Try These Popular Food Trends at Your Next Meeting
One of the most important aspects of any great meeting or event is the food. It helps your attendees fuel up for a day of work, provides a boost during breaks and can add a notable touch they’ll remember long after the last session. We asked event venues across Ohio for their fun and inventive takes when it comes to meal options.
Embrace the Outdoors
One benefit of hosting an event at an Ohio State Park lodge is the ability to take short nature walks during breaks, and Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center offers meeting planners the option of a customizable trail-mix bar. For lunch, outdoor grills can be set up to cook hot dogs and burgers. When evening falls, opt for a s’mores kit as a sweet way to end the day.
Bars & Buffets
For a fun and efficient way to feed attendees, opt for a buffet or bar. The Ohio Event Center at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark has a couple fun ideas to try at your next event. Its breakfast buffets can include a pancake or Greek yogurt bar with made-to-order scrambled eggs, while its deconstructed baked potato bar is a unique take on a traditional offering that allows for plenty of customization. 
Know Your Chef
Finding a chef who specializes in particular cuisines can heighten the event experience. Corey Clary, director of the catering department at The Lodge at Hocking College in Nelsonville, uses his classical French training and interest in Cantonese and Southeast Asian food to create delicious dishes. His take on a Chinese buffet features flash-fried tofu in honey garlic sauce, a Cantonese pork stew and handmade potstickers.
Sweeten the Deal
In addition to providing interesting dining spots, including one beside a wall-size fish tank, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium has plenty of surprises, such as its flexible dessert options. The on-site bakery can prepare specialty treats like Moroccan orange cake or more traditional sweets like specialty cupcakes, cake pops and cookies. The menu rotates seasonally, bringing in items like caramel apples and house-made fudge.
Location, Location, Location
Located in the Trumbull County city of Warren, The Grand Resort & Spa offers the chance to indulge in some local flavor. Menu options include Polish boys (a Cleveland-area specialty piled with sausage, fries, coleslaw and barbecue sauce) as well as peppers in oil. The latter, made with The Grand Resort’s signature spices and served with Italian bread, is a favorite regional dish of the Mahoning Valley.
Snack Attack
A midday pick-me-up is crucial to making sure your attendees power through the day. Creative snack offerings are a great way to fuel up while also enhancing the meeting experience. Toledo’s Glass City Center has some fun ideas to elevate your snack game, such as its popular ballpark snack package, which includes packaged candies, popcorn, mini corn dogs and pretzels with cheese dip.