A cocktail reception for your next event
A cocktail reception is an excellent way for your company to highlight a corporate event. Here are 3 arguments in favor of this option.
This type of business meeting is quick and easy. Customizable and convivial, it’s an ideal way to network.
1. A quick and easy meal plan
The simplicity and speed with which you can organize a cocktail reception is largely due to the appetizer formula. This allows you to devote more time to the concept of the event.
Rely on the expertise of an event consultant to guide you through the entire planning process. The choice of venue depends on the objective of your activity, the number of guests and the estimated duration, but also on the snack!
The short version of the cocktail reception usually lasts 2 h 30. It includes 5 to 6 hot or cold appetizers per person. Allow at least 4 h if not more for the meal version (12 to 18 bites), depending on the activities you’re integrating into your concept.
These bites are presented in a sophisticated way, so that guests can consume them easily and without mess. At La Distinction, our top-of-the-line caterer offers a wide selection of canapés. If you prefer a few more decadent suggestions, depending on the event, we also have stations and trays from which to make further selections.
2. Personalizing the cocktail reception
This event-planning formula opens up a world of highly customizable possibilities. However, in order to organize a successful cocktail party, it is essential to :
Know the purpose of your event and the number of guests;
Choose the venue, the room and the atmosphere you want to create for the event itself. You need to model a strong image for your company;
Determine whether the event will be a meal or a cocktail reception, in terms of the number of appetizers and the amount of alcohol;
Plan for additional service providers (entertainment, music, decoration).
That’s why a consultant is so useful.
The beauty of this type of business meeting is that it’s truly convivial and can be adapted to any “happening” format. Whether it’s your employees, suppliers, customers, a fundraising event, the media, whatever.
Afterwards, the reception room can be adapted to your dynamic. You create your theme, your atmosphere, in your corporate colors. It’s up to you to be creative and innovative.
Creative room layout
Instead of the classic seating plan, collaborate with your consultant. It’s time to think outside the box to create moments of synergy with participants.
Create sections… and make sure everyone has a place to sit somewhere.
Bistro tables
When we think of cocktail parties, we think of small bistro tables where everyone stands. Depending on your event, if you want people to network, make sure this section is indeed stool-free. If not, you can add some.
Lounge section
The relaxation corner, where it’s good to share anecdotes or expand your professional circle. Comfortable sofas or armchairs, a distinctive decor that invites confidences more easily. A place to build trust.
Bar area
A place to meet, initiate contact and take time out. Sometimes it becomes a gathering place. Make sure you have a well-planned agenda to move your guests around the room in a well-orchestrated way.
Tasting section
Cocktail dinners include 5 to 6 bites per person. Service personnel move among the guests so that everyone gets a taste of everything. As mentioned in the first point, this type of event lasts around 2 h 30. However, you can easily stretch this out with activities and workshops, entertainment, announcements and more.
Among your surprises, you can add various sections with tasting stations to your agenda. In this way, you can transform the cocktail reception into a meal that includes 12 to 18 bites per person.
Suggestion: add a wine and food pairing at the end of your presentation. Once everyone has broken the ice, you’ll end your business meeting on a more memorable note.
An ideal source of networking
If you sum up the concept of the cocktail reception, you’ll understand why it’s often the preferred type of business meeting.
- The conviviality of the atmosphere, with its various sections instead of seating around a large table;
- The possibility of themes and technological immersion, with walls to answer satisfaction surveys. Or leave a message, take down the contact details of people you’ve exchanged with, but forgot to add to your LinkedIn ;
- Bites that let you chat most of the time. You can circulate freely, glass in hand, through a pleasant little agenda;
- Surprising, memorable and unifying culinary discoveries that can be part of the meeting;
Do you see how all the factors come together to make professional exchanges prolific? Not to mention an affordable, upscale gastronomic avenue.
Even when it comes to meetings between colleagues, this formula proves advantageous, since it offers a different avenue. You can use it as a preamble to a larger event, such as employee recognition. It’s an ideal way to pick up an award, while an adjacent room is being prepared, for example, for festivities.
Short of ideas? Just contact us.
