THE F&B WOW-FACTOR

We can all agree that Food & Beverage “F&B” is a key element of a good meeting. The real question is: How do we incorporate that “wow” factor into our F&B selections when attendee tastes vary, budgets constrain you, and venue menus provide the same old options?

Look no further! Here are some tried and tested ways to make your F & B à F A B!

WORK YOUR LOCATION

A budget-friendly way of wowing your attendees with some memorable meals is to work with the venue on showcasing their city’s local flavors. 

• Several venues offer city-themed breaks. Try pairing your menu with the city you are in. Often, attendees don’t have time to venture outside the venue when travelling for a meeting.
• Healthy cooking is also gaining popularity. Selecting snacks and desserts fully made in-house (nut, dairy and/or gluten free!) saves you the hassle of having to order different meals for those with dietary restrictions.
   

FOLLOW STARBUCKS’S LEAD AND KEEP IT SEASONAL

Starbucks has infamously created a drink for every season: Pumpkin Spice or Gingerbread Latte anyone? Follow their lead and give your guests what they are craving! This helps stay within budget as many venues offer seasonal menus – be sure to ask for them as they may not be provided with their proposal.

Seasonal ideas include:

• A winter coffee break including a hot chocolate bar with homemade marshmallows, apple cider and caramel popcorn.
• As the start of January is prime New Year’s resolution season, attendees may be looking for healthier meal options. Try smoothie bars, DIY overnight oats, and poke stations. You can also make your F&B trendy and fun with clever signage to motivate attendees to keep their resolutions!

SERVE INSTAGRAMABLE F&B

If the season or location doesn’t work in your favour, enlist the help of your venue to create “Instagramable” F&B moments.

• If your company’s logo is simple, ask the pastry chef to incorporate it on a dessert

• Print some fun signage to use on your buffets or ask the venue to set up your food creatively.
• Work with the unique locations within your venue to surprise your attendees with a scenic coffee break. A change of scenery helps foster productivity and can also make for some great photo-ops!
• Make your attendees work for their meals! Try a DIY dessert platter for guests to decorate their own treats.

BOTTOM LINE?

Don’t be afraid to ask your venue for ideas, personalization and for help. Together, you are sure to find a solution to please the picky eater, the health guru and the #foodie in your group with one single F&B selection!

About the writer:

Ioanna Antonopoulos is a Sales Manager for The Antonopoulos Group (www.experienceoldmontreal.com). She represents their collection of five luxury boutique hotels, nine restaurants and two full service spas, all located in Old Montreal. Ioanna is based in Toronto and considers herself a #foodie. You can share your F&B photos and ideas with her on Instagram @giannaki88, or by email at ia@oldmontrealhotels.com.