It’s a foodie’s world out there—and it’s only getting bigger. General public interest in artisanal eating experiences has risen sharply over the past decade. And 2018 is expected to continue this trend, especially in the event world.

Planning food for your next meeting? No matter what industry your attendees work in, they love to eat. The fastest way to their hearts is through their stomachs, so why not wow them (and reinforce your brand relevance) with some amazing, off-the-wall food trends?

You don’t have to sort through endless blogs and foodie magazines to find your angle. We’ve culled through trends for you with an eye toward events. Here are ones you’ll love:

NON-ANIMAL BASED CUISINE

In 2018, interest in vegetarianism and veganism will continue to rise, along with mainstream acceptance of plant-based cuisine. Inspire even your event’s most die-hard meat-eaters with surprisingly flavorful noshables such as: 

• Plant-based proteins: Replace meat, chicken and fish in main dishes ... and even your omnivores might not notice.
  
  
• Vegan or nut butters: Try them in sweet/savory hors d'oeuvres and snacks.
  
  
• Vegan desserts: Explore the possibilities of non-sugar and non-honey sweeteners such as brown rice syrup and agave.
  
  
• Root to stem eating: Why waste any of that veggie when you can present the entirety of it within the dish, for amazing color and flavor?
  
  
• Medicinal food: Traditional cocktails that cure stomach ailments? Herb-infused desserts that calm the mind? Taking care of your body never tasted so delicious.
  

ETHNIC STANDOUTS

Interest in lesser-tapped world cuisines will rise over year, according to food experts. Look past staples like Mexican, Italian or Chinese, into cuisines from their continental neighbors, or regional cuisines from within those countries, such as:

• Nordic food influences: Experiment with pickled carrots, cabbage and beets; dill and cream cheese sauces; fennel; arctic fish; and berries like juniper and lingon.
  
  
• Chifa cuisine: Roll out this amazing fusion of Cantonese and Peruvian cuisine that showcases the cultural melding of South America.
  
  
• Reimagined Mexican cuisine: Think regional specialties (Oaxacan or Sonoran) or fun twists on classic dishes—blending Mexican dishes with sushi, for example.
  
  
• Regional Chinese cuisine: Get creative with Sichuan or Tibetan dishes, among others, letting guests experience new flavors within a cuisine they think they know.
  
  
• Jewish style deli treats: Because when is a little bit of New York ever out of fashion?
  
  
• Middle Eastern spices: Think harissa, halloumi, za’atar and other Middle Eastern spices/foods.
  

NEW TWISTS ON CLASSICS:

Ethnic standouts feeling too way out there? Here are some closer-to-home trends to consider:

• New cuts of meat: Traditional is getting an upgrade. Look for interesting new ways to slice and dice the proteins you love like the new “oyster cut” or “Merlot cut.”
  
  
• Old fashioned comfort foods: There’s still room for chicken ‘n mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese ... just give them a fresh ethnic flavor twist or vegan treatment and you are good to go.
  
  

• Fire-based finds its flare: Explore the resurgence of wood-fired foods, along with surprising new additions like wood-fired desserts.

DINING STYLE

It’s not just about the food. It’s the way you present it. Get creative and connected with your approach to the entire meal service process:

• Female chef or curated celebrity chef experiences: Event-goers are clamoring for a personal touch with their food experiences. Put them in direct touch with rising female chefs or names they know well.
  
  

• Family style dining: Gone are the days of the individually-apportioned serving plates. For smaller groups, consider offering an option to pass plates instead—and create the camaraderie that family-style meals naturally foster.
  
  

LIBATION TRENDS

And don’t forget about the bubbly. Here are some ways to mix it up with event mixology in 2018:

• Rose on the rise: Move over red and white. Mixologists are getting creative with rose wines—and your attendees no doubt will enjoy a curated taste. Or two.
  
  

• German beers: With craft brewing at an all-time high in the U.S., consider tracing the roots of beer back to its Motherland.
  
  

• Second look-worthy beverages: New twists on spiked coffee? Cocktails decked in veggies? It’s all up for grabs now. Have fun!
  
  

Feeling inspired yet? The world is quite literally your oyster when you claim any of these amazing trends for your next event. Just remember, whatever trend you choose to inspire your cuisine, there is just one golden rule of a 2018 foodie activation:

MAKE IT INSTAGRAM WORTHY.

Many chefs are now preparing dishes with digital appeal in mind. Inspire your guests to share more by making them absolutely WANT to snap photos of those decadent offerings on their plates. Which means they will hashtag your event more often, inspiring others to want to attend next year, too.

And don’t forget that sometimes, the best way to choose your perfect cuisine (and navigate your venue’s catering rules) is to hire an amazing, full-service event partner like LSAV POWERHOUSE. We’ve helped hundreds of event planners and marketers design every aspect of their event, from messaging to talent selection to audiovisual technology and, yes, even food. Explore our portfolio of past activations here—then reach out. We’d love to help you wow your foodie attendees in 2018.