Category

Events

Aug 01
alumni event ideas and tips

Alumni Event Ideas and Tips

By Catering, Events

From themed reunions to career networking for recent graduates, there are all kinds of good alumni event ideas that can help bring everyone together. These can serve as a way to engage alumni and encourage continued connection, support and community.

Established professionals can also engage in new networking opportunities or even serve as mentors to current students. They can share their achievements and lessons learned in their careers and provide guidance for students who aren’t sure of their next step.

You can also host alumni meetups to raise funds for your college or university, making them beneficial for everyone involved. No matter what your needs and goals may be, there are several different ways to host an alumni event and ensure it’s a success.

Keys to a Successful Alumni Event

A lot of planning and attention to detail goes into planning a successful alumni event. From choosing the right venue type to meeting attendees’ needs, there are several aspects to consider when hosting.

Here are four key steps to help you get started:

1. Create an Overall Objective and Plan

Before getting too involved in the details, make sure you have an overall objective and plan for your alumni event. Determine what kind of gathering this will be — maybe your goal is educational, networking-focused or fundraising. Consider the needs and preferences of your institution as well as the alumni who will attend. Having a clear purpose will ensure you effectively reach alumni and get them involved and interested in the event.

2. Plan the Details

After you’ve established your objective, it’s time to plan all the details. You can choose to host your alumni event at the institution or at another venue nearby. Determine the timeline and what you’ll include, including a list of any speakers or presentations.

Have an organizational committee or group of committed volunteers that you can designate roles and tasks to. For example, you’ll need someone to promote the event and someone else to handle all of the catering. Have regular check-ins with all volunteers to track progress and anticipate possible obstacles.

Create a budget to determine how much to spend on speakers, food, decorations, entertainment and marketing materials.

3. Market Your Event

Once you have everything planned, it’s time to promote the event and ensure it reaches alumni. There are several ways you can do this, ranging from traditional advertising like letters or brochures in the mail to organizing events on social media sites like Facebook, where guests can view all the event details and RSVP. You can also post it on your institution’s website and keep attendees updated with emails or social media posts.

Keep an updated list of expected attendees, including any guests they intend to bring, to have an accurate count for catering and seating.

4. Host the Alumni Event and Follow Up

Working with an event planner and organizing committee will ensure the event goes smoothly from start to finish. Have a timeline and plan for how you want the day to go, as well as designated individuals to handle everything from check-in to tear down.

When the event is over, follow up with the attendees and determine what they thought went well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to plan an even better event in the future.

College Alumni Event Ideas

Not sure what type of alumni gathering you should host? Here are a few alumni networking event ideas to help get you started:

  • Career networking: A career networking event is especially beneficial for those starting their professional lives or interested in a career switch. Alumni will have the opportunity to connect with others in their current or chosen field and learn more about job opportunities or industry trends that could impact their careers.
  • Themed event: From sports-related to playful beach or decades-themed, there are all kinds of possibilities for creating an event that engages attendees. Everything from the invitations to décor to the dress code can center around your chosen theme to really draw alumni in.
  • Mentorship-focused: Current students, as well as recent graduates, will find a mentorship-focused event appealing. You could have break-out groups for different industries so individuals have a chance to connect with professionals, be mentored and schedule check-ins or follow-ups.
  • Fundraising: If you’re looking for a way to bring alumni together and contribute toward something meaningful, a fundraiser is the perfect solution. Whether you host a walk or bake sale, fundraising events can be a great way to connect former and current students.

Why You Should Cater Your Alumni Event

 

the right food can help set the mood for an alumni event

 

No matter what kind of alumni event you’ll be hosting, providing food is one of the best ways to garner interest in your event and keep everyone full and satisfied, especially if attendees have to travel or the event will last several hours. The right food can help set the mood and create a welcoming environment where alumni can connect and network.

Instead of having to handle meal planning, preparation, cooking and serving yourself, turn to catering experts to make mealtime quick and simple. They’ll create a menu that fits your needs and budget and handle all of the prep work for you, taking one thing off your to-do list. Trusting the event’s food to a professional also makes it easier to accommodate a wider range of dietary needs and preferences.

Choose Apple Spice Catering

With Apple Spice Catering, you can make sure your next alumni event is a success. We’ve specialized in delicious meals made from premium ingredients for more than 30 years. When you trust the experts, you’ll have access to quality customer service to ensure all of your meals are ordered, delivered and delicious.

