Real Event: Having Lunch “Together” in the COVID Era

While event industry professionals have gone to unprecedented lengths to adjust their practices during the current global pandemic, there are just some aspects of events that seem impossible to achieve virtually. Most of these aspects involve human connection and togetherness, such as toasting the commencement of an event, small talk during a cocktail hour, and sitting together for a meal. However, through innovation and a collaboration with Dineable, PWR Philly found a way to make the last option happen virtually. As a member of PWR Philly, BLME was honored to be able to attend the cutting-edge event.  

Real Event: Having Lunch “Together” in the COVID Era

The hand-delivered lunch provided by 12th Street Catering.

When PWR Philly set out to host their member appreciation lunch, the team wanted attendees to feel as though they were actually having lunch together, despite being in their own homes and connected only through video. After accessing the possibilities, the PWR Philly team decided their course of action - if they couldn’t bring the guests to lunch, we can bring lunch to them. PWR Philly then enlisted the services of Dineable, a company who offers virtual catering. 

Dineable, partnered with 12th Street Catering, worked to hand-deliver meals to all of the event attendee’s homes prior to the start of the event. Each meal was designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so recipients were instructed to wait until the virtual event began to enjoy their lunch. 

Each lunch came with a hand-written note from PWR Philly.

During the event, members participated in icebreakers such as sharing their “6 word story,” watched a TED Talk on joy, and participated in breakout rooms, all while enjoying their delivered lunches. One attendee of the event felt this virtual luncheon alternative “really did mimic the experience of having lunch with people.” 

Even though COVID-19 restrictions are stopping people from enjoying a meal together in person, it doesn’t mean that it is altogether impossible. With innovation, collaboration, and out-of-the-box thinking, event professionals are able to create virtual dining experiences that evoke a feeling of togetherness and (almost) normalcy. 

P.S. Be sure to check out BLME’s feature of Mark Surkin of Dineable, discussing food costs and food waste in business and events.