Meetings are a ubiquitous part of modern professional life. Whether it’s a formal board meeting, a brainstorming session with your team, or a client presentation, meetings bring people together to collaborate and make decisions. And, let’s face it, a well-fed group is often a more productive group. But what exactly do you call the food that’s served at these gatherings? While there isn’t one universally accepted term, several common phrases and considerations come into play. This article dives deep into the terminology and practical aspects of meeting refreshments and catering.
Common Terms for Meeting Food
The nomenclature for meeting food is quite diverse, reflecting the varying levels of formality and the specific type of refreshments offered. Some terms are more general and widely understood, while others are more specific to certain regions or types of events.
Refreshments: The General Catch-All
Perhaps the most commonly used term is “refreshments.” This is a broad and neutral term that encompasses a wide range of food and beverages offered at meetings. It can include anything from simple water and coffee to elaborate spreads of pastries and sandwiches. “Refreshments” is a safe and versatile choice when you want to avoid being too specific or making assumptions about the types of food being served. Using “refreshments” allows for flexibility and can be understood by anyone.
Catering: When You Outsource the Food
“Catering” refers to the act of providing food and beverages for an event, typically by a professional catering company. When food is “catered,” it usually means that it’s more elaborate and formal than simply providing snacks or refreshments. Catering often involves a dedicated team to prepare, deliver, and serve the food, as well as handle cleanup. So, if your meeting includes a catered lunch or dinner, “catering” is the appropriate term.
Meeting Snacks: A More Casual Approach
For less formal meetings, the term “meeting snacks” is often used. This implies a selection of lighter, more casual food options, such as cookies, fruit, granola bars, or nuts. “Meeting snacks” are often self-served and intended to provide a quick energy boost rather than a full meal. The term suggests simplicity and ease of consumption during the meeting.
Working Lunch/Breakfast/Dinner: Food Integrated with Work
When a meal is served during a meeting specifically to avoid interrupting workflow, it’s often referred to as a “working lunch,” “working breakfast,” or “working dinner.” This implies that the meal is secondary to the meeting itself and is intended to allow participants to eat while continuing to discuss business. The food is usually easy to eat and doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Break Time Provisions: Sustaining Energy During Breaks
During longer meetings, scheduled breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and productivity. The food provided during these breaks is often referred to as “break time provisions” or simply “break food.” This can include a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals designed to provide a quick energy boost and allow participants to recharge before returning to the meeting.
Factors Influencing the Choice of Term
The term you use to describe the food at a meeting often depends on several factors, including the formality of the meeting, the type of food being served, and the audience you’re communicating with.
Formality of the Meeting
For formal meetings, such as board meetings or client presentations, more professional terms like “catering” or “refreshments” are generally preferred. These terms convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. In contrast, for informal team meetings or brainstorming sessions, more casual terms like “meeting snacks” or “break food” may be more appropriate.
Type of Food Served
The type of food being served is a major determinant in the terminology used. If you’re offering a full catered meal, “catering” is the most accurate term. If you’re providing a selection of light snacks and beverages, “refreshments” or “meeting snacks” are more suitable. If the food is intended to be eaten while working, “working lunch” or “working dinner” is the appropriate choice.
Audience and Context
Consider your audience when choosing a term. If you’re communicating with external clients or high-level executives, using more formal and professional language is generally recommended. If you’re communicating with your internal team, you can use more casual language. Also, consider the overall context of the meeting. A training session might call for “refreshments” during breaks, while a sales kickoff might feature a “catered” lunch.
Planning Meeting Food: Practical Considerations
Beyond the terminology, effectively planning the food for a meeting involves several practical considerations. These include budgeting, dietary restrictions, logistics, and presentation.
Budgeting for Meeting Food
The budget is often the first and most important consideration when planning meeting food. Determine how much you can realistically spend per person and then choose food options that fit within that budget. Remember to factor in the cost of food, beverages, serving supplies, and any potential service fees or delivery charges. Don’t forget about potential taxes.