Choose from:

  • Box lunch: Our boxed lunches will provide alumni with an individual meal designated just for them. Our all-in-one lunches offer a delicious, nourishing meal consisting of sandwiches, wraps, salads and treats. The entire order is conveniently packaged inside each box and labeled so everyone knows exactly which box is theirs.
  • Hot and cold catering: Whether you need a meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we can provide you with a catering menu that has something for everyone. With options ranging from sandwich platters to BBQ dishes, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-like experience at your alumni event.

No matter the size or needs of your alumni event, have peace of mind knowing your meals will be delivered right and on time. Our corporate catering experts will do what it takes to ensure everyone enjoys a tasty, satisfying meal. View our locations and menus and reach out today to get started.

choose Apple Spice Catering

May 08

How to Celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week

By Events

As National Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, your school might be considering ways to recognize its educators. Teachers and professors deserve all the praise for their hard work as they educate children, teens and adults. Check out these ideas to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week this year.

1. Give Personalized Gifts

Have your teachers complete a survey beforehand with their favorite candy, book, snack, restaurant or whatever else you want to highlight. Use this information for gift ideas of what to give for teacher appreciation week.

Here are some examples:

  • A teacher’s favorite book signed by their students
  • A bouquet of their favorite flowers for their desk
  • A gift card to their favorite restaurant for a date night with their spouse
  • Stocking the teacher’s lounge with their favorite snacks

2. Involve the Students

A teacher can’t be a teacher without their students. Involve their students in the week by allowing them to appreciate their educators. For younger students, lay out paper and banners for them to color and write messages on. Older students can write their teachers a note. Use the artwork and personalized notes to decorate their classrooms, or use the paper as a tablecloth for an appreciation dinner. You can also invite the students to vote for teacher superlatives or a Teacher of the Week award.

3. Cater Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Whether it’s teacher appreciation week or national teachers day, you can show appreciation to teachers through the shared love of food. You can provide breakfast, lunch or dinner for your teachers. Try a casual come-and-go or a whole sit-down meal with a short program outside school hours. Incorporate other elements into the feast — such as personalized gifts and student decorations — to tie the whole week together.

Apple Spice Is Your Go-To Catering Company for Teacher Appreciation Week

At Apple Spice, we can provide optimal catering solutions for your teacher appreciation week. In our over 30 years of experience, we have perfected our recipes and continue to use only the freshest ingredients, preparing everything on the day of your event.

Specifically, we can offer the following for your teachers:

  • Breakfast catering: We can provide sweet and savory breakfast foods for your teacher’s lounge. A hearty and full breakfast can fuel your teachers to face the school day ahead. Treat them to pastries, fruit, eggs, yogurt parfaits and more. We also have Early Bird boxes that contain everything you need in one.
  • Boxed lunch catering: We are well-known for our unique boxed lunch catering. One box has a sandwich, side, soup, salad and cookie. Build your own assortment of boxes for your teachers to grab and go for lunch!
  • Hot food catering: If you’d prefer to honor your teachers during one big event outside of the school day, host a dinner and invite the teachers, their spouses and members of your school administration. Apple Spice has delicious hot food catering options that can be served buffet style or fully plated for a more formal experience.

Order From an Apple Spice Catering Near You

Get ahead of the game and place your Apple Spice Catering order for National Teacher’s Appreciation Week. Find a location near you today!

catering order for national teacher's appreciation week

May 08

Ideas to Celebrate National Nurses Week This Year

By Events

Nurses are often the unsung heroes of the health care industry. Day after day, they put in the hours to help patients achieve recovery. This National Nurses Week, take some time to show your nursing staff you recognize and appreciate them. Check out some of our ideas to celebrate National Nurses Week below.

1. Hand out Goodie Bags

Who would turn down free stuff? Put together a gift bag for each of the nurses on your staff. You can make them as general or as personalized as you wish — or as your budget allows. Here’s some inspiration for items to put in each bag:

  • Thank-you note
  • Gift card
  • T-shirt
  • ID lanyard
  • Candy or snacks
  • Lotion

2. Highlight a Nurse Each Day

Make a highlight bulletin board and feature a different nurse’s accomplishments each day. You can feature one nurse in your department daily or choose a nurse from each department in your facility. Note their position and how long they’ve been at your facility, including some fun facts about them. If you haven’t done this before, start this year and make it an annual tradition!

