Meals and drinks could make or break an occasion, typically leaving an enduring impression on attendees. Was there selection? Was the meals well-prepared? Did the flavour profiles shine? Have been mocktails supplied alongside cocktails? These particulars matter.
To assist occasion planners ship memorable culinary experiences, Sensible Conferences has compiled a listing of important meals and beverage tales from this previous yr to assist planners depart their attendees’ stomachs glad.
How Canada Is Shaking Up F&B Choices
On this piece, Sensible Conferences Managing Editor Kate Zaliznock highlights Canada’s revolutionary method to meals and beverage. The nation’s F&B trade emphasizes sustainability, native sourcing and distinctive culinary experiences that mirror regional tradition.
Zaliznock additionally explores how Canadian venues incorporate sustainable practices and Indigenous components, encouraging environmental duty whereas delivering distinctive eating experiences.
Culinary Expertise in Vegas Nourished Relationships
The 2024 Sensible Conferences Culinary Expertise, held in August at Paris Las Vegas, showcased the significance of accessible, wholesome and artistic meals choices in occasion planning.
In collaboration with Caesars Leisure, the occasion highlighted methods to boost attendee satisfaction and obtain key efficiency indicators. Tracy Stuckrath, founding father of Thrive! Conferences & Occasions, spoke on the impression of F&B choices on sustainability, engagement, inclusivity and budgets. She supplied steerage on partnering with venues, sourcing regionally, accommodating numerous dietary wants and making certain correct labeling to maximise attendee consolation.
Wholesome F&B: Prebiotics & Probiotics Defined
Probiotics and prebiotics—what are they, and why do they matter? Sensible Conferences delves into the advantages of incorporating these parts into occasion menus to help attendees’ well-being.
The story highlights the hyperlink between intestine well being and temper, encouraging planners to incorporate probiotic-rich meals reminiscent of yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and kombucha. Prebiotic meals like bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and soybeans additional help useful intestine micro organism.
By integrating these choices, planners can improve attendees’ general well being and satisfaction.
The way to Elevate Your Subsequent Company Catering Occasion
Suzanne Halperin, head of conferences and occasions for luxurious and way of life Americas at IHG Motels & Resorts, spoke with Sensible Conferences concerning the shift towards chef-driven, wellness-focused and immersive eating experiences.
IHG’s method contains customized menus highlighting every property’s culinary experience and delivering restaurant-quality meals for occasion attendees. Halperin additionally famous the rising demand for alcohol-free beverage choices, reminiscent of mocktails, reflecting the sober-curious pattern amongst youthful generations.
Sipping in Fashion: A Evening at Irvine Marriott’s YNK Speakeasy
Throughout a go to to Irvine, California, Sensible Conferences Multimedia Editor Eming Piansay met with Sean Milan, Irvine Marriott’s meals and beverage supervisor, for an immersive expertise at YNK (You By no means Know), the resort’s unique speakeasy.
Milan shared insights into YNK’s meticulous four-month menu improvement course of, highlighting the workforce’s dedication to steady enchancment and innovation. Occasion planners working with venues like YNK can collaborate with the F&B workforce to craft distinctive culinary experiences tailor-made to their teams’ wants and pursuits.