Addressing Dietary Restrictions
It’s essential to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies among meeting attendees. Common dietary restrictions include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. When sending out meeting invitations, ask attendees to indicate any dietary needs they may have. Clearly label all food items with their ingredients to help attendees make informed choices. Providing a variety of options to cater to different needs shows consideration and inclusivity.
Logistics of Food Delivery and Setup
Carefully consider the logistics of food delivery and setup. Ensure that you have enough space to store and display the food. If you’re using a catering company, coordinate delivery times and setup requirements in advance. If you’re preparing the food yourself, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. Consider the time needed for setup, serving, and cleanup. If the meeting is in a remote location, be sure to factor in travel time and transportation costs.
Presentation Matters: Making Food Appealing
The presentation of the food is just as important as the taste. Make sure the food is attractively displayed and easy to access. Use appropriate serving dishes and utensils. Provide napkins, plates, and cutlery. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. A well-presented food display can enhance the overall meeting experience and create a positive impression.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Meeting Food Ideas
While traditional meeting food options like sandwiches and pastries are always a safe bet, consider incorporating some creative and unique ideas to add a touch of excitement and engagement to your meetings.
Themed Food Based on Meeting Topic
Consider choosing food that aligns with the theme or topic of the meeting. For example, if you’re having a meeting about international expansion, you could serve food from different countries. If you’re brainstorming creative ideas, you could offer a “build your own” snack bar with a variety of toppings and ingredients.
Healthy and Energizing Options
Promote well-being by offering healthy and energizing food options. This could include fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt parfaits, trail mix, or smoothies. Avoid overly processed or sugary foods that can lead to energy crashes. Offer a variety of beverages, including water, herbal tea, and infused water. Providing healthy options demonstrates a commitment to employee wellness.
Interactive Food Stations
Create interactive food stations where attendees can customize their own meals or snacks. This could include a taco bar, a salad bar, or a coffee bar with different flavors and toppings. Interactive food stations encourage engagement and provide a fun and memorable experience.
Locally Sourced and Sustainable Options
Consider using locally sourced and sustainable food options whenever possible. This supports local businesses and reduces your environmental impact. Look for caterers who prioritize sustainable practices and use seasonal ingredients. Communicate your commitment to sustainability to your meeting attendees.
Examples of Meeting Food Across Different Meeting Types
Let’s explore specific examples of meeting food suitable for various meeting types, demonstrating how choices can be tailored to the event.
Board Meetings
For formal board meetings, a catered breakfast or lunch is often appropriate. This could include a buffet-style meal with a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit salad, pastries, and coffee. Alternatively, a plated meal with a pre-selected menu can also be a good option. The key is to provide high-quality food that is both satisfying and easy to eat.
Team Meetings
For smaller, more informal team meetings, meeting snacks and refreshments are usually sufficient. This could include coffee, tea, water, fruit, granola bars, or cookies. The goal is to provide a quick energy boost without disrupting the flow of the meeting.
Client Presentations
Client presentations require a more polished approach. A catered lunch or dinner is often appropriate, especially if the presentation is during a mealtime. Consider offering a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Be sure to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies that your clients may have.
Training Sessions
Training sessions can be long and demanding, so it’s important to provide ample refreshments throughout the day. This could include coffee, tea, water, juice, fruit, granola bars, and sandwiches. Schedule regular breaks to allow participants to recharge and refuel.
The Future of Meeting Food
The world of meeting food is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time.
Emphasis on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing in the food industry, and this trend is also impacting meeting food. Organizations are increasingly looking for caterers who prioritize sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste, and minimizing their environmental impact.
Technology Integration
Technology is also playing a role in the future of meeting food. Online ordering platforms, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks are making it easier to order and manage meeting food. Some companies are even using AI to predict food needs and optimize ordering.
Personalization and Customization
There is a growing demand for personalization and customization in meeting food. Attendees want to be able to choose from a variety of options that meet their specific dietary needs and preferences. Caterers are responding by offering more customizable menus and interactive food stations.
In conclusion, while there isn’t one single “correct” term for the food served at a meeting, understanding the nuances of “refreshments,” “catering,” “meeting snacks,” “working lunch,” and “break time provisions” can help you choose the most appropriate language. Furthermore, considering the formality of the meeting, the type of food being served, and your audience are vital factors in planning and executing a successful and well-received culinary experience. Ultimately, the goal is to provide food that is both enjoyable and conducive to a productive and successful meeting.
