Corporate Catering for Business Events

Types of Corporate Events We Cater

Corporate catering spans a diverse range of business occasions. Each event type has unique requirements for menu style, service level, and presentation that experienced corporate caterers understand.

Conferences & Seminars

Multi-session events require sustained energy and efficient service. Conference catering typically includes breakfast service, mid-morning refreshments, lunch, afternoon snacks, and sometimes dinner or reception food. The challenge: keeping attendees nourished and alert throughout long days while managing tight schedules between sessions.

Smart conference catering considers the event flow. Position refreshment stations to encourage networking. Choose lunches that satisfy without causing afternoon drowsiness. Provide caffeine strategically for energy dips. The best conference caterers work closely with event planners to synchronize food service with the agenda.

Executive Meetings & Board Dinners

High-stakes meetings call for elevated service. Executive catering features premium ingredients, refined presentation, and discreet service that never interrupts important discussions. Board dinners and executive retreats often require plated service, wine pairing, and a level of polish that reflects the occasion's significance.

For these events, menu selection matters as much as execution. Choose dishes that are impressive yet not distracting—executives should remember the conversation, not struggle with complicated food. Quality over quantity, elegance over extravagance.

Client Entertainment & Appreciation Events

When hosting clients, catering becomes part of your brand experience. Client appreciation events, product launches, and partnership celebrations require food and service that impress. Consider themed menus that tell your brand story, interactive food stations that spark conversation, or chef-attended presentations that create memorable moments.

Company Offsites & Team Retreats

Offsite gatherings blend business with team building. Catering for retreats should support extended time together—think substantial meals that fuel full days of activities and workshops, plus lighter options for breaks. Many retreat settings require caterers experienced with non-traditional venues.

Holiday Parties & Annual Celebrations

Annual events set the tone for company culture. Whether it's an elegant holiday gala or a casual summer celebration, these events warrant special attention. Consider reception-style service for mingling, stations for variety, and festive touches that match the occasion.

Product Launches & Corporate Announcements

Launch events require catering that complements without competing. Food should enhance the atmosphere and keep guests comfortable while attention stays on your announcement. Many launches feature passed appetizers and cocktails before or after the main presentation.

Corporate Catering Service Levels

Corporate catering offers various service levels to match your event's formality, budget, and logistical needs. Understanding these options helps you choose the right approach.

Drop-Off Catering

The caterer delivers food ready to serve, sets up the spread, and leaves. Your team manages serving and cleanup. Drop-off works well for working lunches, internal meetings, and casual gatherings where staff service isn't essential. It's the most economical option for corporate catering.

• Best for: internal meetings, training lunches, casual team events
• Cost: typically $15-$30 per person
• Includes: food, setup, basic servingware

Attended Buffet Service

Staff remains on-site to manage the buffet, replenish food, answer guest questions, and maintain presentation throughout the event. Attended service elevates the experience while keeping the flexibility of buffet-style dining.

• Best for: client events, larger meetings, networking gatherings
• Cost: typically $25-$45 per person plus staffing
• Includes: food, setup, servingware, on-site staff, cleanup

Plated Service

The most formal option: servers deliver individually plated courses to seated guests. Plated service creates a fine-dining atmosphere appropriate for executive dinners, award ceremonies, and significant celebrations. It requires advance menu selection and often involves a coursed meal format.

• Best for: executive dinners, galas, formal celebrations
• Cost: typically $50-$100+ per person
• Includes: full staff, linens, premium servingware, coursed service

Full Event Management

Comprehensive service where the caterer manages all food and beverage aspects of your event. This includes menu development, vendor coordination, staffing, equipment rentals, bar service, and complete event execution. Ideal for large-scale events where you want a single point of responsibility for all culinary elements.

• Best for: conferences, galas, multi-day events
• Cost: varies widely based on scope
• Includes: complete end-to-end management

Planning Corporate Catering

Successful corporate events require thorough planning. This timeline ensures smooth execution and helps you avoid common pitfalls.

6-8 Weeks Before: Initial Planning

• Define event parameters: date, time, venue, expected attendance, event type, and budget range
• Research caterers: look for corporate experience, client reviews, and capability to handle your event size
• Request proposals: reach out to 3-4 caterers with your event details
• Check venue requirements: confirm any preferred vendor lists, kitchen access, or insurance requirements

4-6 Weeks Before: Selection & Planning

• Select your caterer: compare proposals, check references, and book your choice
• Finalize menu direction: confirm cuisine style, service format, and any special requirements
• Begin dietary collection: survey attendees or work with registration data
• Coordinate with venue: confirm setup times, access, and equipment needs

2-3 Weeks Before: Finalization

• Lock menu selections: finalize specific dishes, quantities, and presentation
• Confirm logistics: delivery time, setup requirements, staff count, equipment
• Share dietary needs: provide complete dietary restriction information
• Review contract details: confirm payment terms, cancellation policy, and guarantees

1 Week Before: Final Confirmation

• Confirm final headcount: provide guaranteed numbers per your contract terms
• Walk through the timeline: review the event flow and food service timing
• Confirm day-of contacts: exchange contact information with your catering captain
• Prepare venue: ensure setup areas are clear and accessible

Day Of: Execution

• Allow setup time: caterers typically need 1-2 hours before service begins
• Designate a point person: have someone available to answer caterer questions
• Trust your team: let professionals execute—resist micromanaging
• Handle final payment: complete any remaining balance and gratuity

Corporate Catering Pricing

Corporate catering pricing reflects the higher service standards and complexity compared to casual office catering. Understanding cost structures helps you budget accurately.

Typical Price Ranges

Additional Cost Factors

• Staffing: on-site servers typically $25-$50/hour; captains and bartenders higher
• Equipment rentals: tables, chairs, linens, glassware, specialty items
• Bar service: varies widely based on consumption model and selections
• Service charges: typically 20-25% of food and beverage cost
• Gratuity: additional 15-20% for exceptional service
• Venue fees: some locations charge kitchen usage or catering access fees

Maximizing Value

• Book early: better pricing and more flexibility for menu customization
• Consider timing: weekday lunches cost less than weekend dinners
• Bundle services: multi-meal conferences may negotiate better per-meal rates
• Be flexible: seasonal ingredients and chef's recommendations often offer better value
• Build relationships: recurring clients often receive preferred pricing

How to Order Corporate Catering

Soyum connects you with professional corporate caterers experienced in business events. Our platform streamlines the process from initial search through event execution.