Serve snacks at Presentations or Briefs?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
General Questions and Comments

I am hosting a presentation around lunch time (1130-1230) however I can't serve lunch due to the budget. Should I provide a snack or something to munch on? If so, do you have any recommendations of what would be appropriate?

I would like to avoid cake. Maybe some granola bars or cookies?

Thanks in Advance.

Submitted by Dan Jenkins on Saturday August 4th, 2012 4:09 pm

Hi, 
I think providing snacks is fine, and unfortunately I have had to use it as an attendance incentive from time to time. I think just some very plain biscuits is enough.
Sure you may have to buy them out of your own pocket, but if it makes those in the presentation more comfortable it is well worth it.
Dan.

Submitted by David Cybuck on Monday August 6th, 2012 10:58 am

There is a good cast with that title, How to eat lunch, with many take-away points.  Here is one that may frame my answer to your question.  As a professional and a manager we are expected to be available all day (or more).  11-1 is part of the day and a time when people are to be available.  Listen to the how to eat lunch cast for more detail.
So, don't have snacks or cake or lunch or punch or fruit.  Have the meeting, cut into people's regular time to eat lunch, and don't bring anything.  I think you will do MUCH better to have an efficient and effective meeting (the snacks being a distraction), get done the critical things that need to get done, and get out.  If you are meeting on something important and your efficient about it your people will understand; they may not like it...and hope you don't do it on a regular basis, and they'll understand.
RC

 

Submitted by Glenn Ross on Monday August 6th, 2012 3:33 pm

If there's no budget for food, tell people ahead of time so they'll be prepared. If it's appropriate, let them know they can bring their own. But if it's not appropriate, let them know that, too.