Catering

Should I cater my event?

Making free food or drink available at your workshop can further incentivize people to attend your workshop. If you plan on including some time for attendees to mingle after the more formal components of your workshop, free food and drink will make it more likely that your attendees will stick around and have useful informal conversations.

Quick notes on catering

• Provide food choices that can be enjoyed by all There will likely be vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerant individuals, and even people who don’t eat sugar at your event. Make a real effort to provide foods that can be enjoyed by all. A mixture of fruit, crackers, cheese, and cookie platters are simple and usually work well.

• Be mindful of allergies Make it obvious which foods available at your event have common allergens like nuts or peanut butter.

• Be aware of catering restrictions at your venue Some venues, particularly at universities, have specific requirements concerning which caterers can be used and when, where, how, and to whom alcohol can be served. Be sure to make yourself aware of these restrictions (which are informed by state and local laws).

• Team up with an organization familiar with the venue Groups (e.g. student or postdoc associations) affiliated with particular venues (like university buildings) often have experience with catering and know the best ways to cut through any restrictions. Team up with these groups to make things easier. These groups may also be able to help you find funds and promote the event.