3. Treat Their Tastebuds

There is no better way to show your appreciation than through the powerful language of food. Apple Spice can help you serve a delicious meal to your nurses at any time of the day:

  • Serve a sweet and savory breakfast: Nurses work around the clock, making breakfast a great choice to serve to most employees. Third-shift nurses can eat their “dinner,” while first-shift can grab fuel for the workday ahead.
  • Cater unique boxed lunches: We know nurses are busy bees, and gathering for a meal together during the day can be hard. Instead of a hot meal, you can provide box lunches for them to grab and go at their own pace.
  • Host an appreciation dinner: If you want to cater to as many of your nurses as possible, schedule an appreciation dinner at the end of the week. Nurses can invite their spouses and share a delicious catered meal, celebrating their continuous hard work.

Why Choose Professional Catering From Apple Spice?

Apple Spice Catering has catering solutions to help you properly thank your nurses for all their hard work. When you order from us, you will experience the following benefits:

  • Everything is made in-house: We only use the freshest ingredients to make your whole meal from scratch. For example, the sandwich bread in our lunch boxes is made fresh daily.
  • We deliver right to your door: When you place an order, we will bring it all to you — whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. No pickup is required!
  • Our unparalleled experience: Apple Spice has over 30 years in the catering industry, teaching us the value of hard work and quality ingredients. Our expertise and loyal customers have allowed us to continue growing to nearly 50 locations across the United States.

Order Online Today

Are you ready to treat your nurses to a delicious, well-balanced meal? Take a look at our catering menu and plan ahead for this year’s National Nurses Week. To order, reach out to an Apple Spice location near you or place your order online today!

order Apple Spice Catering online today

Dec 07
how to organize a business lunch meeting

How to Organize a Business Lunch Meeting

By Events

Lunchtime can be a great time to hold an informal meeting with your team. Before you book a conference room, make sure you prepare for success. Providing lunch for your team can help you prepare for success.

Cons of a Business Lunch Meeting

There are a few advantages and disadvantages of business lunch meetings. Some of the drawbacks include:

  • Some team members may prefer to get a break for lunch.
  • Food and casual chatter can be distracting.
  • They require planning for food.

But, the benefits of a well-organized catered lunch far outweighs the possible negatives, especially when it comes to employee morale.

how catered lunches boost employee moralePros of Business Lunch Meeting

Lunch business meetings have these benefits for businesses:

  • Lunch puts everyone in a good mood and can fuel your team to get down to work.
  • Buying lunch for your team is a nice treat for your hard-working group.
  • Lunch meetings tend to be more open for creativity, brainstorming and new ideas.
  • Lunch meetings can foster casual conversation, which can build your company culture.

planning a business lunch meetingPlanning a Lunch for Business Meetings

To have a business team meeting that incorporates lunch, you’ll want to have a plan in place. Here a few ideas to keep in mind when planning lunch for business meetings:

  • Create a meeting space for eating and work. A conference room or area where people can eat their meals can be ideal, but outdoor meetings can also work, weather permitting. Make sure you have power if you need devices during the meeting.
  • Consider food first. Catering can impact the meeting’s tone and flow. If you have a buffet, you will need more space. If you choose boxed lunch catering, you can meet at a conference room easily. In any case, make sure to choose a reliable provider who will deliver good food on time.
  • Tell team members about the meeting. Give team members plenty of time to let you know about allergies or dietary restrictions, browse the menu and select a meal.
  • Create a meeting plan. Before the meeting, create a goal and an plan. Since food is involved, consider when you will eat. Eating beforehand may make sense, so food will not interrupt your work. You can also arrange catering towards the end of the meeting as a closing treat. Try to keep the meeting schedule flexible to allow people to use the washroom, eat at their own pace and enjoy the casual feel of lunch meetings.

How Apple Spice Can Help With Your Working Lunch Meeting

Apple Spice can streamline box lunch catering with meals delivered fresh to everyone’s specifications. Business teams of all sizes across the country await our sandwich and lunch combos. We take extra care to prepare every boxed lunch with premium ingredients and amazing flavor combinations, making your lunch box meeting delicious and productive.

We help your meeting run smoothly by delivering food correctly and on time. Browse our boxed lunch catering options and find a location near you for your next meeting.

Apr 20
employee appreciation

Employee Appreciation ideas

By Events

 

It is important that employees feel appreciated. An article published by the Association for Psychological Science explains that expressing gratitude can improve almost any relationship. The article also explained that showing appreciation can be mutually beneficial to both the one showing the appreciation and the person being appreciated.  

 

There are things done and incentives offered by almost every work organization to try to show their employees that they are appreciated. However, more often than not these attempts to show appreciation may not go over as well as the employer had hoped. Why is this? An article published by The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley explained that most appreciation incentives fall short because they “come off as insincere.” Here are some best practices and principles that will help you make your employee incentive ideas more effective.

