The boss has just dropped the bomb on you. A group of clients will be in town for a three-day seminar and you are responsible for making their arrangements, hotels, rental cars and airport transportation are all immediate concerns. To top it off, the group will be holding meetings at a local facility and need meals to be catered in.
How do you begin this selection process and how do you qualify candidates that will represent your company well? What company will have the ability to address the dietary needs or entree selection difficulties your clients may present? More importantly, have you assessed the catering company from a health and safety standpoint? Having a whole group of VIP's get sick would be corporate suicide.
It is amazing the details many companies overlook or fail to ask when hiring catering services for events, both corporate and personal. Below are a few questions that should be asked prior to selecting a caterer for your next event.
Does the catering company carry appropriate liability and workman’s comp to serve their corporation? Many foodservice establishments do catering as an add-on, profit generating entity, but do not have coverage to protect your company and themselves if there were to be an accident on your premises.
If the event is for corporate catering, ask the company if they have a certificate of liability insurance in excess of 2 million dollars and, if necessary, can your corporation be named as an insured on the policy if an ongoing business relationship is made?
Has their kitchen been inspected by the State and if so, what grade did they receive?
How will the food be delivered to ensure appropriate temperature and freshness and what type of delivery vehicles will be used?
What training do the people have that are handling the food for your executives?
Be sure to contact reputable catering businesses from the start; this may alleviate a lot of concerns or possible problems. Corporations similar to your own and the Chamber of Commerce are usually excellent resources. Also, don't hesitate to request current references of clients that have had events or needs similar to your own.
After completing the qualifying process, present the specific needs and desires to your catering candidate. This includes setting a budget, menu choices, times and locations and making sure the company will be able to meet those requests. Following the above steps will provide you with confidence in your selection and establish the foundation for a "seamless" event.
How do you begin this selection process and how do you qualify candidates that will represent your company well? What company will have the ability to address the dietary needs or entree selection difficulties your clients may present? More importantly, have you assessed the catering company from a health and safety standpoint? Having a whole group of VIP's get sick would be corporate suicide.
It is amazing the details many companies overlook or fail to ask when hiring catering services for events, both corporate and personal. Below are a few questions that should be asked prior to selecting a caterer for your next event.
Does the catering company carry appropriate liability and workman’s comp to serve their corporation? Many foodservice establishments do catering as an add-on, profit generating entity, but do not have coverage to protect your company and themselves if there were to be an accident on your premises.
If the event is for corporate catering, ask the company if they have a certificate of liability insurance in excess of 2 million dollars and, if necessary, can your corporation be named as an insured on the policy if an ongoing business relationship is made?
Has their kitchen been inspected by the State and if so, what grade did they receive?
How will the food be delivered to ensure appropriate temperature and freshness and what type of delivery vehicles will be used?
What training do the people have that are handling the food for your executives?
Be sure to contact reputable catering businesses from the start; this may alleviate a lot of concerns or possible problems. Corporations similar to your own and the Chamber of Commerce are usually excellent resources. Also, don't hesitate to request current references of clients that have had events or needs similar to your own.
After completing the qualifying process, present the specific needs and desires to your catering candidate. This includes setting a budget, menu choices, times and locations and making sure the company will be able to meet those requests. Following the above steps will provide you with confidence in your selection and establish the foundation for a "seamless" event.