Checklist
I have found it easiest when a sponsor brings food and beverage themselves. This saves us back-and-forth with credit card numbers and emailing receipts for expense reports. If you’d rather just pay for food and let me organize it, I can do that too.
Food / bev sponsors
Thank you for supporting us with quality food and bev, we really appreciate it! Here’s a few popular ideas for food/drinks.
There is no sink or kitchen supplies.
Remember, there’s a good percentage of vegetarians in the group. Please plan for them too!
Food ideas
- Sandwiches and wraps (Panera is a popular option)
- Middle Eastern food (my favorite!). For example, Roll-Up Combos from Shawarma Falafel.
- Burritos (eg Burrito box with Chipotle catering)
- Pizza. I’ve used Regina’s Pizzeria via Grubhub.
Drinks
Cans of seltzers / water / soda is easiest. Alcohol isn’t allowed by our host. I typically plan for 1.25 cans per attendee. Use anything that remains at your next bbq.
- multiple 12-packs of cans of flavored seltzer waters, PLUS
- 1-2 packs of bottled water (Water is more popular than I originally anticipated)
Sides / snacks
It’s often nice to have a side or snack alongside the food. Here’s some typical ideas
- large salads (easy side order if you use Panera)
- cookies (again, an easy option from Panera)
- chips and salsa (for example, these can be included with burritos from Chipotle)
Other
Please don’t forget about the following items. This can save us a last-minute scramble.
- paper plates
- paper towels
- napkins
- knives and forks (compostable if possible)
- cups (if not cans/bottles)
Tips for sponsors
- RSVP for yourself and colleagues on Meetup.com so that your badge is printed when you arrive.
- Parking. Street parking does exist in Cambridge but I find it easiest to park at Kendall Center Green Garage.
- Swag / raffle items. (Not required at all). If you’d like to donate a raffle item, think of a funny question for the audience and use your item as a prize.