With more than 4 in 10 Americans now following some kind of nutrition rule(s) and 6% of U.S. adults dealing with food allergies, accommodating various dietary requirements isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have at corporate events.
Whether it's gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-sensitive options, providing thoughtful and inclusive catering can make all the difference in creating a positive experience for your attendees.
But how do you ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied?
In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you meet the diverse dietary needs of your attendees at your next corporate event.
Differentiating Between Special Meals and Dietary Modifications
It’s important to know the difference between special meals and dietary modifications.
Special Meals
A special meal might involve unique requirements, such as Halal or Kosher options, or highly specific needs like a meal free of onions for someone with a severe allergy.
In some cases, an attendee might even request that their service dog check their food before they eat it.
Special meals are often labeled with the attendee’s name and may be served by designated staff members who are aware of the special requirements.
These requests often require personal attention and direct communication with the attendee prior to the event.
Dietary Modifications
On the other hand, dietary modifications are broader adjustments made to the overall buffet or menu for the entire group.
This could include offering dairy-free, gluten-free, or nut-free options. While these modifications are typically less specific than special meals, you must include them to provide an inclusive dining experience.
Ultimately, catering to dietary needs isn’t just about meeting preferences; it’s about delivering exceptional customer service.
When you show that you’ve taken the time to understand and accommodate your attendees’ needs, it reflects positively on the entire event experience.
Do Your Guests Have Any Allergies?
Food allergies are common at events, with these allergies the most common we see from attendees:
- Gluten sensitivity
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fish
- Soy
It's important to ask your guests in advance about any food allergies so you're prepared with options they'll enjoy.
At the event, use display cards on the menu to clearly indicate what’s safe for guests to eat. Simple labels like (GF) for gluten-free, (VG) for vegetarian, and (V) for vegan in the corner of each card can help guests easily identify their choices.
Additionally, noting common allergens on these cards can provide extra peace of mind.
Make sure your staff is well-informed about the ingredients in each dish so they can confidently answer any questions.
Do Your Guests Have Dietary Preferences?
Attendees are getting pickier about their food choices, so it’s important to offer a variety of options, not just cater to allergies.
For example, some guests may not be lactose intolerant but prefer almond or oat milk in their coffee. Try to accommodate these preferences not just during main meal times, but also during breaks.
Remember balance – often the addition of other milk substitutes can impact your overall budget so it's important to look at the costs from the venue.
If these additions substantially impact costs, it's smart to keep a close eye on actual consumption.
Discover 8 great tips for customizing your food and beverage event menu.
Addressing Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests
When do you ask your attendees about any dietary restrictions or special requests?
During the registration process, ask your attendees if they have any dietary restrictions or special meal requests.
This information allows you to plan menus that accommodate everyone so no one feels left out or overlooked.
Accountability For Special Meals
Accommodating these needs requires careful planning and accountability.
For example, if someone requests a Halal meal, it’s important to hold attendees accountable and ensure that the attendee actually picks up the meal you’ve gone to the trouble and expense of arranging.
When attendees don’t follow through on their special requests, it not only increases costs but also creates waste.
It’s also becoming more common to modify dishes in bulk to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For instance, you might remove nuts from a salad and offer them on the side to make the dish nut-free.
By making these smaller adjustments, you can cater to a range of dietary needs without creating entirely separate meals for every individual request.
Plan Your Next Corporate Event with GoGather
Need help planning your food and beverage menu for your next corporate event? Let’s chat about how GoGather can help you plan your best event yet.
