Alcohol has long been joined at the hip with meetings and events, but a recent competitive event in Las Vegas offered a fresh and unexpected alternative.

"The Zero-Proof Botanical Drinks Challenge showcased a more inclusive way to host events while incorporating wellness," says Kristin Green, director of sales, Las Vegas for CSI DMC, which collaborated with Caesars Entertainment to produce and host the event in alignment with Caesars Entertainment’s wellness initiatives. "This competition invited meeting planners to form groups and create the best zero-proof cocktails using an impressive selection of non-alcoholic spirits, fresh fruits, artful garnishes, diverse mixers and functional ingredients. Before diving into the challenge, participants received a quick masterclass in mixology fundamentals, setting the stage for a lively and spirited contest."

The challenge, which took place at the London Club at Planet Hollywood with approximately 70 people in town to attend the Smart Meetings Culinary Experience, also included music provided by DJ Jodi Harris from Sight & Sound Events.

Green says the competition atmosphere was vibrant and electric, with participants eagerly racing to their stations to craft their creations before presenting them to a discerning panel of judges.

"As a planner, it was exhilarating to witness a room full of people buzzing with such genuine enthusiasm and dedication to the task at hand," she says. "I think introducing this alcohol-free option into the meeting and event industry was a groundbreaking move. The level of excitement, creativity and the intricate development of flavor profiles involved in crafting these mocktails was both surprising and enlightening for many attendees."

It also underscores a shift in what has been happening with event F&B for the last couple of years—healthy food options aren’t a nice-to-have; they’re a necessity for creating engaged, active attendees.

The intersection of wellness and event F&B has been undeniable over the past year or so. Caesars Entertainment moved into the forefront when launching an array of unique wellness menu options in October 2023.

Providing nutrient-rich options when planning events is crucial, according to Reina Herschdorfer, director of marketing, national meetings & events for Caesars Entertainment, because healthy eating provides more energy and keeps attendees more engaged.

"There are so many delicious options that are higher in protein and lower in sugar," she says. "Providing plant-based menu options has become more popular for all meal periods and helps you offer more interesting alternatives. There is nothing better than enjoying great foods and also feeling great afterwards. So many attendees are focused on taking care of their bodies and their minds."

Attending a conference often results in sensory overload for participants, Green says.

"They are engaged physically, emotionally and mentally, which can lead to fatigue across all these areas," she says. "Incorporating wellness opportunities into event F&B planning allows guests to make healthy decisions amidst the conference bustle. This approach is a responsible choice for planners and is often greatly appreciated by attendees who seek to fuel their days with healthy and sustainable options."

When participants are pressed for time and experiencing decision-making fatigue, the event planner can relieve them of one additional decision to make by offering wellness-focused F&B options, Green says.

"By providing readily available healthy choices, planners not only enhance the well-being of attendees but also contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable conference experience," she says.

UNCOMPROMISED CONVENIENCE

Michele Polci, director of catering sales - Las Vegas for Caesars Entertainment and past president of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), says wellness menu options are included for all meals, breaks and even desserts.

"For example, for breakfast, we incorporate fruits, yogurts, kefir, avocados, seeds and oats," she says. "For breaks, we can make our own protein bars and incorporate just about anything. For desserts, we can use alternatives to sugar and have smaller portions. Everything is made in-house by a talented group of award-winning chefs."

Each year, the demand for vegan and gluten-free options grows, according to Dorothy Pace, pastry chef for Caesars Entertainment.

"Superfoods like acai, goji berries and turmeric have also surged in popularity, reflecting the desire for nutrient-dense ingredients," she says. "Additionally, grab-and-go options are increasingly sought after as guests prioritize convenience without compromising on wellness."

Another F&B trend that has emerged in event wellness experiences in response to alcohol-free options: the chakra bar concept.

"This unique bar centers around mocktails, offering a personalized and energy-focused experience through a selection of meticulously crafted, alcohol-free beverages," Green says. "Imagine stepping into the Chakra Bar, where guests are invited to explore a diverse menu of mocktails, each thoughtfully designed to align with specific energy centers, or ‘chakras.’ As guests savor these expertly crafted drinks, a reiki practitioner guides them through a soothing meditation session, helping them connect with their inner selves and achieve a sense of harmony and balance."

A chakra bar experience can extend beyond drinks into an immersive journey enhanced by a tranquil ambiance and carefully curated design, Green says.

"This setting offers a refreshing alternative to traditional bar setups, with a focus on mindfulness, harmony and energy alignment," Green says. "Complementing the chakra bar’s beverages are snacks and treats crafted with specific wellness benefits in mind. These offerings aim to enhance mental clarity, boost immune health and promote healthy sleep, providing a holistic approach to well-being."

LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE

Portion size plays a major role in event F&B operations, and it’s important to leave guests wanting one more bite rather than feeling too full, according to Polci.

"I’m a big fan of small, composed plates—two to three bites per dish," she says. "This approach works for all meal types, making it easy to create a grab-and-go experience, eliminating the need for buffets. It also adds a level of sophistication to the presentation."

Pace agrees that the goal is to leave attendees feeling satisfied but not overly full, encouraging them to explore more flavors with smaller portions.

"This allows them to experience a range of creative dishes without overindulgence," she says. "For wellness-focused events, we’ve added energy-boosting breaks featuring smaller energy bars and immunity shots. These touches provide a balanced boost while staying true to wellness goals."

Eric Vaughn, executive director of culinary operations and banquets - Las Vegas for Caesars Entertainment, says right-sizing portions for any event is crucial and it makes even more sense for wellness-focused events.

"Many clients who prioritize wellness are also environmentally conscious, so minimizing waste from all angles is equally important," he says.

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FOREFRONT OF WELLNESS-FOCUSED EVENT F&B

"In October 2023, we launched our wellness options for meetings and events. We put together F&B options that are both nutrient rich, beautifully presented and executable for large events," says Reina Herschdorfer, director of marketing, national meetings & events for Caesars Entertainment. "Our team is incredibly flexible and open to new ideas and happy to create special experiences. As tastes and needs evolve, we develop new options."

In addition to healthy F&B options, Caesars Entertainment’s menus include a large selection of wellness speakers and practitioners.

"We feel strongly that wellness plays an integral role in the satisfaction for attendees," Herschdorfer says. "Wellness activations create an environment where attendees feel more connected and are more open and relaxed, resulting in stronger networking, learning and ultimately higher satisfaction overall."

Eric Vaughn, executive director of culinary operations and banquets - Las Vegas for Caesars Entertainment, says in the menu development process, he always takes into consideration the fact that attendees with special dietary needs must feel just as valued as those without.

"I just recently added daily vegan entrée options to our daily catering menus," he says. "This inclusive mindset is woven into all our menus, ensuring that there’s something for everyone."

Prioritizing balance in every aspect—flavor, texture and presentation—is also a must, according to Dorothy Pace, pastry chef for Caesars Entertainment.

"Our goal is to create visually appealing, delicious dishes while being mindful of sugar and additives," she says. "Wellness doesn’t mean sacrificing taste but enhancing it with thoughtful ingredients that nourish the body."