People are always looking for new and interesting ways to cater to their conference attendees and food has become so much more than just fuel, with an enormous shift recently towards health and the impact that food can have on concentration and productivity, according to an expert.

The ‘Top 10 Conference Foods Trends for 2015,’ an extensive research released among members of The International Association of Conference Centres, has identified trends to take this knowledge to the next level and will help meeting planners to deliver the ultimate experience when it comes to catering for conferences across the globe, said Mark Cooper, chief executive officer, IACC.

The importance of adding a local feel to meetings has been identified as a major trend as attendees want to experience as much as they can about the area they are going to for their meeting or event, said the research.

Small plates of food items, continuously served in a reception format add a nice break to an extended event. Another popular choice is to hold a more substantial networking friendly dining reception mid way through your event as it provides a great way for guests to meet up in a causal environment and build relationships while enjoying great food and beverage, it said.

Bite size desserts have overtaken larger portions in popularity, with conference delegates turning their backs on the big slice of cake and heading for the easy to handle signature bite size desert station. Warm house made donuts, chocolate truffles, French macaroons, mini cupcakes and house made cookies are top of the list for planners.

The research found that healthy choices do not need to resemble rabbit food and conference chefs work with exciting new ingredients including whole grains, protein alternative (quinoa, amaranth, tofu, beans) green vegetables (kales, spinach), low fat and low sugar foods which sound, look and taste great.

Nothing brings the team together more than food and having the opportunity to cook with somebody can create a whole new appreciation for and hidden talent not seen in an office environment or company outing, it said.

Utilising outside space to create a change in scenery and a casual dining experience will revitalise attendees, especially during multi-day meetings and events, said the research.

IACC is the only global professional association, which represents small to medium sized venues focused on meetings, training courses and conferences, said a statement.

All members conform to a comprehensive global set of criteria and standards. The organisation serves its members by being the global thought-leader in the meetings industry and currently has 400 members in 21 countries in the Americas, Europe and Australasia, it added. - TradeArabia News Service