Food and beverage functions can make a major contribution to the success of your meeting. Besides meals, food & beverage functions can include theme events, receptions and cocktail parties, and refreshment breaks.
Theme Parties
Menus with a special theme can be used for certain festive meals. A Mexican fiesta, a Hawaiian luau, an Italian feast - the possibilities are endless. Most facilities have menus for such events and decorations are usually available at an extra charge.
Refreshment Breaks
Refreshment breaks last from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the group, and take place in mid-morning and mid-afternoon between meeting sessions. Be sure to schedule enough time for people to leave and return to the meeting room, partake of refreshments, or visit restrooms.
Receptions and Cocktail Parties
Functions that offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as some type of snack or hors d'oeuvres are often part of a meeting program. If your organization is providing an open bar (drinks are offered at no charge to attendees) as opposed to a cash bar, you may have the choice of purchasing liquor:
- by the hour
- by the bottle
- per person
- per drink
Select the plan that makes the most sense for your group.
Hors D'oeuvres
If dinner follows your cocktail reception, limit hors d'oeuvres to 6-8 pieces per person. Allow 10-12 pieces per person if your event is cocktails only.