What is the most common term for food served at a meeting?
Food served at a meeting is most commonly referred to as “meeting refreshments.” This term is widely understood and encompasses a broad range of food and beverage options, from simple coffee and pastries to more elaborate meals. Using “refreshments” implies that the food is intended to energize and sustain attendees during the meeting, making it a polite and professional choice.
While “meeting food” is also a valid and descriptive term, it can sound somewhat generic. “Refreshments” carries a slightly more positive connotation, suggesting a thoughtful provision for the attendees’ well-being. It is a versatile term that works well in formal and informal settings, making it a safe and reliable choice for describing food offered at meetings.
Are there different terms based on the type of food served?
Yes, the specific term used can vary depending on the type of food offered. For instance, if a full meal is provided, it might be called “lunch” or “dinner” depending on the time of day. Similarly, if snacks are provided, they might be called “meeting snacks” or “brain food,” especially if the snacks are chosen for their perceived cognitive benefits.
Furthermore, if beverages are the primary offering, then terms like “coffee break,” “tea break,” or simply “beverages” might be more appropriate. If the meeting includes a more formal meal, terms like “catered lunch” or “business luncheon” might be used. Therefore, the terminology should reflect the nature and extent of the food being served.
Does the formality of the meeting influence the term used?
Absolutely. The formality of the meeting significantly impacts the appropriate term to use when referring to the food served. For a very formal business meeting, terms like “executive lunch” or “boardroom refreshments” might be preferred to convey a sense of professionalism and sophistication. These terms suggest a higher quality and perhaps a more elaborate spread.
In contrast, a more casual meeting, such as a team brainstorming session, might warrant terms like “snacks,” “munchies,” or even more informal phrases like “fuel for the meeting.” These relaxed terms reflect the informal atmosphere and suggest a less structured approach to the food provision. The chosen term should always align with the overall tone and purpose of the meeting.
Is “catering” the same as “meeting refreshments”?
“Catering” and “meeting refreshments” are related but not interchangeable terms. “Catering” refers to the act of providing food and beverages, typically by a professional company, for an event or meeting. Therefore, “catering” describes the service, not the food itself.
“Meeting refreshments,” on the other hand, refers to the food and beverages provided at a meeting, regardless of whether they are catered or prepared in-house. A meeting can have refreshments without them being catered. Catering is one way to provide meeting refreshments, but not the only way.
What about regional differences in terminology?
While the term “meeting refreshments” is widely understood, some regional variations do exist. In certain regions, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth countries, “elevenses” might refer to a mid-morning snack or refreshment break, particularly with tea or coffee. This term is less common in the United States.
Additionally, regional slang or colloquialisms might be used in informal settings. However, for formal communication and when addressing a diverse audience, sticking to universally accepted terms like “meeting refreshments” or “snacks” is advisable to avoid confusion and ensure clarity. Awareness of regional differences is helpful, but using standard terminology is generally best practice.
What are some alternative terms for “meeting refreshments”?
Besides “meeting refreshments,” several alternative terms can be used depending on the context. “Meeting snacks” is a straightforward option, especially when light food items are provided. “Conference food” or “seminar refreshments” might be used in the context of larger events.
Other options include “working lunch” (when lunch is served during a meeting with continued work), “brain food” (when snacks are chosen for their cognitive benefits), or simply “food and beverages.” The key is to select a term that accurately reflects the type of food being offered and the overall setting of the meeting.
Is it acceptable to use humorous or informal terms?
Using humorous or informal terms depends heavily on the company culture and the relationship with the attendees. In a very casual and relaxed workplace, terms like “meeting grub,” “fuel station,” or even humorous nicknames for specific snacks might be acceptable and even appreciated. These terms can foster a sense of camaraderie and informality.
However, in more formal or professional settings, using such terms would be inappropriate and could be perceived as unprofessional. It’s crucial to gauge the audience and the overall tone of the meeting before opting for humorous or informal language. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use more standard and widely accepted terms.