In the competitive market for people's time and attention, lunch events are a great option for organizations looking to make a connection with attendees. After-hours events are difficult for some to manage as they need to balance family care after work, however, everyone needs to eat lunch. Why not help your audience use that time effectively?
While lunches can be large hotel ballroom gatherings, there is a great opportunity to use the lunch hour(s) for smaller, more intimate events. Smaller lunches offer a great opportunity for real speaker and audience interaction (more so than a quick Q&A shouted across a large ballroom). Lunchtime events are appropriate for single speakers or panels and even just as a networking venue. There is a huge array of private room options in DC and the surrounding metro area. Here are a couple that we think are interesting spaces to consider.
2941 -- Falls Church | For the Northern Virginia crowd, 2941 offers an upscale environment. Driving up to the building, it looks like any office park, but the 2941 building is tucked back from the road surrounded by ponds and trees. It provides a true lunchtime retreat. Three different meeting spaces can accommodate 30, 60, and 120 people. Think about using the smallest room for events aimed at key partners or customers. The upscale location and great food will impress attendees and the relaxed vibe encourages networking.
Art & Soul - Capitol Hill | If your target attendee has a Capitol Hill office address, try Art & Soul's 50 person private room. Boasting modern southern cuisine, there should be a good variety for all guests. The restaurant also handles all AV services.
Indique Heights - Chevy Chase | With authentic Indian food as its hallmark, this restaurant can create menus that will satisfy both adventurous and non-adventurous eaters. Located near the metro and easily accessible from Bethesda, this is a great option for close-in Maryland offices. Private room can seat about 50. The décor and experience will make your lunch event stand out from the rest.
Mad Hatter - Dupont | Serve your lunch with a side of whimsy. Mad Hatter in Dupont has a number of private dining spaces including the upside down room that seats 20 and the more conventional conference room that seats 30. Great spot for an event that doesn't want its attendees to take themselves so seriously.
Where have you had success with lunch events? What topics or programming have worked well for the lunch hour?
Image courtesy: http://www.graceologie.com/2013/02/