 

Ask your employees how THEY would like to be recognized.

 

employee appreciation day ideasYes, some of your employee recognition ideas can come from employees themselves. Often, employers try to keep their appreciation incentives secret so that they can surprise their employees. However, rather than surprising them with something they don’t actually want, it is more effective to ask your employees directly what rewards they would prefer. Getting them what they ask for will make them feel that they are being listened to, and the reward will feel more personal for them. 

 

Look for reasons to give praise.


If you look for the best in someone you are more likely to notice what they do well. Look for the best in your employees and when you find a reason to recognize them, do it! Smaller frequent rewards to express your appreciation are often more effective than large incentives that come infrequently.

 

Mix it up to make each achievement seem special.

 

Using the same rewards and ways to recognize employees can quickly get old and come off as impersonal. When it comes to recognizing employee achievement, mix it up so that each celebration seems sincere. 

 

employee appreciation ideasReward them with something they would actually like

This comes without saying, but appreciation incentives should be desirable! Make each reward unique and something that you know they are going to appreciate. 

Employee Appreciation With Apple Spice Catering

Hopefully, this list will serve you well on how to show employee appreciation. As you can see, there are many small office incentive ideas for employees that you can do to show your appreciation, that your workers will actually like. Mix it up! You can create an employee of the month award. Try buying the entire office lunch from a catering service like Apple Spice. You can even throw an office party! Create an atmosphere of gratitude in your workplace, and it will shock you how quickly things will change. 

 

Aug 27
social work events ideas plano tx

Work Social Event Ideas in Plano, TX

By Events, Uncategorized

Planning this year’s corporate event and looking for fun ideas here in Plano? Creating the right environment for these types of business events is crucial. Below are 3 entertainment destinations to provide the best social team-building experience for your company!

social work corporate events ideas

Red Door Escape Room

The Red Door Escape Room is perfect for corporate events and brings an all-around work social experience! This would be a great option if you are looking for an immersive entertainment experience. It will include games, puzzles, treasure hunts and more. Plan on bringing the energy and creativity if you plan on choosing this destination.

Event 1013

A beautiful space for events with a casual and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a laid back corporate event. Here they offer tables, chairs, production supplies, food, and extra packages including lighting sound, or an entrancing logo for the guests.

Group Dynaminx

Group Dynamix is a place to play, connect, and develop! If you are looking for corporate team building, this is the perfect event space to experience fun work outings to build better connections with your teammates.

social work events catering ideas

Looking for more options? Here are more ideas to choose from to help narrow down your favorites! Speaking of events, the most important asset to a good corporate event is the food. If you are on the hunt for the perfect caterer, Apple Spice is here to serve. We offer fresh box lunches and hot and cold catering featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, dinner, breakfast, desserts, coffee, and more. Why waste any more time? Browse our menus to book your first order!

Aug 09
tampa fl event checklist

A Checklist for your Tampa Corporate Event

By Catering, Events

In charge of this year’s annual corporate event in Tampa, FL and overwhelmed by all the tasks that are needed to be achieved? The planning stage is a big task, so it is crucial to plan efficiently and effectively. Start out simple by asking yourself 3 of the most important checklist questions below:

business event checklist Tampa FL

Determine Budget

For starters, set a budget for the venue, food, decor, entertainment, etc. Create a spreadsheet to know how much you want to spend on each item. This is a great way to ensure you stay within your amount for each purchase you make. Then you know how much you have left to work with.

event checklist tampa Florida

Plan the Entertainment

You want to make sure to have live music, a DJ, a photo booth, or something that will keep your guests entertained. Aside from the food and beverages, entertainment is a must so it encourages your guests to interact with others and have social interactions with one another!

corporate event checklist Tampa FL

Find a Caterer

The number one importance in all of this is providing good food. Finding a local caterer in the area is the best way to find a good option. Whether it’s a buffet, chef stations, or a 5-course meal, doing research on the best caterers will help guide you to finding the perfect caterer for the event.

Planning a corporate event takes up a lot of hours of your day, but once you got this checklist complete, you are on the road to achievement. If you want more direction on how to plan your event, check out this checklist that will help you prep months before the event. Want to find the perfect caterer? Apple Spice here in Tampa offers hot and cold catering options perfect for corporate events with fresh ingredients straight from the kitchen. We strive to bring 5-star serive to every customer we serve! Check out our delicious menu options to book your order today!

