Conventions, workshops, and lectures are some of the best-known corporate events. However, the business lunch format has been attracting the attention of companies planning to hold such meetings. This model is a great option for those who want to combine business with a more relaxed atmosphere. 

We've already talked about a full article Here on our blog, we discuss the strength of events and business tourism in Uberlândia.

And back in 2017, a search According to an analysis by the Foundation Institute of Economic Research (Fipe), Uberlândia accounted for 6.2% of business trips, events, and conventions undertaken by foreigners in Minas Gerais. 

The number is significant and has increased over the years. Furthermore, it influences companies to innovate in their meetings, and one model being explored is the business lunch. This type of event manages to address more serious topics with a lighthearted touch. 

Want to check out some tips on how to host a meeting like this and win over your guests? Then just keep reading the text we've prepared for you.

What is a business lunch?

First, let's understand what a business lunch is. This type of event is held by companies seeking to bring diversity to corporate meetings. They can be more restricted, for example, to only employees from a specific department of the business, or involve a larger, external audience.  

A corporate lunch can be held solely to foster or strengthen strategic connections, thus being considered a quick event. Alternatively, it can be a longer event, including a lecture or prior training session.

Finally, it's worth highlighting that lunch can become dinner. Following the same premises and objectives, with the change of time, the event would only undergo some minor alterations to adapt to an evening occasion.

Why hold a corporate event in this format?

Regardless of the format, holding corporate events has been on companies' radar for some time now. The reason? They provide networking opportunities, strengthen brand image, attract potential clients, or further unify employees. 

To reinforce the impact of business meetings, check out this data: a survey by Harvard Business Review According to Splash, one third of large companies already invest around 20% of their marketing budget in events.

Now, when we talk about business lunches, this initiative is a way to bring diversity and a relaxed atmosphere to corporate meetings. This type of event offers food, comfort, and fosters important strategic connections. 

Its slightly more relaxed format encourages participants to interact more, talk about the theme of the meeting, and therefore it is a good option for companies seeking this approach. 

Learn how to organize a successful business lunch.

Like any other event, a business lunch requires prior planning. There are a series of decisions and checklists to be completed to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

We've outlined three key points to consider when organizing your event to ensure its success. Check them out:

Choosing the menu 

In principle, there are two most commonly used menu models: plated meals and American service. 

In plated meal service, one serves The dishes are ready-made. Usually, orders are picked up one by one, and then the chosen food is delivered to the guest at a specific time.

A plated menu is ideal for more intimate events, that is, with a smaller number of people. One of the main advantages is that there is no need to move around the space, or even create queues to serve oneself and then eat.

Finally, regarding this type of service, it's worth highlighting that it adds a certain elegance to the event. Furthermore, it's recommended that the table be set with all the necessary cutlery for each course correctly positioned.

Now, let's talk about what's called American-style service. It's very common at weddings and caters more easily to larger events. Therefore, if your business luncheon will have a large number of guests, this could be an interesting option.

In an American-style buffet, islands or stations are set up with food options. This way, each person serves themselves whenever they want and can assemble their plate with the options and quantities they desire. 

In this second menu format, it's important to pay attention to queues. Therefore, depending on the number of guests, it's advisable to set up more than one food station so they don't have to wait. 

Should I invest in decorating?

Some people think that decoration isn't important when organizing corporate events. But it makes all the difference! You just need to understand the company's identity and the type of event. 

 At a business lunch, for example, a good tip is to use tables set with the necessary utensils such as placemats, tablecloths, cutlery, glasses, and cups. Flowers are also used, usually as a discreet but present centerpiece on the table. 

Regarding the colors used, it's worth investing in the shades that the company incorporates into its brand. Using them generates a feeling of identification with the company's visual identity. It's possible to use these colors in the tablecloth, flowers, lighting, and other options. 

Think about the dynamics of a business lunch. 

As we mentioned earlier, A corporate lunch can be shorter, but it can be longer if there's a presentation, for example. Therefore, it's crucial to define the event's format. 

Will there be any workshops, chats, or prior training? If so, it's important to set a start time and determine how long this initial session will take so that lunch doesn't start too late. 

Will there be anything planned after the event? If not, one idea is to conclude the gathering by offering coffee and petit fours, which are small sweets and biscuits. 

Center Convention has already hosted events of this type. 

The Center Convention comfortably and conveniently hosts various types of events. The modular rooms and other facilities... spaces, They allow for gatherings with a larger or smaller number of guests to be organized. 

In August of this year, one of the events the venue hosted was a business luncheon. The gathering was attended by over 120 people, and the space was specially designed. Round tables seating up to eight people (traditional for corporate lunches and dinners) were used, the decor featured neutral tones, and a small stage was set up because a talk show was held before lunch. 

Furthermore, the menu chosen by the contracting company, for example, was one of the options we mentioned above, the American style, where each person serves themselves. 

Would you like to hold your event in our space?

Interested in holding your event at the Center Convention? You can check out all the infrastructure available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Call us at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@centerconvention.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.