Food & Beverage Planning Tips

• More and more Americans are becoming health conscious and eating low-carb diets. When working with a caterer or hotel, ask for creative menus that include low-carb options for all meals. Ask the executive chef for custom menus to suit the needs of your group.
• If you are hosting a meeting or event at a non-hotel property, which will require you to hire an independent caterer, here are some helpful tips prior to hiring the caterer.
• Has the caterer provided service at the event location?
• What equipment will need to be rented? Tables? Chairs?
• How long has the company been in business?
• Will the caterer provide linen? What type of linen inventory is available?

Working with Speakers

• Prepare a separate registration form for speakers to assess their specific needs.
• Prepare a general information sheet, which gives basic information about the meeting - i.e., location, transportation arrangements, session date and time, etc.
• Remember to set deadlines to receive handout materials, PowerPoint
  presentations, etc. Give yourself enough time to receive PowerPoint presentations to load onto laptops or your removable USB mass storage device.