buffets meetings & events

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BuffetsMeetings & Events


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

BUFFET STANDARDS OVERVIEW

MEETINGS & EVENTS POSITIONING

MEETINGS & EVENTS PROOF POINTSBespokeStoriedIntimate

ON-PROPERTY ACTIVATION

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES


MEETINGS & EVENTS

IntroductionBuffets are a key component to banquet operations. Used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner functions, they often cater to a large group of guests at the same time. It is of the utmost importance to make sure buffet set-ups and execution live up to the expectations of our guests.

The Buffet experience may be evaluated by our guests based on several touchpoints such as, presentation and storytelling, the quality of food and beverage products, and the cleanliness.

The following pages of this lookbook will illustrate basic luxury standards in set-up and presentation, as well as provide inspiration to create unique and distinctive Buffet experiences for St. Regis.

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Buffet StandardsOverview

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Set Up & PresentationStandards

• Buffet tables should complement the event space environment• Skirtings and table cloths should never be used• For groups of 50 guests and above, a double-sided buffet is

set up• Use various levels with risers and/or tiered stands to

complement the overall Buffet design concept (make sure the F&B offerings are easily accessible to guests)

• Make sure that the elevations are sturdy• Use textures that naturally complement each other. For

example, stone, wrought iron, and rustic metals work well together. Mirrors, glass blocks, or highly polished stainless steel containers and plastics would not work well with them

• If using Buffet equipment that has multiple textures (glass, metal, wood), be sure that the rest of the presentation remains cohesive and not chaotic

• Use similar serve ware shapes in the presentation. For example, square risers with square or rectangular platters and round

risers with round or oval platters


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Set Up & PresentationStandards

• Ensure labels, such as beverage and sugar labels, are facing in the same direction and in clear view of the guests

• Use branded label templates and only label food and beverages when necessary

• Ensure items are within reach of the guests• Choose complementary decor elements to enhance, not

overwhelm, the presentation• Ensure that all serving utensils, equipment, and china is clean

and polished• Power cords/extensions are avoided where possible and are

properly hidden at all times. When tape is used, coordinate color with the floor/carpet

• Buffets should be ready 15 minutes before scheduled time• Position food to ensure proper Buffet flow• Use one container per food type• Signage and messaging should be relevant and complement the

design of the buffet and coffee break. Where there are brand standards for messaging or food labels, ensure that those are implemented: Marriott Asset Library, code STR 1024.2022920

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Food & BeverageFood

Standards

• Lunch offering for meetings ideally avoid fatty and heavy food to focus on lighter and protein-rich food

• Low sugar items are to be fruit-based when possible• Condiments should be provided for food items that require

them (for example, provide preserves with croissants).• Food items should be presented to either be enjoyed at

the moment or to take on the go (provide plates, utensils if necessary, and cocktail napkins)

• Temperature is essential; hot food needs to be served hot, cold food needs to be served cold

• Serve smaller quantities of food and drinks when placing on platters or in bowls. Replenish more often to maintain a fresh appearance

Suggestion

• Food should be all prepared in-house and display culinary craftsmanship

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Food & BeverageFood (Cont’d)

Standards

• If live cooking is part of the presentation, ensure the station remains “active” with food and/or drinks being prepared in front of the guestsAPAC:

• A live cooking station is required for each buffet function• Clearly mark allergen ingredients on signage• Indicate vegetarian items on signage• Use seasonal ingredients• Use responsibly sourced ingredients• Include a pass around component for every buffet (for example,

a dessert option like signature macaroons are presented by an associate)

• Highlight locally inspired items

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Food & BeverageSoft Drinks and Water

Standards

• Hotel shall offer a variety of soft drinks, still and sparkling waters if availableUS/Canada:

• Iced teas to be includedEurope:

• Minimum offering of infused water• Soft drinks are optional• Reference Europe Food + Drink guidelines on MGS

(page 29)• European properties must follow the European Beverage

ProgramMEA:

• Still and sparkling water required• Three kinds of fresh juices required• Soft drinks recommended

