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4 Ways to Maximize Your Conference Center Catering Experience

When you book a conference center catering event, you expect great food and service. However, the question is: how do you make sure you get both?

In this post, we’ll share with you four tips that will help maximize your experience at any conference center catering event. These tips will ensure that your guests enjoy every bite of delicious food and sip of refreshing beverage.

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1. Ask Questions Beforehand

Before booking any event space, ask questions regarding catering. Here are a few examples:

  • What types of foods does the facility serve?
  • Do they offer full-day packages (breakfast, breaks, lunch, and dinner)?
  • Do they provide gluten-free, vegetarian, or other items for guests with special dietary needs?
  • How will they ensure that enough food and beverage will be available for guests?
  • Will any food or beverages be replenished throughout the event?
  • Do they serve alcohol?
  • Will the catering staff remain on-site throughout the event?
  • Will the catering staff wear appropriate uniforms, based on my event type?

2. Plan Ahead

Any time you require catering for an upcoming event, it’s extremely important to plan as far ahead as possible. In addition to getting on your caterer’s calendar, planning ahead will enable you to avoid stress and potential pitfalls. Planning ahead gives you time to address the following items:

  • menu selection and availability of product, especially with the current supply chain challenges;
  • special dietary needs and allergy accommodations;
  • logistics of catering (start and end time of service, décor, staffing, signage, etc.);
  • minimum and final head count deadlines;
  • payment details and deadlines;
  • special permits for alcohol, if the caterer doesn’t have one;
  • tent preparations, such as time of installation and inspection.
  • If you don’t plan ahead, you and the caterer won’t be prepared for unexpected situations, such as special menu requests and increased guest counts.

3. Consider Food Safety

Food safety is another consideration that you should when working with a caterer.

Ensure that the catering staff members are trained in food handling and preparation procedures, for example with ServSafe Certifications. Ask about their sick policies and COVID operational procedures. Does their kitchen maintain a sanitation grade of “A” with the County Health Department?

4. Choose a Reputable Caterer

To make your event successful, and to ensure you have good food and great service, use a reputable catering vendor. Lean on the expertise of the venue or meeting planner for referrals for reputable caterers in the area.

Check out Google reviews and client testimonials from your vendor to find out what other guests are saying about their service and food. Visit their social media pages to see photos of food and events that they have catered.

Choosing an experienced caterer who understands your event type is key to a successful catered event. For example, if you’re hosting a corporate meeting, you’ll want to select a caterer who routinely caters to corporate groups. Similarly, if you’re hosting an intimate dinner party, you’ll want to choose a caterer who offers a more formal plated dinner service.

Conclusion

Booking a caterer shouldn’t be a stressful experience. When selecting a venue, make sure they have trusted caterers as partners that can guide you through the planning process for a successful event with great food and service.

The Conference Center at GTCC has an exclusive catering partner and offers a variety of catering packages you can choose from for your event. Just contact us to know more!

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