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Beyond providing sustenance and a respite from the work that goes on at corporate events, sharing food and beverages as a group offers enormous potential for team building. Breaking bread together serves as an opportunity for colleagues to get to know each other on a more personal level. Additionally, if the food and beverages you serve to attendees are of high quality and distinct from the typical fare, it conveys the message that your organization values their contributions.  

That said, to fulfill its potential, the cuisine at a multi-day corporate event must provide an experience that is not only positive but also unique and memorable. So, how exactly do you achieve these objectives when planning meals for a group of people who have differing tastes and preferences? The following 7 strategies are a great place to start. 

1. INCORPORATE LOCAL FLAVORS AND TRADITIONS

Immersing themselves in the culture and customs of the destination is rewarding for attendees. Eating and drinking the same food and beverages as the locals, including dishes for which the region is renowned, is an ideal way to enjoy these experiences fully. It is essential to note that creating a truly immersive experience extends beyond the cuisine itself; a successful outcome also relies on setting the scene with the right ambiance and incorporating traditions, whenever possible. 

There are many ways to incorporate local cuisine, including: 

  • Taking a food tour of restaurants that serve dishes authentic to the area. 
  • Planning a meal where attendees can observe a chef from the area cooking. 
  • Participating in a cooking class where attendees are instructed on how to prepare traditional dishes. 

2. LOOK TO THE EXPERTISE OF MASTER CHEFS

One of your best resources for delivering standout culinary experiences is talented local chefs who have earned a reputation for excellence. Whether they are the executive chef at the meeting venue or they prepare cuisine for a local dining establishment, collaborating with them on meals is tremendously beneficial.  

These chefs possess the knowledge and skill to transform locally sourced ingredients into culinary narratives that diners will remember long after they return to the office. They can also advise you on how to highlight desired themes with the cuisine served. 

3. PLAN INTERACTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES

Interactive activities are an excellent way to foster teamwork and communication among colleagues. While sharing a meal is interactive to a certain extent, ramping it up with an activity like one of the following will make it truly special: 

  • Hands-on cooking classes 
  • Chef-led tours of local markets 
  • Cooking demonstrations by area chefs 
  • Merging culture or local entertainment with dining 

4. USE A FARM-TO-TABLE APPROACH

Eating at a restaurant where all the ingredients are locally sourced is a fun experience in itself. Add an exotic destination and you have a recipe for a memorable meal. Plus, ingredients that come from community farms and other area suppliers are not only fresher but are also better for the planet. The latter aspect aligns perfectly with increasingly popular sustainability trends.  

5. PROVIDE DIVERSE CULINARY OPTIONS

Culinary experiences need not be limited to swanky offerings and luxurious surroundings. Instead, offer a range of experiences, from high-end multi-course feasts to casual and locally inspired flavors. Doing so makes meals more interesting and appeals to different preferences. 

For example, imagine a lively barbecue dinner held in an expansive outdoor space. Attendees are free to mingle and mix throughout the meal, and local musicians create a backdrop that enhances the atmosphere. Alternatively, you might put a fun spin on a buffet-style setup by adding food stations where diners can learn more about the culture from locals assigned to each one. 

6. CREATE AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

As stated earlier, giving attendees remarkable experiences does not stop at the menu. Food presentation influences the way diners view meals. The overall atmosphere of the space is also key to success. Pulling this off entails accounting for the entire dining environment, including lighting, music, and décor, into the planning process for each meal. 

7. GET INSPIRATION FROM THE DESTINATION

By incorporating destination-specific culinary experiences, you can create memorable and engaging events that highlight local flavors and traditions while fostering team bonding and cultural immersion. The following examples demonstrate how to do so effectively. 

The Bahamas 

  • Host an exotic evening, featuring island recipes prepared by local chefs, on one of the private islands near Nassau available to reserve. 
  • Organize a culinary tour of authentic Bahamian cuisine in Nassau against a backdrop of whimsical buildings painted in vibrant shades, works of art and historical landmarks. 
  • Book an interactive cooking class at the Graycliff Culinary Academy in Nassau, where attendees will learn how to make a traditional Bahamian meal paired with wine, and take a tour of Graycliff’s wine cellar. 

San Diego 

  • Take attendees to one of the city’s beloved food truck festivals, featuring some of the best street food from a variety of eateries. 
  • Register for a craft beer tasting event to experience San Diego’s popular craft brew culture, including both local and international craft beers. 
  • Host a culinary competition where attendees compete in cooking challenges, an effective team building strategy, and a way to get up close and personal with the area’s cuisine offerings. 

Santorini 

  • Organize a wine tasting event at a local vineyard to sample a selection of the region’s best wines, perfectly paired with local cheeses and mezze. 
  • Hold a Greek-themed cooking class on a terrace overlooking the caldera, where participants can take in the stunning view as they learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as baklava and moussaka. 

Banff 

  • Arrange a premium tasting experience at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, where attendees sample local signature foods and beverages while exploring the secrets of this iconic Canadian castle. 
  • Combine a scenic Sulfur Mountain gondola ride with dining at Sky Bistro, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping mountain views and the beautiful Bow Valley below. 
  • Treat attendees to a tasting event where they can enjoy Canadian ice wines paired with chocolates supplied by an area establishment. 

Rome 

  • Host a hands-on pasta-making masterclass workshop where attendees learn to make classic Italian pasta from scratch and are rewarded for their hard work by eating their creations. 
  • Arrange a culinary walking tour through the historic center of Rome, where they can taste traditional street foods such as pizza al taglio and supplì. 

Venice 

  • Set up a Cicchetti crawl at several wine bars, sampling cicchetti paired with local wines at each stop. 
  • Plan an activity where assigned groups shop at the iconic Rialto Market and then use the ingredients in a competition to create the tastiest Venetian dish. 

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES 

The enjoyment of food, along with the sense of community that arises from sharing a meal, transcends professional backgrounds, job roles, departments, and hierarchical rankings within an organization. This makes meals a golden opportunity to facilitate team building, engage attendees, and leave a positive lasting impression on them. By elevating the culinary experiences at corporate events, you can enhance engagement and foster a sense of camaraderie.  

 

For more information about planning a corporate meeting, let Gavel International show you how outsourcing can streamline your process. 

Eloisa Mendez
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