For many people, the food is the highlight of going to any event. If the food is bad, it will be the only thing they remember and talk about. As an event planner, the last thing you want is to be known for producing events with poor-quality food. Even worse, you don’t want to be responsible for serving up a tone-deaf meal, ignoring guest preferences.
Whether you're crafting a menu from seasonal local ingredients or catering to diverse dietary needs, what you serve can define the event's success. Understanding your guests' dining preferences ensures everyone feels catered to with every bite.
Seasonal Menus
One strategy is to focus on seasonal menus. This approach works well because seasonal food items are at their freshest and have the most flavor. Seasonal dishes also reflect the time of year. People don’t want to eat hot, rich, and hearty dishes during the hottest days of summer. In contrast, they don’t want to drink a frozen margarita and refreshingly cool dishes on the coldest days of winter. The best way to focus on seasonal items is to work with caterers and restaurants that source their produce locally. Working with local farmers means they create dishes around what is available and actively growing. There is a trend element to consider. Farm-to-table and sustainability are things many people look for, and they can be a selling point for your event.
Health-Conscious Offerings
More people than ever are prioritizing living a healthy lifestyle that includes making healthy food choices. As an event planner, you want to consider the demographic of people attending your event. Some demographics look forward to greasy, salty, sugary, and fried foods. Other demographics prefer healthier food choices that feature fresh ingredients. For events that would benefit from a health-conscious approach, consider a menu that features a nutritional balance of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Offer low-calorie options. Consider organic, non-GMO, and vegan menu choices. If only offering health-conscious options is too limiting for your event, consider menu items that allow for customization. That way, everyone can enjoy what they want.
Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
Unlike lifestyle choices, some people have dietary restrictions that must be followed for their health and safety. Clearly label each dish with its potential allergens. Educate the serving and event staff on the ingredients in each dish so they can accurately answer inquiries from event attendees. If appropriate, ask guests in advance about any potential allergens. Then, you can plan accordingly for alternative dishes.
Interactive Stations
Set up interactive stations at your events to make an impact on the guests you serve. These could be live cooking stations where chefs engage guests as they prepare dishes. Or they could be build-your-own stations where guests create their own dish, adding more or less of each ingredient to suit their tastes. These stations create an opportunity for engagement, encouraging guests to become participants in the event. These experiences are more memorable and are more likely to be shared on guests’ social media.
Ethnic and Global Cuisine
People from all over the world call New York City home. By embracing ethnic and global fusion cuisines at your events, you can create a culture of inclusivity. Partner with chefs to ensure you have authenticity. Consider fusion options that help global cuisines be more approachable for those trying it for the first time.
Themed Dining
If you plan an event with a specific theme, the food served should also reflect that theme. This creates a more immersive experience while ensuring your professional reputation for thinking of every detail stays intact. Consider the formality of the event when choosing the themed dishes. For example, a tropical-themed party could be kitschy or elegant. The food you serve at either of these parties will be very different despite both being tropical.
Unique or Gourmet Experiences
Food is a perfect method for elevating an event. Curate a menu to complement the luxurious feel of the event. Truffles, caviar, and foie gras commonly appear on upscale event menus. This is also an opportunity to create an exclusive experience for VIPs. Host exclusive tasting experiences or a chef’s table. For maximum impact, think beyond the menu and actual food. The presentation can have a significant impact on event attendees. We eat with our eyes first so you can impress guests with a stunning display.
Hyper-Local NYC Favorites
As a professional event planner in New York City, it is essential to network with industry professionals. Establishing strong relationships with local restaurants, caterers, and chefs can help you deliver a better-quality menu to your clients and planned events. Partnering with iconic NYC names can also increase your brand reach and recognition. Another option is to use foods that are iconic to NYC, such as a bagel bar or pizza. In addition to food, pair the menu’s dishes with locally made beer, wine, or liquor.
Get Inspired to Elevate Your Events at The Expo
Crafting a memorable dining experience is key to the success of any NYC event, and understanding your guests' preferences ensures no detail is overlooked. From seasonal menus highlighting fresh, local ingredients to customizable stations catering to dietary restrictions, creating a thoughtful menu can elevate your event and leave a lasting impression. At The Event Planner Expo, you’ll learn from industry leaders how to curate the perfect dining experience that aligns with current trends and guest expectations.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with top caterers and vendors—buy your tickets NOW and take your event planning to the next level! It’s NYC’s premier conference for the events and hospitality industries. The best of the best will be attending over all three days. Will you join them?
