Corporate events are a fantastic way to gather colleagues and clients together to network and deliver information about a business. While catering is usually a part of these events, there are several ways to serve food and drinks to the attendees. Use the following guide to learn about different catering styles for business events so that you can choose the best one for your needs.

A Guide to Corporate Event Catering Styles

Reception

Reception catering or food station catering is similar to a buffet. Appetizers are placed on a table, and guests are free to serve themselves. However, there are no tables for event attendees to sit and eat at since the appetizers consist of finger foods. This type of food service is ideal for short corporate meetings. It’s also a worthwhile option for events that don’t have a large budget.

Buffet

For a casual event or fundraiser, buffet catering services are a popular option. This option allows guests to serve themselves from a variety of delicious foods and drinks. Without a specific mealtime, guests have the opportunity to mingle and eat at their leisure.

For a successful buffet, you’ll need to arrange for multiple food options to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. While you won’t need to hire a large wait staff because attendees will serve themselves, you may need a higher food budget to handle the quantity and variety of food you’ll need, especially if you anticipate an extensive guest list.

Plated Dinner

A traditional sit-down dinner service, or plated dinner, is one of the most popular options for high-end events with a large budget, including business-related functions. For this catering service, at least three courses are served individually to each guest by a trained wait staff.

When guests receive their invitation, they are usually presented with two or three meal options to choose from. Their selection is what they will be served at the event. Because the food is prepared and delivered by a professional team, you will have more control over the allotted mealtime, as well as food costs. 

If you’re looking for a venue space with exceptional catering services to host your next corporate event, turn to Makoy Center in Hilliard, OH. This beautiful, full-service event venue has over 30,000 square feet of space that can accommodate up to 1,800 guests. It also has free parking, private entrances, and on-site catering. Call (614) 777-1211 to book your event today. Visit them online for more details on their corporate and private event services.