Catering and Sustainability for Sydney Events

Sara Flaksbard

Ever marveled at the seamless orchestration of massive events?

From intimate celebrations to global corporate gatherings, the sheer logistics are astounding. Consider the 15 million annual events worldwide, each demanding meticulous planning of venues, catering, entertainment, and more, all within budget and aligned with the event's purpose.

Especially now, as the year kicks off, event planners and caterers are in full swing, crafting everything from grand corporate affairs to the finest culinary details. It truly makes you wonder how they manage such complex feats, especially while striving for sustainability.

Green Means Go: Managing a Sustainable Corporate Event in Sydney

Sydney's vibrant corporate scene is buzzing with events, from intimate team gatherings to grand conferences. But as we bring people together, a crucial question arises: how can we make these events not just successful, but sustainable? Managing large-scale events requires a symphony of coordination, and increasingly, that orchestration needs a green rhythm.

Think about it – the sheer scale of corporate events demands significant manpower and meticulous planning. Long before the first guest arrives, caterers and suppliers are briefed, venues are secured, and the groundwork is laid for a seamless experience.

The beauty of events lies in their diversity. A product launch might prioritise cutting-edge audiovisuals, while a networking conference hinges on smooth guest flow and ample mingling space. Catering, however, remains a cornerstone of almost every successful event. For large gatherings, the pressure on catering services intensifies. But a long guest list shouldn’t mean compromising on quality, taste, or our planet.

Serving Sustainability: Tips for Greener Catering

Here’s how to ensure your Sydney corporate event catering treads lightly on the environment:

Embrace the Seasons:

Opt for menus featuring locally sourced, seasonal produce. This not only guarantees the freshest flavours but also reduces transportation emissions.

Effortless and Accessible:

Choose food formats that are easy for a large number of guests to handle and replenish. Think strategically placed food and beverage stations and thoughtfully designed layouts.

Map it Out:

Collaborate closely with your caterer on the floor plan. Consider kitchen locations and guest flow to optimise service and minimize food waste. Laissez Faire, for example, cleverly divides large spaces into smaller zones with dedicated kitchens and bars, enhancing both efficiency and the guest experience.

Adapt to the Event Style:

Remember that different events require different catering strategies. While weddings might focus on seated, multi-course meals, large corporate networking events thrive on easily consumable finger foods that allow guests to socialize freely.

The Power of People:
Smart Staffing for Seamless Service

Beyond the menu, efficient staffing is key to a successful large-scale event. Getting the ratio of service personnel right ensures smooth operations and happy guests.

Here’s a general guideline we at Laissez Faire follow:

Bartenders: 1 per 75-100 guests
Wait Staff (Sit-Down): 1 per 10 guests
Wait Staff (Cocktail): 1 per 30 guests
Wait Staff (Conference): 1 per 40 guests
Function Coordinator: 1 per 200 guests

Remember, these are guidelines – adjust them based on the specific needs and style of your Sydney corporate event.

Leading the Change: Sustainable Catering in Action

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a global imperative. In Australia, as across the world, industries must step up and lead by example. The catering sector, with its significant impact, has a crucial role to play.

Sustainability guides everything we do at Laissez-Faire. As a bespoke, privately owned events caterer, we have used seasonal and artisan produce from the moment we began, partnering with small suppliers who understand food and share our ethos. We seek the best suppliers in NSW so we can support local communities, while reducing food miles and our carbon footprint

By consciously choosing sustainable catering options for your Sydney corporate events, you're not just hosting a successful gathering – you're contributing to a greener future. Let's work together to make sustainability the standard, one delicious and responsible event at a time.

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