Catering is an important part of event planning – from organizing a wedding to executing a grand exhibition. Catering plays an essential role: delicious, memorable dishes are one of the main attractions of every event, no matter what type.

People love to try out new dishes on different occasions, whether at a holiday party or any social gathering. Hosts also enjoy seeing the latest food catering services trends for their upcoming events or private parties. Maximize your catering budget with these helpful hints and delicious ideas for your next big event!

Take the Time of Day into Account

Who doesn’t love a tea party with delicious finger foods and cake bites to sweeten any afternoon? Choose an event time that will accommodate your guests with a fun, creative menu. Not every event requires a full meal. Sometimes it’s appropriate to serve lighter fares as there are full-meal times in a day.

Host Your Event with a Self-Serve Buffet

Creating various trendy dishes at a buffet station is a great way to accommodate all palettes and give your guests a memorable dining experience. Design the perfect menu for your event with Canterbury’s Culinary team that will have your guests wishing they could take home leftovers for a midnight snack.

Try the Latest Health Craze

Capitalize on healthy trends your guests will be excited to see on your event menu. Try something creative like whole-food power bowls. They are easy to work with and elevate any dish with fresh, seasonal ingredients and whole grains for the base. Healthy food options are a great way to accommodate those guests who are health conscious or have special dietary needs and give that special touch to any event.

Everyone Loves a Taco Bar

With “Taco Tuesday” on everyone’s weekly menu, why not host one of your own? With an array of fresh ingredients and tasty protein options, your guests can create their favorite tacos or savor something new. With delicious, creative tacos topped with fresh guacamole and salsa, seconds will find their way onto your guests’ plates.

Indulge in a Holiday Fare Menu

We all know Thanksgiving falls in November, but who says you can’t enjoy those holiday flavors throughout the year? Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and everyone’s favorite apple pie can give any event a warm holiday feeling and delicious aromas everyone loves. Your guests will be reminiscing of holidays past and looking forward to their next family gathering. And Canterbury has meeting rooms for your next family celebration to accommodate all family sizes!

Create a Caramel Apple Bar

Dessert is always a big hit at any catered event, and with apple season upon us, there’s no better time to enjoy a caramel apple bar. Sliced or whole, farm-fresh apples combined with gooey, warm caramel is always a hit. Add some sprinkles, mini marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips for some added fun! Bring out the kid in all your guests with this childhood favorite.

Let Canterbury Conference Center Give Your Next Event an Amazing Catering Experience!

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located in Oviedo, Florida, just minutes from the University of Central Florida and a short drive from downtown or Orlando International Airport (MCO). Yet our locations is far enough away to give you some peace and the seclusion, with 48 wooded acres surrounding beautiful Lake Gem. Canterbury is still close enough to enjoy all the area  amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and professional staff will make your stay at Canterbury is relaxing and memorable. Our culinary team, has a passion for creating menus that will delight the palette, using a bounty of local and fresh ingredients.

Whether you are planning a company holiday party or conference, or perhaps a family private event like a wedding, Canterbury will make it an event to remember.

To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

There’s no better way to wrap up twelve months of hard work and company milestones than a n end of the year bash. Company parties help bring your entire team together, boosting company morale, and building camaraderie. Here are some holiday planning tips and creative ideas to help ensure a memorable celebration! Start planning early and ensure your company party is a major hit!

Book the Perfect Holiday Party Venue

Venues fill up as the holiday season approaches, along with the perfect space. With space available for gatherings large and small, let Canterbury help create a warm and beautiful atmosphere that will impress all your guests! If you don’t want to start the Season with the thought, “why didn’t I book sooner?”, now is the time to research the best venue for your holiday celebration!

Select the Perfect Festive Food for Your Holiday Party!

A crucial part of planning your holiday party is selecting the perfect festive food to serve your guests. Introducing a plethora of palette favorites at a buffet station is the easiest way to accommodate a variety of taste preferences and keep your guests mingling. Ask your employees what their holiday favorites are! Canterbury’s culinary team can help with tasty suggestions. Who could resist roast beef cooked to holiday perfection or beautiful caramel flan at the end of a delicious meal? Feliz Navidad!

Host a Classy Wintertime Theme

Once you have your menu selected and reserved the perfect setting, it’s time to create a theme. What better way to dress up your event than with a wintertime theme? Fill the food buffet and tables with elegant crystal ornaments with shades of blue and silver. Small, white holiday lights draped throughout your venue will make it feel like a winter wonderland. Add a vase of white flowers to each dining table for a special touch. There’s nothing like that wintertime feel with a hot cup of cocoa and favorite holiday treats your guests will savor at the end of a perfect evening.

