Meetings Blog Oct 06, 2017
In the past, the short coffee break was a time for people to slip out of the meeting for some fresh air, pop to the restroom, or possibly a chance for a quick boost of caffeine before settling back into position for the next session. The concept of this time being more than just a coffee and cracker took a while to be realized. These days, however, although we still hear of the occasional story to the contrary, the breaks to the day’s schedule are much more aligned to helping attendees get the most out of the proceedings. Let’s look at some of the ways that this is being done with an emphasis on the food and beverage aspect at meetings.
The importance of event breaksAs a presentation or segment of your meeting comes to a close, this is no longer a time for complete switch off. The delegates should know ahead of time where the breakout area is or at least have an immediately identifiable path to it. As well as a few moments potentially to relax or reply to urgent business emails, this is where much of the unscheduled work takes place: the ‘getting to know you’ conversations; the ‘we should really swap numbers’ invites; and the ‘idea generation’ moments. A lot can be achieved in the now common 20-minute window. How you set the area up is clearly important, from selecting appropriate seating to offering an open-air alternative, but let’s not overlook the value of F&B.
Excellent speakers with their insightful presentations, cutting-edge technology, extravagant lighting and décor, waiting staff always on hand when you need them. These are some of the aspects of a meeting or event that will ensure your attendees remember it long after the show is over. So can you do the same with F&B? Of course you can. Sustenance is one thing – and clearly an important one – but delivering food and beverages with style and consideration can make it as memorable as the all-singing, all-dancing robot in reception. Well, nearly!
Diverse – from delicious candies to fresh fruit, from the best coffee blends to oven-baked croissants, all tastes can be catered for and all occasions satisfied. Your options may be limited by budget but creativity can stretch even the tightest purse strings a long way.
Refreshing and delicious. Time to indulge yourself.
Trustworthy – go for high quality products with equally high preparation standards. Food has an incredible ability to impact on people and your attendees will remember tastes, smells and the look of what you’ve laid on. Ensure your venue or caterer guarantees clear protocols on F&B security for complete confidence.
Dainty, tasty and satisfying.
Customized – tastes and preferences differ across a single company never mind the multi-cultural environment of meetings and events, and for that reason the consideration of allergies, intolerances and restrictions in F&B can have leave a lasting impression on your attendees.
Sweet tooth? Welcome to our Tempting Breaks!
Surprising – this is where you can really imprint your breaks to the proceedings on your guests’ minds. Find out the most obscure local produce, ask the chef to give a traditional snack a new twist, and look at how to present the food in a unique and attractive manner.
Sweet moments always make you smile at NH Madrid Ventas.
By giving F&B its deserved attention in the planning you will be rewarded both during and after the business occasion. During the event itself the surprising dish or presentation, for example, offers ample opportunity for the attendees to spark up conversations amongst each other (an ideal icebreaker, you may say) leading to increased engagement and networking.
If you’re unsure of how to get every last morsel of F&B value out of your event downtime, speak to our team of professionals and together we’ll enrich every minute of the day for all your stakeholders.
