The banquet outlet uses various pieces of equipment necessary to conduct various types of functions. At the time of booking, the banquet manager and the client should discuss and find out the facilities required and make the client clear as regard the facilities available free of cost and what will be given on extra charges. The list of equipment in a function required are:
- TABLES AND CHAIRS
- RISERS
- PODIUM
- LECTERN
- DANCE FLOORS
- FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT
- CANOPY
- PIPE AND DRAPE
- AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT
Tables are used for making different types of table plans, food service, buffet set ups, display, registration, reception etc. They are available in various shapes such as quarter round, half round, round, square, rectangle, etc.
Chairs are the most important pieces of furniture for all kinds of functions. The chairs must be comfortable. The chairs must be made up of lightweight aluminium. They must be stackable and transported easily with the help of trolley.
RISERS:
These are the pieces of functions that are joined together to make a stage of required size. the size of an individual riser is commonly
4’x8′ with the height ranging from 9″ x 24″
however a hotel have risers of 2’x8′, 3’x8′ depending on its needs. it is always advisable to have one in the size of 3’x8′ riser to make the stage of odd number size.
The minimum area required on the stage behind the chairs is 4′. to make the stage of 16’x24′, one needs 12 risers of 4’x8′ and if the hotel wants to make the stage of 11’x16′, then the hotel needs 4 risers of 4’x8′ and 2 risers of 3’x8′.
Risers may also be used for effective display of products.
PODIUM:
It is a small raised platform either on a stage or on the floor, with or without a mic, from which a presenter may deliver.
LECTERN:
It is a stand upon which a speaker may rest notes or books. it may be placed on the floor or tabletop, this is generally used by speakers or singers.
DANCE FLOORS:
it may be made by joining the wooden pieces of 3’x3′ that are rimmed with reinforced steel with interlocking clamps. The dance floor area allowance per person is approximately about 3 sq. feet for 50% participation. for a dine and dance party of 300 guests, assuming 50% participation for the dance, the area required for the dance floor is 450 sq. feet.
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT:
Soup Tureen, chaffing dish, ice box, water dispenser, crockery, cutlery, glassware, linen, service spoons and forks, service tongs etc.
CANOPY:
A canopy is temporary structure erected over the buffet counter during the outdoor catering function. The color assignment for canopies of various counters such as green canopy for vegetarian, red for non -vegetarian, blue for water, yellow for sweets etc.
PIPE AND DRAPE:
It refers to portable draping that can be set up as a divider or as a barrier; often used during the exhibition, around the performance floors etc.
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT:
Amplifier, Mixer, Boom Microphone, Dimmer Switch, House lights, House sounds, Overhead projectors, screens, slide projectors, etc.