Create a Warm and Cozy Get-Together

If winter wonderland is not your style, nothing says toasty and cozy like rustic-chic. Choose tablecloths with deep flannel accents highlighting deep reds and greens. Use wood slices to elevate food displays and mix evergreen and bare branches with dark, warm, cream-colored flowers as centerpieces. Tie straw bows throughout, giving your venue that rustic feel. Make the evening memorable by bringing thoughtful favors and gifts that your guests can take home. Incorporating small gestures that last will provide an experience your employees will talk about long after the holidays.

Recognize Employees & Celebrate Successes

Holiday celebrations are the perfect time to recognize your employees for their hard work and celebrate and share your company’s success. Company swag for employees is always a big hit (did someone say logo blankets?), recognizing and acknowledging a job well done and spreading that holiday cheer! Employee recognition can be achieved in different ways, from speeches congratulating employee efforts to awards for outstanding team effort and individual achievements.

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Company Holiday Celebration!

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy all its amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and top industry professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Our staff and facilities can provide what you need, whether your company is here for a holiday party or a retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a wedding or reunion. To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

The most driven teams have their direction and goals aligned early on in the process. This can be accomplished by holding an innovation meeting for your company or organization. Including everyone involved in early planning is the most effective strategy in the long run, especially with smaller teams. By practicing open collaboration, everyone feels responsible, takes ownership of their goals, and taps into the team’s knowledge and expertise. Here are some top ideas to make your next innovation meeting successful.

Idea Sharing without Judgement

With hierarchies of command and diverse mindsets, creating a culture where new observations are freely shared can be challenging. However, company visions are carefully crafted by leadership, and innovation can originate from anywhere. Allow your employees or team members to pitch new ideas, regardless of their status in the company. Encourage all members to participate and let them know all voices are welcome. Creating an open meeting culture with diverse perspectives can bring many innovative ideas. 

What Environment is Best Suited for Success? 

Meetings can occur in various environments, from a traditional conference room to a unique offsite setting. With access to the right technology, materials, and comfortability, Canterbury has meeting rooms to accommodate all meeting forums and sizes. Consider all factors for your team when choosing the right location for your company’s next innovative event.

Create a Set of Regulations

Out-of-hand meetings don’t help your team be more productive or creative. Confusion can result in team members speaking at the same time or entering into debate. Establishing “road rules” that limit each person’s speaking time will help prevent team members from dominating the conversation and keep ideas flowing. Set the rules and distribute them to all attendees before the meeting.

Have a Strong Facilitator

One person, preferably involved in planning the innovation meeting, should act as the facilitator. The facilitator should be familiar with the visual tools being used and closely involved in directing the conversation. Team members should reiterate the goals and objectives of the session at the beginning of the meeting. Throughout the meeting, the facilitator will explain the rules to the attendees and keep everyone on task. The facilitator should also ensure the group sticks to the set schedule and timing, driving the pace of the meeting.

Walk Away with Action Items

Before ending your meeting, reiterate with your team what action items they need to complete to meet the goals discussed during the meeting. Challenge them to specify a timeline and assign what tasks need to be done. Have a whiteboard, sticky notes, or flipchart available so everyone understands what needs to be completed. Integrate the action items into your company’s daily or weekly routine to ensure goals are met by the appropriate deadlines. 

Check-in With Your Team 

Teamwork makes the dream work! Don’t let the motivation of the innovation meeting wane over time. Schedule the next team meeting so your team can continue to make progress and discuss any changes needed to succeed. Scheduled regular check-ins to verify that the team has progressed on the agreed-upon action items as discussed.

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Innovation Meeting! 

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy all its amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and top industry professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Our staff and facilities can provide what you need, whether your company is here for an innovation meeting or a retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a wedding or reunion. To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

Celebrating culture and diversity lets your business show its compassionate side and makes customers and employees feel like they belong. Exploring diverse cultures can be a guiding bridge for awareness and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. By embracing cultural awareness, you can inspire creativity and innovation for all participants in your organization. Celebrate and share diverse cultures with these unique ideas for a memorable event!

Host a Music Event

Memorable moments in our lives are celebrated with music. Create a sense of belonging by hosting a music event. Recruit customers and employees alike by bringing together different, diverse sounds. Fill one of Canterbury’s meeting rooms with a Spanish guitar or an accordion from Vienna. Add some singing from the audience creating a perfect evening.

Host a Craft Workshop

Crafts have long been a cultural expression and pillar of community building. Recruit a local expert to lend a hand in sharing their culture’s traditions with your audience. Plan a quarterly craft workshop, creating an atmosphere for learning and connecting. Learning a new skill gives your audience something to build on for future events.

