Festival grounds with visitors in daylight at a large corporate event

Catering as a strategic component of your event

Catering for a business event is about much more than just filling stomachs. The way your guests eat and drink sets the tone for the evening. It also determines the atmosphere on the dance floor and the impression people take away from your event. A cocktail reception encourages movement and provides opportunities for networking. A formal gala dinner conveys status and formality.

At Live Impact, we treat catering as a key component of the event, not just a logistical detail. The choice of catering style is directly linked to the event’s purpose, the target audience, and the overall concept.

Catering is also one of the biggest expenses at a business event. It pays to make clear decisions about the concept early on in the process. That way, the caterer can tailor their quote to your needs.

Types of catering for corporate events

The type of catering you choose will determine your guests' experience. The most common types of catering for business events in the Netherlands are:

Standing reception: the most popular type of catering. Guests move around the room and visit different food stations. It encourages networking and is ideal for themed parties.

Buffet: offers a variety of choices and works well for diverse groups. Gala dinner: the most formal option, suitable for galas, anniversary dinners, and corporate events. Cocktail party or reception: a lighter option for an opening event or a standalone networking occasion. Food trucks: popular for outdoor events and corporate festivals.

Catering budget: How much does catering cost for a business event?

Catering typically accounts for 20 to 40 percent of the total event budget. Estimated prices per person, excluding VAT:

A cocktail party or reception: approximately €25 to €55+ per person. A standing reception with drinks package: approximately €80 to €125+ per person. A gala dinner: approximately €120 to €220+ per person. Lunch or a daytime session: approximately €20 to €45+ per person.

How do you choose the right caterer?

Choose a caterer with experience in corporate events. A good caterer will work with you to bring your vision to life and deliver consistent quality. Precise timing goes without saying.

Keep the following points in mind: experience with corporate events, knowledge of the venue, and the option to try a sample menu. Also ask about the protocol for dietary requests and allergens, as well as the sustainability policy.

Always compare quotes based on what is and isn’t included. Are glasses, cutlery, and linens provided, and is the bartender included?

Sustainable catering for corporate events

Sustainability has become an expectation at corporate events. Sustainable catering involves multiple aspects. These include sourcing (seasonal products, local suppliers) and packaging and tableware (reusable). Food waste is also a key consideration: careful planning and donating leftover food whenever possible.

For every event, Live Impact asks the client about their sustainability goals and actively communicates these to the caterer.

Organize catering through Live Impact

Live Impact handles catering as part of the overall event concept. We don’t just source catering separately; instead, we provide catering that aligns with the program, the venue, the theme, and the target audience.

Would you like to know how much catering for your event concept might cost? Call us at 085 401 40 14 or send an email to hello@live-impact.nl. Or fill out the briefing form at live-impact.nl/briefing.

Seriously Fun.

Also read

• Event Marketing: Why a Live Event Makes Your Message Land More Effectively

• Kick-off program: how to create a day that leaves a lasting impression

• Team-building activities: 20 ideas that really work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Live Impact help organize a corporate event?

Yes. Live Impact is a concept agency specializing in corporate events. We assist with the entire process: from the initial brainstorming and concept development to venue selection, programming, and production.

Whether you're planning a staff party, conference, kick-off, anniversary, or client event, we're here to help. We ask the right questions and make sure the results leave a lasting impression.

Please contact us at hello@live-impact.nl or call +31 85 401 40 14.

Read our full article on organizing a corporate event →

How much time do you need to organize a corporate event?

Start planning at least three months in advance. For large events (300+ guests, complex production), six months is more realistic.

The planning process consists of four phases. First, laying the groundwork (12 to 10 weeks before the event), then developing the concept and securing partners (10 to 6 weeks). Next comes the detailed planning (6 to 3 weeks), and finally, execution and follow-up in the last 3 weeks. Popular venues and artists book up quickly in the fall.

See the full timeline in our article →

How do you write a good briefing for a corporate event?

A good briefing should include at least six elements. These are: the objective, the target audience, the number of guests, the desired date, the budget, and any special requirements (venue, dietary restrictions, travel time).

Write it down on a single sheet of A4 paper. Share it with your project team and your agency. Without a briefing, everyone works based on assumptions. That leads to a messy result.

Read the full article with all the briefing elements →

What is the difference between a corporate event and a staff party?

A staff party is specifically for employees: it’s an internal, intimate gathering with a more relaxed atmosphere. A corporate event has a broader scope and can be a staff party, but it can also be a conference, kick-off, anniversary celebration, or client event.

The difference lies in the approach: a staff party is all about celebrating and building connections. A corporate event, on the other hand, can also serve strategic goals, such as knowledge sharing, brand positioning, or cultural change.

Learn more about organizing corporate events →

How much does it cost to organize a corporate event?

A corporate event costs approximately €200 to €500+ per person (excluding VAT) for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €150 to €400+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €125 to €350+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €100 to €300+ per person. All amounts are exclusive of VAT and include the venue, catering, entertainment, and production.

The exact budget depends on the type, location, and program. The ranges listed above indicate the typical cost for an average business event.

Read our full article on organizing corporate events →

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