Making memorable FNB moments

The choices made about food and beverage can make a defining difference at events.

 

Story by Tom Rutherford

Too often the entire food and beverage (or fnb) budget – usually significant – is selected from standard packages provided by venues and caterers, without creative input or direction from the event producer.

Why is it that we have creative directors for lighting and sound, but not for food?

The fnb component of an event is under scrutinised and there is real opportunity for event producers to transform the event experience and make a lasting impact with superior, smarter food and beverage choices.

To make an impression with food and beverage, we first need to understand the purpose of the event. Is it promotional, educational, motivational or social? Once we know this, we can design a creative approach to what is served and interesting ways of delivering it.

For a social event, having large sharing dishes on a table is ideal – it gets people talking and interacting. For a motivational event, serving French Champagne (at least to start) is a must – the event needs to have bragging rights. If your event is designed to showcase a brand based on the principals of custom designed services and products, the approach to the menu and service must match and complement. Here are a few key ingredients to making an event memorable through food and beverage:
 

•  Ask questions: talk to your client about what they want to achieve. Understanding their goals will help you design fnb for events that stick.
• Get thinking: Have a creative session dedicated to food and beverage. Brainstorm how the theme of the night can be reflected through the food and beverage. Being clever is not always about spending more; I’ve found that having strong creative culinary vision can actually reduce your costs.
• Calling creative caterers: Ask your caterers to get creative! Talk to them about doing things differently and work with them on their pricing structures to ensure it is a win-win situation.
   

Tom rutherford is Chef and Creative Director at FNBrilliant www.fnb.com.au