Need catering for a business event or meeting? The Web offers solutions to satisfy your employees' and clients' strictest dietary needs and help make your meeting a success. No matter if the attendees eat low-fat, low-carb, vegetarian or Halal, you can find something for any diet or event online.

Don't worry if you haven't ordered catering before. Web-based services can handle just about everything for you.

Make sure a catering snafu doesn't become the focal point of your meeting or event, by covering:

1. The Basics: Number of attendees and the event's purpose
2. All hidden costs including delivery charges, tips, and overtime
3. Serving Agenda and Timing

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Put a complete catering solution together easily online

Web-based solutions can help simplify the process of locating and ordering from top caterers in your area. Outside services can help you manage the process easily even if you've never handled catering before.

I recommend: SeamlessWeb offers a complete online solution for managing your business catering needs. They recommend restaurants in your area that can cater your staff or customer meeting at the exact time you need it. You can dictate which employees can order online, set budget controls and decide on your billing method and timing.

Cover all your catering bases with the right selection

Catering an internal meeting is easier than a client event because you are more likely to know of any special dietary needs.

I recommend: Cover all the bases by choosing marked boxed lunches or buffet style catering. Localcatering.com and Eatingwell.org can hook you up with a catering service that fits your budget and needs.

Consult the meeting venue

If your event is at a local meeting center or hotel, catering services may be available there. Or select a venue based on its ability to offer catering.

I recommend: Book a meeting room and use the catering services of your local Hilton, Marriott, or Holiday Inn, which all have online meeting and event planning guides. MenuPalace.com has contact information and links to websites for banquet halls and caterers near you.

Take care of the extras

Ask the caterer if table linens and dinnerware are provided free or cost extra.

I recommend: Save money on these incidentals by purchasing them online from a wholesale event supplies store like Bright Settings. Search for supplies by city and state at Specialeventsite.com.

Use helpful tools to plan, budget and collaborate

It is important to create a budget before you solicit and choose sources for your meeting or event.

I recommend: Your client or vendor may volunteer to "chip in" to help bear some of the catering costs of the event for a good enough business purpose. ChipIn.com can help you collect by sending out invitations and collecting money. Don't lose count of the number of attendees with Mollyguard that will allow you to publish, plan and track events online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Time your food to be served so that clanking silverware and confusion won't disrupt the flow of the meeting.
• •  Staff your catered event with your own employees to save money.
• •  Find out what services and supplies are included in the caterers' quotes such as music, table linens, and entertainment.
• •  Prepare a written log of the event and costs within 24 hours of the event's close.
• •  Conduct drawings or giveaways during the meals to keep everyone's concentration during the event or meeting.
• •  Ask the caterer about the servers' style of dress or whether it is a matter of choice.
• •  Host a tasting for your team to find the 'cream of the crop' before you decide what to serve your customers.