The Perfect Plant Based Meeting…
Have you ever attended an in-office meeting—or an outdoor work event—and felt frustrated by the lack of plant-based options? Maybe you work in catering and wish you could offer clients better choices that truly support a range of dietary needs.
My husband travels frequently for work and attends conferences year-round. Despite clearly stating his vegan requirements on pre-event questionnaires, he’s often left with little—or nothing—to eat. It’s a small oversight, but one that makes a lasting impression.
People involved in decision-making, like my husband, notice these details. When dietary needs are overlooked, it sends a message—intentional or not. On the other hand, thoughtful, inclusive food choices signal care, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Here are some of the best plant-based experiences from my husband’s work travels. Let these thoughtful elements inspire your next work engagement.
This meeting was held in Madrid, and boy, did they get it right. First of all, this space is beautiful with wall-to-wall windows surrounded by leafy green gardens. What a peaceful place to sit and hash out the fine points of a deal or negotiation.
Also, the glass-bottled water (very important that it’s glass, not plastic) and the small bowls of mixed nuts are such a nice, healthy touch.
The buffet has a nice mix of breakfast items, from fluffy croissants (easily made vegan without butter and still delicious) to small avocado toasts with marinated red peppers, bountiful fruit platters, and chia puddings topped with plump blueberries.
And, of course, the large bottles of fresh-squeezed orange juice for a breakfast buffet that is not only fresh but also visually appealing.
This buffet also offered non-vegan fare, such as chocolate croissants, brownies with walnuts, and a variety of savory and sweet tarts. However, the overall impression was one of abundance, not scarcity, for those with varied dietary preferences.
And last but definitely not least – the perfect cup of coffee with plant-based milk options! If coffee made with a professional coffee machine is not possible, a quality brand of brewed coffee is essential.
Festive & Cultural
Perhaps you are organizing a meeting with external stakeholders and attendees from other countries. What better way to impress than by offering plant-based options with a twist of local culture?
Here are two examples: the first is from a meeting in Malaga, where the Gazpacho was flowing, and the green peppers were plentiful. Also, I love the leafy, fresh decoration. What a great way to entice guests to sample some of these fine local favorite foods.
The second meeting was a traditional English Breakfast Buffet with some great vegan options, in London. From artisan bread, mixed baked beans, to fried tomatoes and mushrooms, this is how you welcome people to Jolly Old England.
Please Don’t Forget Dessert!
Even the most health-conscious person would love to be tempted from time to time with something delicious after a nice meal, or more importantly, a long day or days of meetings or conferences.
I can’t tell you how many times my husband was pleased to have a main vegan meal provided for him, only to watch others indulge in exquisite desserts while he was left with an afterthought fruit cup.
Here are some impressive looking and tasty ideas – shortcakes, macaroons, and vegan panna cottas – exquisite!
Tell me about your best and worst meeting/conference food experiences? Are you an event planner or caterer? Do you have any tried-and-true plant-based dishes and offerings that you would recommend?
