Eventfully Angela’s case studies are an exclusive, behind the scenes peek into our event planning prowess. Here we unpack for you our trade secrets, event planning tips, and event trends right from the event scene. Divulging the origin of our clever creativity backed by thoughtful, calculated logistics.
There was a time when breaks were just a stand-alone coffee urn. The coffee was bad and might sit for hours on an otherwise empty table. The pot would often be empty. Maybe – if the attendees were lucky – there would be a small tray of stale cookies next to it.
Thankfully, those days are over. Breaks are now productive, interactive and even catalysts of the event theme.
Let’s break it down with some on-the-scene event inspiration. Here are three examples of interactive breaks to please a crowd and create a memorable event experience.
Coffee House Break
People love to hang out in coffee houses. To work, to socialize, to relax.
This interactive coffee-house break at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island was the perfect solution to allow attendees to recharge between afternoon sessions of this event that welcomed 325 guests.
The agenda segment accompanying the break was using the “World Cafe Method,” popular for large groups to promote dialogue and most often modeled after a cafe. Small, round tables with checkered tablecloths, butcher block paper, a vase of flowers, etc.
The do-it-yourself coffee station included a variety of flavored syrups, along with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and cinnamon sticks for additional touches of sweetness and flair.
Sweet treats added to the experience. Guests enjoyed assorted biscotti, opera cake (similar to tiramisu), mini coffee cakes, mini eclairs, assorted macaroons, cannoli, lamiere and fresh fruit. This break successfully appealed to all of the senses, propelled the theme, and created a special engaging environment.
Smoothie and Trail Mix Action Station
Maybe you’re thinking that a coffee house break might lead to a sugar rush, which is often followed by a sugar crash? That’s fair. This option could be more your speed, as smoothies promote better digestion, increase protein intake, and improve energy. Plus, they taste great!
At Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, we offered an on-demand smoothie station for 125 attendees, with this great pair of choices for the base ingredients:
Green: Kale, Apple, Orange Juice, Blueberries, Red Pepper, Mango
Power: Banana, Blueberry, Almond Milk, Protein Power
Need a little solid food to accompany your smoothie? Trail mix is good for your heart while serving as a great source of natural protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
This spread allowed attendees to create concoctions including granola, Chex mix, craisins, golden raisins, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, wasabi peas, and pretzel nuggets. Sweet, salty, spicy. A little something for everyone.
Iced Coffee Float Experience
Question? What would you get if a rootbeer float and an iced coffee had a baby? Answer? You’d get this decadent, awesome sugar bomb from the Four Seasons Orlando.
This iced coffee float experience let attendees mix their coffee with homemade vanilla gelato, with the option to add from a menagerie of do-it-yourself toppings. I chose caramel with a cinnamon stick. Delish!
Takeaways
Put breaks to work for you rather than using them as space fillers. If not treated as an afterthought, breaks can sustain your crowd, foster interpersonal engagement, help cultivate your event’s cohesive theme, and create a memorable experience.
A break connects your event, taking you from segment to segment. Use it to continue the story you are telling.
What do you think about this break trend? Too much? Or Are stand-alone coffee urns and a plate of cookies all we need?
Eventfully,
Angela
Eventfully Angela is a premier independent event management partner specializing in Corporate Events and Event Branding. Based in Charlotte, NC, Eventfully Angela fills the resource gaps of businesses both large and small, with premium and customized services. Specialties include full-service planning, sourcing and venue selection, on-site day of support, consulting and contract audits, event marketing and branding, experiential event design, and fully customized event registration websites. 704-754-2627 angela@eventfullyangela.com
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