or during presentations may make it harder for guests to concentrate. Once the main business agenda is complete, guests can enjoy a drink while socialising and relaxing with their meal.
Brisk Catering is here to help you plan and execute flawless corporate event catering in Melbourne. Whether you’re hosting a small in-house meeting or a large corporate gathering, we offer a wide menu selection made fresh in our Melbourne CBD kitchen. Our beautifully presented platters ensure quality, freshness, and satisfied guests every time!
