Foods You Shouldn’t Serve at Trade Shows
If you are going to serve food at a trade show, it’s a good idea to think about what you are going to offer before your menu turns out to be a disaster.
Here are foods to avoid:
Foods that are messy
Nobody wants their business attire covered in mustard and ketchup halfway through their day at a trade show. Nor does anyone want to be seen with a potential client with food stuck in their teeth. That said, it’s best to avoid serving things like hot dogs, spaghetti and fajitas.
Foods that are smelly
Seafood and garlic might taste great, but they are not so good later on when you are having up-close conversations with prospective customers. Having bad breath or hands that smell like onions are not confidence-boosters when you are introducing yourself at a trade show.
Foods that are allergenic
With all the food allergies that people have these days, it’s best to avoid serving peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, fish, milk and eggs at your trade show. Don’t forget when you are planning your menu to take into account food sensitivities like lactose and gluten intolerance. The last thing you want a bunch of gassy guests.
Serving debatable beverages
While serving up shots might make you the take of the trade show, you must think of how your clients and other industry contact react to your choice. Unless it is the shot you are promoting, it’s probably best to avoid to serving anything controversial.
Serving expensive food
Make sure you know how much a convention centre or hotel is going to ding you for if want to bring in something not included on their regular catering menu. So if want to bring in a particular brand of water or coffee, be prepared to pay corking fees. Check with the convention centre or hotel beforehand to find out what it will cost.
