The Dish: The Latest on F&B for Meetings

This month, we invited the chefs of Kiawah Island Golf Resort to spice up our ProMeetings post. This inspired culinary teamisn’t just in tune with emerging conference dining trends, they add a special dash of passion and creativity to delight our guests and to make sure those trends support wellness, collaboration and productivity. Check out of chefs’ fresh ideas and discover why food is so much more that fuel — it’s an amazing way to flavor and inspire your next event.

Spark networking and connection. Count on creative culinary events to bring on the fun – and group interaction. Add a little drama with a high-energy station where a personable chef prepares a local specialty or helps guests craft their own dessert. Host a networking session, perhaps with small plates served in a relaxed setting, where guests can meet up and build relationships. Heat up group camaraderie with the challenge of culinary teambuilding event or wind up your day with a casual wine and microbrew tasting with food pairings. These are just a sampling of ideas that are always popular with groups meeting on Kiawah Island.

Give your meetings a brainy boost. Not only does healthful cuisine satisfy attendees’ personal preferences, it’s widely recognized that nutritious meals and breaks can enhance learning and performance (learn more in this Harvard Business Review article.) Keep this nutrition-brain connection in mind when planning your meetings and learning sessions. For the Kiawah dining team, “food for thought” inspires healthful and delicious breaks, grazing stations and meals that help keep everyone engaged and energized. Our conference guests find the selections irresistible – and good enough to tweet!

Elevate your event to an experience. Add personality, even a sense of adventure, with unique culinary activities that give your team exhilarating and memorable experiences. A creative venue and planning team can help you brainstorm activities that give your group a fabulous time that’s also budget friendly. Here on Kiawah, for example, guests can enjoy a nature excursion with a tasty boxed lunch. Or get a true taste of laid-back coastal South Carolina at our Mingo Point Oyster Roast, featuring a traditional oyster feast and barbecue, complete with live music and a gorgeous backdrop of marsh and Kiawah River views.

Celebrate local, natural and seasonal. Today’s attendees value what’s authentic and want those experiences integrated into their meetings. Food is the source of amazing stories and insights into local landscapes, culture and traditions. When “farm to fork” is a passion and chefs team up with local farmers and fishermen, the result is an exuberant expression of local flavor and freshness on every plate. Kiawah’s chefs proudly craft locally inspired menus that give our guests delicious ways to sample the beauty and bounty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The talents of Kiawah’s culinary team shine in our catering repertoire and creative menus at more than a dozen restaurants, cafes and lounges around the island. Our conference guests can also enjoy five championship golf courses, two award-winning tennis complexes and endless recreation and eco-adventures. And you can count on the dedicated support of our ProMeetings team through every phase of your event.

To learn more about hosting your next meeting at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, contact our Director of Group Sales, Marty Couch, and his team at 800.576.1585. We’re offering special low rates for fall and winter meetings:

The Sanctuary from $199/night on most midweek dates from December 3, 2016 – March 1, 2017.

Villas from $99/night on most dates from November 20, 2016 – March 15, 2017.