Everyone knows that corporate events go better with good food, so if you're meeting outside the US, find international catering services that will enhance your event. Event planners will find international caterers for you, too. Catering outside the US is used by US film crews and the US armed forces.

Meetings and events in other countries that require catering services international can be as easy as having sandwiches and soft drinks served, to more elaborate dinners for prospective clients. Making the most of international catering services can require an event coordinator who will put together a venue along with catering.

1. Catering companies international will supply food and beverages for business meetings outside the US.

2. International caterers will help with choosing venues and other event planning.

3. Catering companies international feed the US armed forces, oil drilling companies and other US companies with large crews located outside the US. These are mobile catering companies that set up kitchens in any location.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find international catering services for your Canadian connections

Many US companies do business in Canada. Canada is well-known for its French cuisine. Making the most of international catering services enhances business connections and helps retain good client relations.

I recommend: Bouquet Garni serves corporate luncheons and can help you with event planning. Daniel et Daniel out of Toronto caters breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktail parties. It is partnered with several beautiful locations to host your corporate events.

Look for international catering companies in Europe

European countries are well known for their cuisines. If you're holding an event or meeting overseas, capitalize on the excellent food.

I recommend: Felix, from Italy, a firm specializing in event and corporate planning, provides catering services international. Its owner speaks English, which can make a big difference in planning. Amitan, out of Ireland, caters finger foods and canapes for corporate events.

Use international catering companies to feed crews on a long-term basis

Contract catering companies feed film crews and crews living on ships and oil rigs. These services are based on contracts for three meals a day over a period of time.

I recommend: Ace Film Catering works out of London, the Isle of Man and Spain and will travel throughout Europe for film work. It has a variety of menus based on different budgets. Taylors International is an international catering association that sets up in locations throughout the world for oil and gas companies and the armed forces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Making the most of international catering services requires that you understand what you need and what you want the catering to reflect in terms of your company's image. You can find an international catering co for any budget.

Your company seeks international catering services for a seminar or business meeting outside the continental U.S. This doesn't mean you have to forgo having delicious meals served at your meeting. Using a professional international catering company can help your event be successful.

Professional and ethical catering organizations understand the necessity of integrity in business dealings, particularly when the venue may be thousands of miles away from your normal operations area. When you look for an international caterer, look at those companies offering the sorts of menus you envision for your event.

1. What is the nature or theme of your event?

2. How many people do you expect to attend?

3. What types of food do you want to have served?

4. What is your budget?

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Select international catering companies that are members of the International Caterers Association

International catering associations typically establish rules for ethical conduct. Potential members must accept and adhere to these guidelines prior to joining the association.

I recommend: International Caterers Association members are off-premise and on-premise caterers in countries all around the world. Their code of ethics includes professional integrity, ethical business practices, and respect for diversity. Search by country or specific international catering companies. ARAMARK is partnered with international catering companies around the world. The company maintains high standards in a broad range of customized services, including catering to cultural preferences.

Use detailed planning with contract catering companies to ensure your event runs smoothly

Even the best laid plans are subject to change, and managing a catering event long distance can mean that something important could fall through the cracks. Deal with an international catering company that takes your plans or creates detailed plans from your specifications, then puts them into action.

I recommend: Newmarket International specializes in executing all aspects of a catering event. Swiss Egyptian Restaurants Corporation has a "Service A-Z" philosophy, meaning that they pay strict attention to all details to allow their clients to focus on their guests.

Select international catering services by region

An international catering company operating in a particular region will be familiar with cultural needs and specialties. Take advantage of their expertise for your catered event.

I recommend: Fu Ji has food and ingredients delivered to central processing centers in Shanghai and Suzhou. Their philosophy of centralized management and resource sharing ensures a high quality of product, presentation, and service. Continental Delight Catering Services is based in Singapore, but operates in 50 countries. They are Halal certified, meaning they can serve food permissible under Islamic law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be aware of the religious or cultural dietary requirements of your clients. The international catering services company you select will be able to tailor a menu to accommodate various tastes.

Catering is a million-dollar business both in and outside the United States, making this field ripe for those with international catering services education and training. It doesn't matter whether or not you're a chef. To enter international catering, you just need the right knowledge and necessary business skills.

Although hands-on experience with an international catering company is useful, there are several other ways to obtain the education you need to have a successful career catering outside the United States:

1. Attend college to prepare for an international catering service career.

2. Immerse yourself in publications for international catering companies.

3. Become active in catering organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend college to learn about international catering

One way to prepare yourself for a career in catering is to get a formal education at a college. This typically means going to a culinary school, which Includes courses in catering, but you may also find valuable online courses with an emphasis on international catering.

I recommend: The CollegeBound Network has a free search engine for culinary schools, including those focusing on catering careers. Or find a culinary school by state at Culinary Ed or an online course at Online Degrees.

Read publications for catering services international

Any good trade publication will enhance your career in international catering, but there are also periodicals specifically targeted to international caterers. Use them as a way to keep up to date with the latest trends and resources.

I recommend: Penton Media publishes "Special Events" and G.P. Publishing offers "Catering Magazine," two important magazines about the catering business. Culinaire publishes "Art Culinaire," specifically for international caterers.

Join an international catering association

There are many organizations for caterers; some are general, offering educational opportunities to those who work in the United States or abroad, and others focus specifically on international catering.

I recommend: The National Association of Catering Executives is the oldest and largest catering association in the world, offering a host of continuing education opportunities. Association of Catering and Event Professionals provides a library of reference materials online, plus monthly meetings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that an international food catering service must be run by someone with more than basic cooking knowledge. Caterers should have great business sense, work well with customers, understand safe food handling and be able to deal well with stress.