8 important tips for corporate event catering at the office

If an event at the office is in your company’s future, you’ll want to take a closer look at when it’s appropriate to host an event on-site, what you need in the way of space, food and beverage requirements – and that’s just for starters! We’ve put together 8 important tips for corporate event catering at the office as well as some meeting icebreakers and ideas. And learn how Millennium Center can bring its off-premises corporate event catering and full-service rentals to your Winston-Salem office.

When’s an appropriate time to cater at the office?

Pretty much anytime! Get a morning strategy session off to a strong start with a healthy breakfast. Training sessions require break service and maybe lunch. If your office environment offers green space and your job is to create team building, think picnic and field games. Conference areas can be turned into spaces for awards luncheons with the right configuration of tables and chairs.

Tips for creating and catering events at the office

Planning an in-house event for employees involves several key considerations to ensure it is engaging, well-organized, and runs smoothly. Here are some important tips for catering your in-house event. 

#1 Define your event’s purpose and goals: Is this a celebration, team-building event, training session, or networking opportunity? And what do you want employees to take away from the experience?

#2 Make a budget and get its approval: Confirm your budget with leadership before working on quotes from vendors. Big Knowledge Nugget – Don’t forget to factor in ALL your catering costs besides price per head. Think about delivery fees, service charges, taxes, and gratuities, depending on the event. And keep track of your expenses to stay on budget.

#3 Understand the space and logistics: Assess the available spaces in your office like conference rooms, common areas, or outdoors. Consider capacity, seating arrangements, and accessibility. This is also the time to secure proper A/V equipment (microphones, projectors, speakers) if needed.

Corporate catering for an office event

Catering and refreshments will play a big role in your on-campus event. Keep these points in mind when working on your food and beverage.

#4 Decide on your catering and service style(s): This can range from self-service breaks and boxed lunches to a buffet meal or cocktail-style networking. Don’t forget to accommodate any dietary restrictions. These can include vegetarian, sugar-free, and gluten-free. And most importantly, choose a caterer with reliable delivery and setup services.

#5 Make a list of rental items: Often, your caterer can provide a lot of your rental needs as well as point you in the right direction for other items (like a tent). Do you need extra tables, chairs, linens, or décor? Will you require a stage, backdrop, or branded materials? You’ll need to coordinate setup and breakdown times with vendors to minimize disruption. Again, your caterer can come to your rescue.

Other important on-site event planning tips

These tips will help at the beginning, the end and even the middle of your event.

#6 Communication & invitations: Keep your fellow employees in the loop by sending event invitations well in advance. Use email, Slack, and the company calendar or newsletter to get out the word. Provide important event details, RSVP instructions, and schedule any necessary reminders.

#7 Activities & engagement: Plan icebreakers, speakers, or entertainment relevant to the event’s goal. If it’s a social event, consider games, music, or interactive experiences. For professional development, secure a guest speaker or panel discussion.

#8 Post event checklist: Be sure to coordinate with facilities or janitorial staff for post-event cleanup that’s not included in your catering agreement. Send thank you notes to key contributors. Collect feedback from attendees to improve future events. And be sure to write quick Google Business Reviews regarding any vendors you would recommend.

How to break the employee ice at a company event

If you’re drawing everyone together for a company event, like team training, you’ll want icebreakers that energize employees, encourage interaction, and set a collaborative tone. Here are a few great options, depending on your timetable.

5-10 Minutes: Two Truths and a Lie always conversation. Each person shares three statements about themselves, but only two are true. The rest of the group needs to guess the lie. With Common Ground, team members list as many things they have in common in two minutes. The group with the longest list wins.

10-20 Minutes: If you’re bringing together employees from various divisions or locations, give Speed Networking a try. Pair employees for quick, two-minute chats about work, hobbies, or fun facts. Rotate partners after each round.

And icebreakers aren’t just for the beginning of a company event. Use them to pick up the energy in the afternoon.  Try the Deserted Island Challenge, based on the question, “If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring only 3 things, what would they be?” Have small groups collaborate to combine their choices into a survival strategy.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this post on VenueNow.

Incorporate a theme into your on-site event

Use your industry, whether it’s education, health care, or technology (all top leaders in Winston-Salem), to develop a theme for your in-house event. Think of icebreakers that tie into your industry, as well as activities that are interactive and team oriented. You can even bring your catering into the theme. And always tie your theme to your company’s brand and colors.

How Millennium Center can cater for your on-site company event

When you combine our tips for catering events at the office with your creativity, you can produce a memorable on-site occasion. Here’s how Millennium Center can help.

• We’re your on-site event partner: We’ll help you explore your space and come up with fresh ways to utilize it while giving you logistical support.
• Full-service catering – breakfast, lunch, and dinner: Our experienced culinary staff is ready to handle all your office catering needs. We’ll take you through your event and make sure all the food and beverage bases are covered.
• Rentals & decor: As a full-service Winston-Salem event venue, we already have all the equipment and a wealth of decor, including custom linens. 
• Reputation & reliability: With Millennium Center, you’ll have an event partner with the expertise and staff to seamlessly cater your on-site event.

Interested in learning more about off-premises business-to-business catering for your company event? Just fill out our corporate event form, give us a call at (336) 723-3700 or send us an email. We look forward to bringing our fine food and service to you!