Host a Food Sampling Event

Who doesn’t love a delicious, memorable meal? Bring your customers together for an international food experience. Canterbury’s meeting rooms can accommodate groups of various sizes for a perfect sampling event. Ask your customers if they have favorites like “Taco Tuesday” or one of their own for a special occasion. Inquire with Canterbury’s culinary team about catering to your international favorites for an afternoon of tasting and conversation.

Host an Art Gallery Event

There’s nothing like going to an art gallery to bring culture to your eye. Why not bring an art event to Canterbury? Recruit local artists with international flairs to share with your audience. Have the artist available for a meet and greet to answer questions and share their experiences. Your audience may learn something new about a culture or places they have never been.

Start a Book Club or Author Reading

Books are a perfect medium to bring people together. They can help promote a business or organization and help your customers feel connected. Choose themes or authors that interest your audience and have cultural elements. Canterbury’s meeting rooms are perfect for a group discussion or a reading from a favorite author. Make it a monthly event, keeping your customers feeling appreciated.

Have a Movie Night 

Movies help to shape and solidify a culture’s beliefs. They reflect the values of the culture that produces them. Movies are a great way to bring an audience together for an insight into different cultures and traditions—a great way to share diversity with your audience. Even with subtitles, your customers will surely enjoy an action-packed or romantic movie showing.

Why Encourage Cultural Participation?

Corporations today have recognized the importance of culture and diversity in their company policies. They keep customers connected and appreciated for brand loyalty and long-term relationships. Businesses are embracing differences of all kinds and keeping industries moving forward. Canterbury Conference Center is perfect for your company’s next cultural event!

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Cultural Celebration! 

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy all its amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and top industry professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Our staff and facilities can provide what you need, whether your company is here for a meeting or retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a wedding or reunion. To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

Everyone loves a classic family get-together, and summer is the perfect season to host a family reunion. There’s nothing like sharing stories and meeting relatives with lots of laughs and joyful celebrations. Here are some fun ideas to consider when planning your event.

Plan a Catered Luncheon

What better way to catch up with family than an afternoon of delicious food? Leave the dishes and clean up behind, and bring your family relax and enjoy the festivities in a tranquil setting. Stress-free reminiscing is sure to be had by all! Be sure to book a meeting space big enough for everyone, decorate with family photos, and inquire with Canterbury’s culinary team to prepare a delicious assortment of family favorites.

Play Reunion Bingo

Bingo is a fun game that every generation can enjoy. Start with bingo cards and add family descriptions in each box. (“whose favorite food is Grandma’s potato salad?”). Players can circulate, search out family members who fit the category and have them sign the box. Once everyone gets a bingo, the game ends. It’s fun to learn something new about your family members.

Hold a Talent Show

No concert hall is necessary to show off your favorite talents; Canterbury has meeting rooms accommodating all family sizes.  Have your tap-dancing, singing, and other entertaining talents judged by your kin and declare a winner. It’s a great way to see the talents hiding within your loved ones that you never knew they had.

Craft a DIY Photo Booth

Family attics can hold a treasure trove of stylish hats, vintage clothing, and miscellaneous items to show off in a photo booth. Try to fit as many relatives as possible into a photo booth; big laughs are to be had by all! Recruit your loved ones to set up a themed booth and take photo memories as keepsakes.

Throw a Retro Themed Dance Party

Everyone loves dancing with abandon, and there’s no need to wait until the next family wedding. (And Canterbury is perfect for a wedding venue!) Recruit a DJ for an 80s’ revival night or a big hoedown. If prom night was your best high school memory, recreate a magical night filled with tuxedos and prom dresses, and even crown a king and queen!

Play Musical Chairs

Musical chairs are a perfect way to get everyone on their feet, have a friendly family competition, and have lots of laughs finding your perfect seat. Be sure to include a blue ribbon for your champion! There’s nothing like bringing back games from previous generations and being enjoyed by all ages.

Throw an Outdoor Movie Night

Share your favorite family movie by renting a projector and having everyone bring pillows, blankets, and snacks to the lawn for a mock drive-in. Take it up a notch and show old family movies. Bring back those special memories and share them with new generations—a great way to start the summer and create a new tradition.

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Family Reunion!

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy all its amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and top industry professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Our staff and facilities can provide what you need, whether your company is here for meetings or a retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a wedding or reunion. To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

When selecting a setting for your next corporate event, pick one that embraces your company’s values and where your guests can feel themselves. If you are not entirely familiar with a venue, asking a few questions can help you select the perfect location. It’s easy to get caught up in minor details and overlook what’s crucial for your event to be successful. To help keep you focused, here are some helpful tips to make selecting a venue effortless and enjoyable.

