In the world of incentives and events, the food and beverage (F&B) experience has evolved to play a key role in the success of any event or gathering – and we’re not just talking about the chef in charge or the menu on the table. Event planners are increasingly looking for innovative dining concepts, culinary experiences that tell a story, and settings that leave a lasting impression. So, what’s trending in the culinary world right now and how are hotels enhancing their offerings to partner with event planners to achieve these objectives?

We catch up with the Meetings & Events team at IHG Hotels & Resorts to get their thoughts …

Gastronomy & Events: 8 Trends to Watch Out For

1] Global Flavours and Fusion Cuisine

As Suzanne Halperin, Head of Meetings & Events Brand Experience for IHG Hotels & Resorts explains, travel and social media have broadened our palates, inspiring demand for international flavours and adventurous dining experiences. With guests eager to explore diverse and multidimensional cuisine, hotels are continuing to expand their globally inspired menus to satisfy the growing demand for fusion dishes.

Head to Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada for example and you’ll find some of the best local Grenadian flavours emphasising plant-based dishes, organic produce, and sustainable seafood. “Our menus take inspiration from the Caribbean and South America using an abundance of fresh, local produce grown in the fertile volcanic Grenadian soil. Grown on-site where we can work with local suppliers to serve fresh ingredients from the land and sea allows us to be close to our community, and most importantly reduce our carbon impact. Our menus and dishes are enhanced with local salts and spice rubs and can be paired with our carefully curated selection of cocktails and local and international wines.” – Six Senses, La Sagesse, Grenada

2] Multisensory Dining Experiences

But it’s not just about local ingredients – according to Suzanne, dining has moved beyond the taste buds and is now about engaging all five senses. “Chefs are leveraging the science of scent and taste, incorporating aromatic dishes that evoke positive emotions, and expanding this theme with music, visuals, and tactile elements”. Whether that’s in the use of aromatic herbs or synchronised music, its clear sensory integration is continuing to play an important role in creating long-lasting impact both in the field of gastronomy and in luxury events.

3] Beverages at the Centre Stage

When it comes to drinks, cocktails and mocktails are no longer afterthoughts Suzanne goes on to say — they’re now a major part of the culinary experience and a wonderful chance to incorporate regional flavours in new creative and interactive ways.

Head to InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk and you’ll find local mixologists craft beverages that reflect the bold and rich culinary heritage of Texas. With immersive cocktail menus, tequila tastings, and local spirits, the property allows planners to make beverages a focal point of the event – perfect for networking sessions or post-event receptions.

“We Drink, Then We Dine! … Here at Deco Bar, the drinks come first: cleverly shaken and stirred with premium spirits and artisanal ingredients, finished with surprising and delightful garnishes.” – InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

4] Sustainable and Responsible Dining

With a growing focus on sustainability, it’s fair to say hotels and event planners are under increasing pressure to host environmentally responsible events that align with their attendees’ values – whether that’s making use of locally sourced ingredients, composting, using seasonal produce, or donating unused food.

InterContinental New York Barclay has responded by introducing a new queen bee to its rooftop garden with the honey harvested from the hotel’s apiary now being used in their hotel’s signature cocktails and culinary creations on-site. A lovely touch!

5] Wellness-Oriented Menus

And what about health? We’ve seen incentive events and corporate gatherings increasingly incorporate wellness into their overall experience, recognising that health-conscious attendees are seeking more than just great food with menus that are mindful, balanced, and considerate of the environment around them.

At Six Senses Zil Payson they’ve taken this quite seriously with the majority of its organic produce harvested from its on-site garden and herb nursery. Event planners can work closely with the culinary team to design wellness-oriented incentive programs, where mindful eating practices align with corporate themes of balance, mindfulness, and overall well-being. In fact, guests are invited to explore the garden through an immersive tour of the organic garden and herb nursery, where they can learn about the diverse varieties of herbs and salad greens grown right on the island. This journey through sustainable gardening practices provides a unique perspective on the resort’s commitment to wellness, allowing guests to see—and later taste—the fresh, local ingredients that make their way from garden to plate in a thoughtfully prepared dinner.

6] Local Culinary Heritage

Culinary tourism is booming as more travellers and event attendees crave authentic, local experiences. In response, hotels are moving to prioritise menus that showcase local culinary traditions and provide immersive gastronomic experiences that beat right at the heart of the culture.

At Kimpton BEM Budapest, for example, the menus feature traditional dishes such as slow-cooked meats and the iconic Hungarian goulash, alongside local wines that highlight the region’s rich agricultural heritage. For event planners, incorporating this deep culinary history into events is an excellent way to immerse attendees in Budapest’s cultural heritage while adding a distinctive flavour to the overall experience.

7] Farm-to-Table and Hyper-Local Sourcing

Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of event planning, and nowhere is this more evident than in the culinary world. Farm-to-table dining is all about using fresh, local ingredients, emphasising both flavour and eco-consciousness. By sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers, events can support local communities while also offering an authentic taste of the region.

One of their newest hotels, Regent Santa Monica Beach embodies California’s farm-to-table ethos with a culinary program that highlights fresh, local produce and sustainably sourced seafood – from Ayesha Curry’s “farmers market-inspired California cuisine” to global restauranteur Michael Mina’s fresh-from-the-sea catches. Perfect for outdoor receptions and beachside dinners, it’s a chance to reconnect with the region’s bountiful farms and fisheries in a “transportive oceanside experience”.

8] Interactive and Hands-On Culinary Experiences

Finally, today’s event attendees don’t just want to be served a meal, they want to participate in the process. Interactive culinary experiences, such as cooking classes, chef’s table dinners, and live food stations have become an increasingly popular way to engage guests and provide an immersive, memorable experience – perfect for luxury events and incentives.

At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, as part of their “Chef’s Table Dinner Experience”, guests are invited into the kitchen for an “artful culinary performance” brought to them by Executive Chef Craig Robertson. With a front-row seat to the action, the experience brings guests right into the heart of the kitchen, offering a truly unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience.

Levelling up Your Events the IHG Way

“At IHG, we love to look at and be inspired by culinary and beverage trends and find unique and compelling ways to pull those trends into our meetings and events experiences. We know the important role menu development plays for our clients with careful consideration given to sustainability efforts, local sourcing, and respect for allergies and aversions without losing our trend inspiration. And then we go one step beyond interesting offerings and pay equal attention to pacing and presentation of interactive breaks and meal periods to keep meeting and event attendees engaged and energized. We strive to be thoughtful in our approach and delivery to make every meeting and event feel like a bespoke experience.”

- Suzanne Halperin, Head of Meetings & Events Brand Experience for IHG Hotels & Resorts

In the competitive world of meetings and incentive travel, the right culinary experience can transform a good event into a truly memorable one. From wellness-focused menus to multisensory dining experiences, planners can work with IHG’s world-class chefs to craft gastronomic journeys that not only satisfy the palate but also foster connection, creativity, and collaboration among attendees. By thoughtfully integrating these culinary experiences into their events, planners can ensure that their next incentive trip or meeting leaves a lasting, meaningful impression on their guests.

For more information on how to bring your event to life at IHG Hotels & Resorts please email us via the button below.

 This article is sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Book now or get in touch with Fiona.McGrory@ihg.com today.