A business dinner is one of the best ways to network with current or prospective clients and associates, refine a potential contract, and upsell products or services. It’s a more relaxed and enjoyable way to talk business, helping to form a positive first impression of your company and develop longer-lasting relationships.
However, the event will only be successful if planned and executed well. If you don’t want to put a foot wrong, read the five top tips below for hosting your first corporate dinner.
- Select an Appropriate Dinner Timeframe
Most corporate dinners don’t go beyond two or three hours. It provides ample time for guests to chat, talk business, and enjoy a delicious meal without feeling rushed or bored.
You may want to start with 30 minutes of networking, which will prevent guests from missing out on a delicious meal if they’re running late due to traffic. Keep presentations short yet sweet and follow them up with a delicious meal that will linger on their tongues.
Also, provide each guest with the corporate dinner agenda, as it will allow them to fit the event into their busy schedule with ease.
- Arrange a Gourmet Catering Service
Prove to clients, associates, or investors that your business has exceptional attention to detail by hiring gourmet catering services. A unique culinary experience will ensure that the business dinner stands out in their minds for many years to come, meaning they never forget your company when they need its products or services.
You can guarantee a delicious dinner will be worth a long drive or busy commute to the event, and your guests will be in happier spirits when discussing a potential contract, partnership, or investment.
- Find Out About Any Dietary Restrictions or Requirements
Many of your guests might have a specific food allergy or diet they need to follow each day. For this reason, you must ask if they have any dietary restrictions or requirements, which you must relay to your chosen catering company. This will allow your guests to enjoy every dish on the menu, helping them to look back on the event with only positive memories.
- Specify a Dress Code
Make sure your guests won’t feel embarrassed for being over or underdressed by specifying a dress code on the invitation. Business casual is the most common and appropriate dress code for a corporate dinner. However, you can choose more formal attire to complement the venue and theme and elevate the event.
- Thank Your Guests for Attending
End your business dinner by thanking your guests for their attendance and try to say goodbye to each one personally. Many may have traveled for hours to attend the dinner, and a simple thank you and goodbye will make them feel like it was worth their time and effort.
Also, don’t forget to send a thank you email the next day to express your gratitude and continue developing stronger relationships. These small actions could make a big difference to your company in the long term.