Jun 17
grand rapids mi food and drink events

Upcoming Food and Drink Events in Grand Rapids, MI

By Events

If you are a foodie, you will definitely want to know about these upcoming events happing in Grand Rapids! Get outdoors to embrace the heat, great tastes, fine entertainment, and new flavors to make your Summer worthwhile! Check out 3 upcoming events below that you will not want to miss!

grand rapids mi upcoming food events

Founders Fest 2019

Going on 12 years now, come and celebrate craft beer and live music with artists performing from around the country, food vendors, drink lists, and more. A community where the finest beer and artists come together to bring you the best Founders Fest experience! Ticket prices vary, so make sure to check out the FAQs at the bottom of the event page.

The Laurentian Supper Club

What is better than tasting fresh and fine ingredients from around the region? Come enjoy this outdoor garden party to get more familiar with locally grown food and how farmers produce their ingredients. A great event to attend for the Vegan community and to indulge in this unique eating experience.

Slow your Roll

If you are a sushi lover, here are the details on the Slow your Roll event happening in July! Learn the basics of cutting, rolling, sushi plating, and more in this dinner series class. Learn how to to become the master chef of your own sushi rolls by learning from the expert chef who will guide you through this exciting process.

grand rapids mi summer events

For more food and drink events to look out for, check out the full list here. Speaking of events, Apple Spice offers fresh box lunch and catering delivery for all of your business meetings, corporate events, and more. We offer the freshest ingredients with high-quality staff members to meet your every need. Check out our menu options to experience professional and tasteful catering services here in Grand Rapids, MI.

Jul 19
nashville tn fun concerts

Upcoming Concerts in Nashville, TN

By Events, Uncategorized

Nashville is known for being the music city offering a Summer with endless arrays of music, food, arts, family, and outdoor activities for the perfect summer southern city getaway. Check out a few of the top concerts to attend this season to kick into then music vibe this Summer.

nashville tennessee concerts

Shania Twain

July 21, 2018

Experience a night of classic sing a long tunes with Shania Twain who has sold 100 million records that has made her the best-selling female artist in country music history. This will be a night to remember.

Kenny Chesney

August 11, 2018

A huge country singer who has sold up to 20 albums who make the country fans so crazy! Born and raised in Tennessee, this is a concert you don’t want to miss. This hard-working country musician is going to bring the fire. Buy your tickets, asap. It is selling out fast.

Drake

September 18, 2018

One of the top rap artists in the industry right now, Drake is taking Nashville. Come jam out to his hits and enjoy a night of rap, hip-hop, and good vibes all all around.

nashville tn upcoming concerts

For more upcoming concerts, check out the full list of music here. Local to Nashville and plan a lot of events? Apple Spice here in Nashville offers box lunch delivery and catering services for business meetings, corporate events, and special occasions. We have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with fresh ingredients straight out of the kitchen.

Apr 18
richmond upcoming events calender

Spring Events in Richmond, VA

By Events

Goodbye Winter and hello Spring! Hibernation is over which means now that the weather is getting nice, it is time to plan the festivities and outdoor events. Book your Richmond events calendar and check out 3 upcoming events around Richmond below to enjoy a delighted Spring season!

richmond spring events calender

A Million Blooms

March 31 – June 1, 2018

A seasonal parade to welcome the warm weather and pretty colors and types of flowers including amaryllis, daffodils, tulips, peonies, roses and more. This festival goes until the 1st of June so don’t hesitate and buy your tickets soon!

Nascar Race Weekend

April 20-21, 2018

Get ready for action at the raceway because the Toyota spring race is bringing the top teams to the event including Kim Coon who will be the lead of all media reporting. Experience 2 days of competitive races, Virginia craft beer, suite views, the torque club, a track takeover driven by AAA, ultimate fan sweeps, and more.

April 21, 2018

Come join the fun and celebrate Shakespeare’s 454th birthday with games, dancing, acrobatics and more entertainment! The opening of the new Shakespeare Garden will be happening so make sure to register and come celebrate with us and the man himself. The outdoor event will be free and the Agecroft Hall rate will remain the normal rate.

richmond theatre events calender

Getting excited for your upcoming schedule full of activities and events? Check out the full year calendar here in Richmond, Virginia! Speaking of events, if you are planning your own event whether it is for a wedding, corporate conference, work meeting or birthday party, Apple Spice offers fresh made boxed lunches and catering options featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. Check out our menu options to order and receive quick delivery and a delicious meal!

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