Lime Venue Portfolio is preparing to place food firmly at the centre of the events industry conversation next week, with the launch of its latest research report, The Big Event Food Survey, at International Confex. The new study aims to explore how food continues to shape delegate perception, influence event success, and drive long-term sustainability strategies across the meetings and events sector.
Lime Venue Portfolio Launches Event Food Survey at Confex, Food has always played a fundamental role in events, but its strategic importance has evolved dramatically over the last decade. What was once viewed primarily as a logistical requirement is now recognised as a defining feature of the overall delegate experience. Through this new research, Lime Venue Portfolio seeks to provide data-led insights into how organisers can rethink catering as a powerful engagement and brand tool.
The survey builds on the organisation’s original 2019 research, revisiting key themes while introducing new data that reflects changing expectations in a post-pandemic, sustainability-focused and socially conscious marketplace. Over the past six years, the industry has undergone significant transformation, and the research examines how food strategy has adapted alongside broader cultural and economic shifts.
According to Lime Venue Portfolio, the latest findings highlight how evolving delegate expectations are influencing everything from menu design and dietary inclusivity to event format and environmental impact. Today’s attendees expect more than quality catering—they look for authenticity, transparency, and alignment with their personal values. This shift is encouraging planners and venues to move beyond traditional buffet or plated service models and embrace more creative, experience-driven formats.
The report also explores how food can enhance emotional connection at events. Delegates increasingly associate memorable moments with culinary experiences, whether through locally sourced ingredients, immersive food stations, plant-forward menus, or interactive tasting sessions. As events compete for attention in a crowded marketplace, the sensory and storytelling power of food is emerging as a significant differentiator.
Sustainability remains a major focus of the research. With environmental considerations now embedded in corporate event planning policies, catering decisions are under greater scrutiny than ever before. The survey examines how organisers are addressing food waste, carbon footprints, packaging reduction and responsible sourcing. It also investigates how venues are responding by adopting more sustainable supply chains, seasonal menus and innovative waste-management solutions.
Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, emphasised the importance of taking a broader view of catering strategy. She noted that food has consistently been one of the most influential elements within the event toolkit, but the context surrounding it has shifted considerably. What once centred on cost efficiency and operational delivery now encompasses experience design, ethical sourcing, inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
Austin highlighted that the new research provides an opportunity for the industry to pause and reflect. Rather than focusing solely on trends, the survey examines deeper behavioural changes that are influencing decision-making. By understanding what is genuinely evolving in delegate expectations, planners can future-proof their catering strategies and ensure their events remain relevant and impactful.
The launch of The Big Event Food Survey at International Confex is a deliberate choice. As one of the UK’s leading gatherings for meetings and events professionals, Confex offers an ideal platform to share insight, spark conversation and encourage collaboration. The research will not simply be presented as a static report; instead, it will serve as the foundation for discussion and industry engagement.
To complement the launch, Lime Venue Portfolio will host a dedicated roundtable session during Confex. The live workshop is designed to bring together planners, venues and industry stakeholders to explore the findings in greater depth. Rather than delivering a one-way presentation, the session will encourage active participation, debate and idea-sharing.
The roundtable format reflects Lime Venue Portfolio’s commitment to practical application. The focus will be on turning insight into action—examining how data can translate into real-world improvements across event design, catering procurement and sustainability performance. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss challenges, share best practice and identify opportunities for innovation within their own organisations.
Key discussion themes are expected to include the role of plant-based menus in mainstream events, the balance between indulgence and responsibility, the impact of food presentation on social media engagement, and the financial considerations of sustainable sourcing. The workshop will also examine how food strategy can align more closely with brand storytelling and corporate purpose.
Jenner Carter, Head of Marketing at Lime Venue Portfolio, underscored the organisation’s broader ambition to act as a catalyst for positive change within the events community. She explained that producing research is only part of the process; equally important is creating spaces where industry professionals can reflect, question and learn collectively.
Carter noted that the roundtable sessions are intentionally collaborative. By unpacking the findings together, attendees can challenge assumptions, explore diverse perspectives and identify practical steps forward. The aim is to ensure that insights do not remain theoretical but instead translate into tangible improvements in delegate experience and operational sustainability.
The survey also acknowledges the wider societal context in which events now operate. Cultural shifts around health, wellness, diversity and environmental responsibility are influencing consumer behaviour across industries, and events are no exception. Food choices increasingly signal values—whether through allergen awareness, cultural representation, reduced meat consumption or support for local producers.
As corporate ESG commitments become more visible, catering decisions often serve as a visible demonstration of organisational priorities. The research suggests that planners are recognising the reputational value of aligning food strategy with sustainability targets and social responsibility goals.
At the same time, the report highlights the importance of maintaining balance. While delegates expect ethical and environmentally conscious choices, they also seek enjoyment and indulgence. Successful event catering strategies must navigate this tension, delivering memorable experiences while maintaining credibility and cost control.
By launching The Big Event Food Survey at International Confex on 25 February, Lime Venue Portfolio aims to position food as a strategic pillar of event design rather than a secondary consideration. The company hopes the research will encourage planners to rethink how catering decisions influence engagement, memory retention and brand perception long after an event concludes.
Ultimately, the initiative reinforces the idea that food is more than fuel—it is storytelling, experience and strategy combined. Through research-led insight and open industry dialogue, Lime Venue Portfolio is seeking to empower event professionals with the knowledge and confidence to elevate their approach to catering in a rapidly changing landscape.