Check What Dates Are Available

If you don’t have a particular date in mind, start with a specific month and inquire what dates are available. For busy holidays, consider a range of possible dates rather than a specific date, and there’s a greater chance your venue will be available. Hosting events during the week instead of during a busy weekend can bring considerable savings with the same success.

Is the Venue Accessible from the Airport, Highways, or Public Transit?

See how your attendees are traveling to your event. If most of them are coming from the airport, check the distance from the airport to the venue. For those traveling to Central Florida, Canterbury Conference Center is less than 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport and offers ample parking for guests. If your venue does not have a shuttle service, coordinate options for your guests to carpool or schedule a rideshare service. The convenience of not renting a vehicle adds to the positive experience your guests will endure.

Does the Venue Offer Accommodations?

If most of your attendees are from out of town, you may want to host your event at a venue that offers accommodations or one that is close to convenience stores and restaurants. Canterbury Conference Center offers on-site lodging and catering and can accommodate up to 200 guests. We are also centrally located to many restaurants and amenities in the Oviedo and Orlando area. Being able to enjoy local favorites is always a plus and may encourage a return visit.

What Type of Atmosphere Does the Venue Offer?

If you are considering cutting costs by selecting an outdated venue, your guests may complain about the conference’s atmosphere. Consider a modernized venue, such as Canterbury’s executive meeting rooms for breakout sessions and exhibits. Our property features lounge areas, a coffee bar, and outdoor spaces to take advantage of Florida’s beautiful warm weather. Finding that perfect setting for your attendees can help create a memorable, positive experience.

Is the Venue Large Enough for Your Event?

Knowing how many guests you can invite will help in making the final decision about your venue. Be sure to have enough comfortable seating for your attendees in all sessions and enough space to relax in between. Your guests will appreciate a beautiful, engaging atmosphere when enjoying it without the stress of limited seating and cramped spaces. 

Does the Venue Offer Catering?

Outside catering can be substantially more expensive, especially with a more significant events, such as a wedding or large company party. Having in-house catering may help keep costs within budget while providing guests with a delightful culinary experience. Canterbury Conference Center features a full commercial kitchen with the ability to accommodate various dietary needs. Accommodating the needs of your guests shows your attention to detail in making it a special day for everyone.

How Much Does the Venue Cost?

Your event should fall within your budget and offer incentives to maximize value. Inquire if there are any discounts for members, returning guests, or active military personnel. Many venues offer payment plans for flexible financing or discounts when bundling multiple services. Inquiring about these extras can add significant savings and enhance your guests’ experience. 

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Corporate Event!

Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida. We are far enough away to give you peace and seclusion, while still close enough to enjoy all the local amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and courteous professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable, whether your next event is a corporate event, wedding, or a high school reunion. To learn more about hosting your next event, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.

A steady stream of clients is necessary for a business to be successful. When businesses thrive, they should be thankful for their customers and find unique ways to show appreciation. One way to thank your clients is to have an appreciation event. When given appreciation, customers remain loyal to the business and share their experiences with others. This expands a company’s audience for potential new customers.

Host a Client Appreciation Party

An easy way to show client appreciation is by hosting an appreciation party. The event can be as casual or high-end as you would like, inviting new clients and loyal customers as an excellent opportunity to enjoy themselves and interact with each other. It’s a great way to show your clients that you value them while building loyalty.

Complimentary Goodies Event 

An alternative to throwing a party is to have an event where businesses can distribute gifts to their clients. As you contemplate gift options, look for gifts that match your brand and are something clients will like. These can range from small tokens of appreciation to valuable tools that improve your customers’ businesses or lifestyles. Your event will also add marketing value by making your customers think about your brand every time they use your gift.

“VIP” Spa Day

Love a spa day? With a menu of manicures, pedicures, massages, and delicious bites throughout the day, companies can entertain a spa event at a beautiful, tranquil location for a peaceful day of indulgence. Say thank you to your clients by hosting one of your own. After a day of pampering, clients will feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and appreciated.

Company Barbecue or Picnic Celebration

A fun way to include your clients and their families would be a barbecue or picnic. As the weather gets warmer and people are eager to get out of the house, an outdoor event is a great way to show clients they’re appreciated. There’s nothing like the smell of good food and the excitement of games and events throughout the day, helping win over new customers while thanking your existing ones. 

Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Unique Event

At Canterbury Conference Center, excellent customer service is our goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy the local amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and hospitable staff will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Whether your company is here for meetings or a retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a wedding or reunion, we can accommodate your needs. To learn more about reserving a meeting space at Canterbury Conference Center, call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.