MEETINGS & EVENTS


Food & BeverageSoft Drinks and Water (Cont’d)

Standards

• Pepsi is the required beverage provider for all luxury properties and is served in glass bottles where available

• Minimum standard of Pepsi, Pepsi Light, 7-Up, Miranda to be offered. Locally relevant beverages offered additionally. (As product varies by continent due to regional availability, please reference minimum standards on MGS for more details)

Suggestion

• Proper garnishes need to be served when appropriate. Make sure they are of the same quality and creativity as your restaurant or local, quality cocktail bar. Please refer to the BarArts guidelines on page 29 for more details

MEETINGS & EVENTS


St. RegisMeetings & EventsPositioning

Included in this section is an overview of the St. Regis Meetings & Events brand positioning, pillars, and proof points as an aspirational guide to align successfully to the St.Regis brand.

Each proof point is further expanded upon in the subsequent pages, including specific examples to inspire leaders as they implement at their own property.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Celebrations Made IconicAt St. Regis, we transform meetings and events into iconic celebrations. Our gatherings foster the Luminary spirit and offer guests the opportunity to Live Exquisite. We distinguish ourselves by building on our legacy and transcend the ordinary in every way.

BespokeMeetings & Events where every detail is curated to reflect our guests’ unique desires.

Personal Touches Opportunities to add individual experiences and customized flourishes to each meeting and event based on cues provide by our customers

Rare Ingredients St. Regis catering provides guests a glimpse of rare, exclusive culinary gems which allows guests to curate their own highlight personalized F&B experiences

Exquisite OS&E OS&E that evokes a conversation and highlights Exquisite Things, Exquisitely Presented and conveys guests with a feeling of experiencing their own unique meeting and event

StoriedMeetings & Events that capture the rich history of the St. Regis brand as an icon of luxury.

Iconic Rituals From our iconic Bloody Mary to the breathtaking performance of champagne sabrage, each function is amplified with a stories St. Regis Ritual

Live Jazz Legends Jazz performances that enhance arrival or break moments and become memorable function highlights either at social events or corporate meetings

St. Regis Butler Showcasing the Butler as a brand icon in the M&E space, providing master classes on signature Rituals and butler skills for M&E attendees

IntimateMeetings & Events that set the stage for the unforgettable stories of today’s cultural elite.

Intimate Settings M&E spaces that evoke a residential feel through furnishings and set up, putting guests as ease

Signature Spaces Social events staged across legendary St. Regis rooms such as libraries, wine cellars, and terraces

MEETINGS & EVENTS


St. RegisMeetings & EventsProof Points

The following pages provide insight of how to bring the brand positioning to life with actionable proof points, guiding leaders to success on-property.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

BespokeMeetings & Events where every detail is curated to reflect our guests’ unique desires.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Personal TouchesOpportunities to add individual experiences and customized flourishes to each Meeting & Event

Offer the opportunity to personalize namecards and menus for a lunch and dinner function

Utilize specialty equipment such as a yama cold brewer to create specialty beverages , such as Sangria, to serve during the Buffet

Incorporate rare and exquisite condiments during a Buffet that allow attendees to personalize their food choice


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Rare IngredientsSt. Regis catering provides guests a glimpse of rare, exclusive culinary gems that allow guests to personalize their own F&B experiences

Source rare, exclusive ingredients to embody the brand’s Live Exquisite philosophy such as seasonal edible florals or truffles

Encourage the culinary team to showcase the preparation of certain unique dishes

Incorporate unique ingredients that can enhance and elevate a dish’ presentation


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Exquisite OS&EOS&E that evokes a conversation and highlights Exquisite Things, Exquisitely Presented that allows guests to experience a unique meeting and event

Offer meeting planners a choice of china, linen, and silverware that can be used during a Buffet

Utilize beautifully decorated bottles, glasses, and dispensers to serve beverages

Source extraordinary serve ware as part of the hotel’s standard OS&E that showcases the exquisite OS&E offered by the House of Astor


MEETINGS & EVENTS

StoriedMeetings & Events that capture the rich history of the St. Regis brand as an icon of luxury.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Iconic RitualsFrom our iconic Bloody Mary to the breathtaking performance of champagne sabrage, each function is amplified with a storied St. Regis ritual

