BEO: It’s Not Just About Food

A Banquet Event Order (BEO) is the contract and final say when it comes to your event at a hotel property. It is the sole document that a property will work off of throughout your event.

The BEO is given to numerous hotel staff a week before your event. If your BEO’s are not final at this point it could be detrimental to your event. Every detail in the BEO is important – times, dates, room set-ups, tech needs, quantities and even the special dietary needs of your guests. For corporate events you will also want to make sure that you are following any branding or sponsorship guidelines. You don’t want to be serving Coke products if the sponsor is Pepsi. From an efficiency standpoint its also important for the property to know if you are bringing in any items like linens, chairs, napkins or specialty items like butters or garnishes for desserts so they can plan accordingly.

Each hotel employee needs to know what you will or will not need for your event. From the top management level making the schedule to the kitchen staff preparing your meal and even the facilities staff setting out your tables and chairs. No one is ever going to look at your organized and very detailed paperwork; they will only use the BEO. If the BEO isn’t correct you won’t have any leverage when you have problems!

In the list of priorities BEO’s should be on the top of your list!