Keep the drinks choice clear and the service position easy to reach, so the hour is spent talking rather than finding the bar. Plan for a concentrated arrival after the final session rather than treating demand as evenly spread across sixty minutes.
Design the opening minutes carefully
Share the expected attendance and session finish time. Select cocktails from the existing menu and identify any other drinks being served by the venue. Clear ordering information and sufficient working space help the team manage the opening demand.
If drinks are offered on trays, agree preparation, carrying and glass collection as specific duties. Keep queues away from the session exit and allow guests who already have drinks to move into the networking area. Confirm the serving finish and collection access without making guests navigate dismantling equipment as they leave.
- Use the full attendance figure and expected arrival wave.
- Agree bar, tray and clearing responsibilities before the event.