Corporate events tend to highlight specific milestones, launch parties, or some good old-fashioned team building. These festivities help set the tone for the day, provide an inside look at how your team operates, and celebrate accomplishments. A crucial part of these events that can either be overlooked or given the attention it deserves is the food. Regardless of whether the food is delicious or bland, people will remember your event for the food you serve and have a lasting impression based on that. 

If you’re planning a corporate event, don’t let the food become an afterthought! Companies providing catering for parties in Philadelphia usually offer two options when it comes to meal style: boxed lunches or a hot buffet. Which one is right for your event? Here are a few things, including an infographic, to consider before you make the choice:

Guest Movement

Do your guests need to move during your event? Do you have a confined space in which you’re hosting your event? Or do you have a few different locations that guests are moving to throughout the day? How your guests will move throughout the course of the event will have a direct impact on the style of lunch you’ll offer. Considerations such as the size of the venue, number of guests, traffic flow, and congregation areas will determine whether a buffet or boxed lunch will be the way to go. 

Buffet lunches are usually the best option for those whose events are taking place in a singular location (like a conference in a hotel or an office party), with guests staying in relatively close proximity to each other. Since they don’t have as many options to spread out and do other activities, a buffet offers them the chance to come back for seconds and mingle with fellow guests. Boxed lunches are usually a better choice for events that require traveling (like a scavenger hunt) because they allow for better mobility. Your guests can bring the boxed lunch with them as they go from location to location until the mood to eat strikes them. 

Indoor or Outdoor?

Indoor and outdoor events provide unique logistical challenges for event organizers. Indoor venues provide climate-controlled conditions and ample protection from any potential weather hazards. However, some events, such as golf outings, require outdoor venues. Additionally, events such as team-building activities, company parties, and the like can benefit from the added atmosphere that outdoor events provide. 

Is your event taking place outside? Corporate catering companies in Montgomery County, PA recommend going with a boxed lunch setup if your event is taking place outside, as environmental hazards like bugs, dirt, and heat can quickly cause your food to go bad. You also do not have to take things like wind and rain into account, which can potentially affect the cook’s ability to keep the food warm in an outdoor event. On the other hand, indoor events do not carry these risks, so a hot buffet can be more enjoyable and convenient if your event is taking place inside. 

Business or Pleasure?

What does your event involve doing? Is your event strictly a business meeting or conference where guests do not get out of their chairs very often? Or are you planning a fun and active corporate event, like a golf or bowling tournament? If guests don’t want to take a break from the fun for long, a boxed lunch will allow them to sneak in quick bites in-between the fun festivities. Conversely, if your guests have plenty of time to relax and go for seconds and thirds (we won’t tell), a buffet-style setup might be a better option.

Boxed lunches and buffet style each offer unique advantages and play well in certain environments. By anticipating a few crucial factors ahead of time, you can determine which option works best for your upcoming event! 

No matter which type of corporate event you’re throwing, make sure you get the right caterer! Contact Catering by Mario’s today to get started on a menu that everyone will love! To learn more about our corporate catering services, call us at 267-234-7905.