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Help Your Staff Beat the Heat

Beat the heat and prioritize the well-being of your catering staff when catering outdoor events, by crafting a Cool-Down Zone for your dedicated catering staff.

Providing shade, cooling amenities, and hydration stations, you prioritize their well-being, ensuring they stay cool, energized, and ready to deliver exceptional service.

Here are some products and ideas to help keep staff cool during outdoor events:

1.  Pop-up canopies

Set up portable shade canopies at strategic locations to provide a shaded area for your staff to take breaks or seek refuge from direct sunlight. This allows them to cool down and rest during their shifts. Make sure to get a tent with at least one or two shade walls. Don’t forget some collapsible chairs. You know you’re not supposed to sit on those milk crates. 

2.  Portable misting fans

These fans combine the cooling power of mist with the airflow of a fan. They create a refreshing mist that helps lower the ambient temperature and provide relief from the heat.

3.  Cooling towels

These specialized towels are made from moisture-wicking fabric that provides instant cooling when wet. Simply soak the towel in water, wring it out, and place it around the neck or on the forehead to help regulate body temperature.

4.  Hydration stations and coolers

Provide dedicated hydration stations with coolers filled with ice-cold water, electrolyte drinks, and chilled beverages. Make it easily accessible for your staff to stay hydrated throughout the event. Consider using insulated coolers to maintain the temperature of the drinks for longer periods.

Check out Clink Elkin's recent article for some additional heat-beating techniques. 

Melissa Tibben

TPP Pay Success Manager, Total Party Planner

Melissa Tibben's remarkable career in the food service industry has been characterized by a journey through several esteemed establishments, leaving a trail of success and recognition. Her path began at Omaha's zoo, where she started as a sno-cone server and quickly climbed the ranks to become the youngest line-cook at a casino fine-dining restaurant. Later, she showcased her culinary prowess as a pastry chef for Margarite Goodenow's renowned catering business.

Her passion for the industry led her to join Attitude on Food (AOF), where she played a pivotal role in the company's growth from a humble start with annual revenues of $400,000 to a thriving enterprise generating nearly three million dollars in revenue by 2016. Her...