Use Sabrage to open or close an event, allowing attendees the opportunity to provide a toast to success

Incorporate the St. Regis tea blend into food and beverage offerings to add another layer of St. Regis rituals into functions

Replicate the reveled social etiquette of the Astor balls with a distinguished welcome by the Butler and a personal escort to their table where they’ll find unique name place cards


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Live Jazz LegendsLive jazz performances that enhance arrival or break moments and become memorable function highlights either at social events or corporate meetings

Offer the choice of jazz and modern live music during a lunch Buffet, turning it into a social event

Offer a ‘jukebox’ option for guests to personalize the jazz during an event

Serving retro jazz cocktails during event breaks to accompany the music of the function


MEETINGS & EVENTS

St. Regis ButlerShowcasing the Butler as a brand icon in the M&E space by providing master classes on iconic rituals and butler skills for M&E attendees

Engage a Butler figure to host a lunch or dinner Buffet, allowing them to be the visual focus point of the function and cater to the specific needs of individual guests. The Butler can ring the dinner gong and announce commencement of service

Provide a customized, signed Butler’s guide, to highlight perfect dinner etiquette, which guests can take back home as memento


MEETINGS & EVENTS

IntimateMeetings & Events that set the stage for the unforgettable stories of today’s cultural elite.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Intimate SettingsM&E spaces that evoke a residential feel through furnishings and set-up that put guests at ease

Leverage other spaces in the hotel where guests can step out such as the library. Provide a subtle way to communicate the availability of another space to have a side meeting

Utilize residential furniture and serveware to give the Buffet function a polished look and feel


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Signature SpacesSocial events staged across legendary St. Regis rooms such as libraries, wine cellars, and terraces

Look to use signature suites and rooms for smaller group lunches, evoking a sense of dining in the House of Astor

By using different furniture and décor pieces, recreate a standard meeting space into a signature space. By using residential cabinets, credenzas, and decorations, a meeting room can be turned into a unique and elegant dining room

Make Buffet functions more fluid by breaking down the elements of a function over different locations such as setting up specialty desserts in the Wine Vault or Library

MEETINGS & EVENTS


On-Property Activation

The following pages provide examples of how the St. Regis Atlanta used the proof points as inspiration in the design of their own St. Regis M&E Buffet.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

St. Regis Atlanta Buffet

Incorporate elegant frames to amplify the visual appeal of a Buffet menu to be displayed to guests Taking cues from the flowers in the courtyard garden, choose china that complements the overall atmosphere of the Buffet location


MEETINGS & EVENTS


Accentuate the overall presentation of the Buffet with floral detailing By utilizing silverware with a unique pattern, regular food presentations are elevated in their look and feel


MEETINGS & EVENTS


Curate the presentation of beverage stations that accompany the Buffet. Leverage rituals like the Bloody Mary to enrichen the experience. Use residential furniture to create personal spaces for attendees to unwind and connect with each other

Provide quiet, personal spaces with a residential look and feel


MEETINGS & EVENTS

Additional Resources

• ST. REGIS F&B POSITIONING

• FOOD WASTE REDUCTION

• SKIP THE STRAW

• FOOD + DRINKS MINIMUM GUIDELINES (EUROPE)

• BEVERAGE PROGRAM (EUROPE)

References available on MGS

https://mgscloud.marriott.com/mgs/marrdocs/mgs/common/lodgingoperations/foodbeverage/brands/stregis/stregisfbpositioning.pdf

https://mgscloud.marriott.com/common/business-resources/serve-360/sustain/reduceenvironmental-impacts/waste/food-waste/source-reduction.html

https://mgscloud.marriott.com/common/lodging-operations/food-and-beverage/sustainability/skip-the-straw.html

https://mgscloud.marriott.com/common/continental-divisions/europe/operations/food-beverage/events/food-drink.html

https://mgscloud.marriott.com/common/continental-divisions/europe/operations/food-beverage/beverage-program


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buffets meetings & events

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