Planning Food and Beverage Options for Team Events

Is it time to say cheers to alcohol-free work events? 🍻 A recent article in the Financial Times highlights an interesting trend: fewer employees want alcohol at workplace events. With nearly 60% of workers skipping after-hours parties due to family obligations or long commutes, it’s clear the classic “booze-fueled office party” may no longer be the best way to bring people together. Here’s the thing: work events are supposed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, right? So, how can companies adapt to make sure everyone feels welcome—and maybe even excited—to attend? Today, more employees want work events that respect their time and values. Approximately 40% of employees say they feel uncomfortable at work events where alcohol is the main attraction, and that number jumps when considering those who don’t drink for religious or health reasons. And let’s face it, the idea of a late-night party might appeal to some, but for others—especially those with kids or long commutes—it's just another hurdle. This is where more thoughtful, inclusive planning can really make a difference. What if I feel pressured to drink in order to feel "part of the team"? 😰 Peer pressure to drink at work events is real, and it can be uncomfortable if you’re trying to cut back or just don’t drink. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 3 employees have felt pressured to drink at a work function to “fit in.” But the truth is, you don’t need alcohol to connect. 👉 Alternative solutions for team events Focusing on bringing people together and creating connections, instead of enhancing the "party atmosphere" with booze can go a long way in making your workplace more inclusive. Some ideas: Flexible timing: Consider a weekday lunch or afternoon event that allows everyone to join without impacting their evening. Active gatherings: Hiking, bowling, escape rooms, or even a friendly volunteer day can help create memorable experiences without relying on alcohol. Creative experiences: Organize workshops, cooking classes, or “bring your hobby” days. These foster a sense of team spirit while allowing people to share interests. And, if you're still feeling pressured to drink at the next Christmas party, here are a few ways to feel like you belong - without the booze: Set boundaries politely: If someone offers you a drink, a simple “I’m good with this!” and a smile is often enough. Practicing these gentle responses can go a long way in avoiding awkwardness and staying true to yourself. Focus on conversation starters: Instead of talking over another drink, find topics or icebreakers to shift the focus toward genuine connections. You'll be surprised how many others appreciate it. #Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s found in the everyday choices we make to respect and celebrate each other’s differences. It’s in the thoughtfulness behind work events, the flexibility in how we connect, and the small gestures that make everyone feel they belong. #LinkedInNewsEurope #DEI

If your event design doesn’t consider food inclusivity, then it’s not inclusive—period. This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about Dominique Brown, the Disney influencer who tragically passed away after a severe food allergy reaction. It’s heartbreaking and it’s also a wake-up call. As event professionals and marketers, we love to talk about creating "inclusive experiences," but are we really including everyone if the menu puts lives at risk? Food inclusivity is a very real thing and it goes beyond just asking, “Who’s vegan?” or “Who needs a gluten-free plate?” It’s about anticipating needs, creating a safe environment, and being intentional in every aspect of the experience. It’s OK to ask, but it’s better to DEMAND. When working with venues, caterers, and vendors, don’t just ask about “dietary restrictions.” Get specific. Ask about allergens, food safety protocols, and how food is labeled. #PUTITINYOURCONTRACT There are experts in this space. People like Tracy Stuckrath have dedicated their careers to making food inclusivity a standard and not an afterthought. She’s taught me that inclusive dining isn’t just about "options" it’s about access, safety, and dignity. It’s beyond food, t’s the full experience. Food plays a role in everything from networking lunches to those "lets debrief over SEVERAL drinks and food" dinners LOL. If people feel excluded at the table (literally), it impacts how they feel about the entire event. As you’re planning activations, events, and programs for 2025, be empowered in your questions and decisions. Food inclusivity isn’t just another checkbox, it’s a fundamental part of how people feel seen, safe, and valued in your space. Don’t just ask for it. Demand it. https://lnkd.in/ek-Cx7Bi #InclusiveEvents #FoodInclusivity #EventDesign #MarketingStrategy #EventPlanning #InclusiveDesign #EventProfs #MeetingProfs #Disney

🍕 Food at events is more important than you think. But that doesn’t mean you always need to have it. Catering is, without a doubt, one of the most expensive items in your event budget. And nowadays, more and more organisations are abandoning it due to rising costs. If you do provide it and it’s great, people will ask you for recommendations to use that caterer for their event, and will praise you all over the city. But if it’s bad, people will remember it more than the event itself. 🔴 If you cannot offer catering at all: → Don’t label the event around food. Don’t call it ‘breakfast’, ‘lunch’ or ‘dinner’ talk, as your participants will expect food to be associated with it. → Don’t organise the event over the lunch break. In the Brussels bubble, the standard lunch time is between 1 and 2 p.m. You ideally want your event to finish by 1 or start at 2. You want to avoid organising it from 12 to 2. → If it is an intimate, community-like event, tell your participants to bring their own lunch. This is labelled as ‘brown bag lunch’. 🟡 If your catering budget is limited: → Order less food than the number of your participants. As you probably know, there is always a dropout rate for events.  → Order from bistros like Paul, BON, or Jeanbon, or your local sandwich traiteur. Their prices will be lower than those of catering companies.  → If you order from catering companies, their sandwich menu will always be the cheapest. → Buy your own drinks in a supermarket, provided you have your own coffee and tea facilities already in-house. 🟢 If budget is not an issue:  → Offer a buffet. This is the most popular option with participants, as they can load what they want and how much they want on their plate. → To be on a more responsible side, book a food collection company for any leftover dishes. Many venues and caterers already collaborate with such services; in Brussels, that is often Alpaca. 📝 And some general catering tips: → Offer labels and an allergens list for the dishes. Not all caterers can provide this, so double-check with them before the event. → Always account for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.  → If your catering is only for the speakers, communicate it solely to them and don’t mention it in the event information at all. → If you label your event as pompous, such as ‘European X Summit’, don’t offer teeny tiny sandwiches for lunch. Walk the talk of what your event represents. Give sponsors and/or your paid participants value for their money. → Provide fruits or small pastries for all-day events. Participants need to fuel up during coffee breaks. 💡 Am I forgetting something? Let me know in the comments!