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Event catering as a strategic part of your event

Event catering at a corporate event is about much more than filling stomachs. The way your guests eat and drink sets the rhythm of your evening. It also shapes the atmosphere on the floor and the feeling people take away from your event. A walking dinner creates movement and networking opportunities. A formal gala dinner brings status and ceremony.

At Live Impact we treat catering as a programme element, not a logistical afterthought. The choice of catering format is directly tied to the goal of the event, the audience and the concept.

Catering is also one of the biggest costs at a corporate event. It pays to make sharp choices about the concept early in the process. Then the caterer can write a tailored quote.

Types of catering at corporate events

The catering format you choose determines your guests' experience. The most commonly used formats at corporate events in the Netherlands:

Walking dinner: the most popular catering format. Guests move through the space and visit different stations. Encourages networking, suits themed parties.

Buffet: offers freedom of choice and works well with mixed groups. Gala dinner: the most formal option, suits galas, anniversary dinners and client events. Drinks or reception: a lighter variant for an opening or as a standalone client moment. Food trucks: popular at outdoor events and company festivals.

Catering budget: what does catering cost at a corporate event?

Catering is typically responsible for 20 to 40 per cent of the total event budget. Guide prices per person, excluding VAT:

A drinks reception: roughly €25 to €55+ per person. Walking dinner including a drinks package: roughly €80 to €125+ per person. Gala dinner: roughly €120 to €220+ per person. Lunch or a day session: roughly €20 to €45+ per person.

How do you choose the right caterer?

Choose a caterer with experience at corporate events. A good caterer thinks along with your concept and delivers consistent quality. Tight timing goes without saying.

Watch these points: experience with corporate events, knowledge of the venue and the option of a tasting menu. Ask about the protocol for dietary requirements and allergens, and the sustainability policy too.

Always compare quotes on what is and isn't included. Are glasses, cutlery and linen supplied, and is the bar staff member included?

Sustainable catering at corporate events

Sustainability has become an expectation at corporate events. Sustainable catering operates on several levels. Think of sourcing (seasonal products, local suppliers) and packaging and tableware (reusable). Food waste plays a part too: planning accurately and, where possible, donating leftover food.

Live Impact asks about the client's sustainability ambitions at every event and actively passes this on to the caterer.

Organising catering through Live Impact

Live Impact arranges catering as part of the total event concept. Not bought in separately, but catering that fits the programme, the venue, the theme and the audience.

Want to know what catering could cost for your event concept? Call us on 085 401 40 14 or email hello@live-impact.nl. Or fill in the brief form at live-impact.nl/briefing.

Seriously fun.

Also read

• Event marketing: why a live event makes your message resonate more strongly

• Kick-off program: how to build a day that sticks

• Teambuilding activities: 20 ideas that really work

Frequently asked questions

Can Live Impact help organise a corporate event?

Yes. Live Impact is a concept agency for corporate events. We help with the complete process: from first brainstorm and concept development to venue selection, programming and production.

Whether you're planning a staff party, conference, kick-off, anniversary or client event: we think along. We ask sharp questions and make sure the result stays with people.

Get in touch via hello@live-impact.nl or call +31 85 401 40 14.

Read our full article on organising a corporate event →

How much time do you need to organise a corporate event?

Start at least three months ahead. For large events (300+ guests, complex production), six months is more realistic.

The organisation runs in four phases. First lay the foundation (12 to 10 weeks before the date), then concept and partners (10 to 6 weeks). Then the detailed work (6 to 3 weeks) and finally execution plus aftercare in the last 3 weeks. Popular venues and artists are quickly booked up in autumn.

See the full phasing in our article →

How do you write a good brief for a corporate event?

A good brief contains at least six elements. They are: the objective, the target audience, the number of guests, the preferred date, the budget and prerequisites (venue, dietary requirements, travel time).

Write it on a single A4. Share it with your project team and your agency. Without a brief, everyone works from assumptions. That delivers a messy result.

Read the full article with all brief elements →

What is the difference between a corporate event and a staff party?

A staff party is specifically for staff: internal, familiar, and the mood is looser. A corporate event is broader and can be a staff party, but also a conference, kick-off, anniversary or client event.

The difference lies in the approach: a staff party is about celebrating and connecting. A corporate event can also serve strategic goals, such as knowledge sharing, brand positioning or culture change.

More on organising a corporate event →

What does it cost to organise a corporate event?

A corporate event costs around €200 to €500+ per person ex. VAT for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect around €150 to €400+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, expect around €125 to €350+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, expect around €100 to €300+ per person. All amounts excluding VAT, including venue, catering, entertainment and production.

The exact budget depends on the type, the venue and the programme. The brackets above indicate the range for an average corporate event.

Read our full article on organising a corporate event →

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