What is conference catering?
Conference catering covers all food and beverage services provided during a corporate event: arrival coffee, mid-morning refreshments, working lunch or gala dinner, afternoon tea breaks, and evening drinks receptions. It is usually the largest variable cost in an event budget.
What catering styles suit different conference formats?
For working meetings: buffet lunch (fast, social). For gala dinners: plated service (formal, immersive). For multi-day conferences: working lunch on Day 1, sit-down dinner on Day 2. Networking drinks receptions work best with canapés and 90-minute open bars.
How much does conference catering cost per person?
Costs vary widely by city and venue tier. As a rough benchmark: arrival coffee €5–€10, morning break €8–€15, working lunch €25–€45, gala dinner €60–€150+. A full-day DDR package typically includes all breaks and lunch in a single per-head rate.
How do dietary requirements affect conference catering planning?
Collect dietary requirements at registration — typically 10–15% of delegates have at least one dietary need (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher). Share the breakdown with the venue at least 72 hours before the event. Most venues can accommodate common needs at no extra charge if notified in advance.