Behind the Scenes of Our Biggest Catering Event in Toowoomba
- valichatoowoomba
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
We've been a little quiet lately, but that’s only because we’ve been extremely busy! We recently catered our largest event yet at Kingsthorpe Park, known as the Farmfest Fields, serving a feast for over 320 guests at the 2025 NHMA National Rally. This incredible milestone was made possible thanks to the phenomenal team at SUSCI and our dedicated volunteers.
In this post, we will take you behind the scenes of this monumental catering event. We will share the challenges we faced, the successes we celebrated, and the lessons learned throughout the process.
The Build-Up to the Event
Planning an event of this size doesn’t happen overnight. It requires weeks, sometimes months of detailed preparation. From menu planning to logistics, every detail must be perfectly organised to ensure a smooth experience for our guests.
We began by collaborating closely with the SUSCI team to identify the specific needs of the NHMA National Rally. This included accurately predicting the number of attendees and their dietary restrictions. For instance, we learned that around 20% of participants were vegetarian, which guided our menu choices.
Our menu aimed to satisfy a varied group. We included our renowned spit roast, a selection of fresh salads, and handcrafted desserts. We made sure to highlight local ingredients, including fresh produce from nearby farms, to create a unique culinary experience.
As we finalised our plans, excitement filled the air, but we all knew that the hard work was only beginning.
The Day Before the Event
On the day before the event, our team gathered at our kitchen for final preparations. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as we prepped ingredients, marinated meats, and baked desserts.
We tackled our growing checklist with enthusiasm, making sure that each member understood their task. From chopping vegetables for salads to assembling dessert trays, everyone contributed to the preparation.
As we loaded the van with our supplies, feelings of excitement and nerves swirled together. Would everything proceed as planned? Would our dishes delight the crowd? These questions lingered, but we were committed to embracing the challenges ahead.
Arriving at Kingsthorpe Park
The morning of the event arrived with clear blue skies and a vibrant atmosphere. The moment we arrived at Kingsthorpe Park, we were welcomed by the SUSCI team, who assisted us in unloading and setting up our catering station.
The park was alive with energy as vendors set up their stalls and attendees started to arrive. Immediately, we got to work, arranging tables and preparing food displays to ensure everything was ready for our guests. The teamwork between our staff and SUSCI volunteers was outstanding, emphasising the power of collaboration.
The Rush of Service
When the event began, we faced an immediate wave of hungry attendees. The line for food grew rapidly, and we sprang into action.
Our team operated like a well-oiled machine, delivering plates of delicious meals with enthusiasm. Feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive, which motivated us throughout the busy service. For example, one guest exclaimed that our spit roast was "the best they had ever tasted.”
Of course, we encountered a few challenges during the rush, such as running low on certain dishes. However, thanks to our thorough prep and the invaluable support of SUSCI volunteers, we adapted quickly, ensuring seamless service.
Celebrating Our Success
As the event began to wind down, we took a moment to reflect. We had successfully catered for over 320 people, and we received fantastic feedback.
Seeing the smiles on our guests' faces, profiles of joy as they savored our meals, made all the effort worth it. To celebrate our success, we shared stories and laughter with the SUSCI team while packing up our equipment.
This event was proof of our catering skills and a celebration of unity and community spirit. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event successful.
Key Takeaways
Every event is an opportunity to learn. From the NHMA National Rally, we drew some valuable lessons:
Preparation is Essential: The more detailed your plan, the smoother the event will be. A comprehensive checklist helps tackle last-minute issues effectively.
The Power of Collaboration: Partnering with teams like SUSCI enriched the experience and lightened the workload.
Flexibility is Crucial: Regardless of how well you plan, unexpected challenges will come up. Staying adaptable is essential in the catering industry.
Engagement Matters: Connecting with attendees can provide valuable insights and enhance their experience.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledging the hard work of your team and celebrating successes, no matter how small, builds morale and fosters teamwork.
Looking to the Future
As we move forward from the NHMA National Rally, we feel invigorated and excited about our future. This event has inspired us to take on even bigger challenges and grow as a catering team.
We are already brainstorming for our next event and exploring ways to enhance our services. Our commitment to delivering exceptional food and service remains unwavering, and we are eager to embark on more culinary adventures.
A Grateful Thank You
Catering the NHMA National Rally 2025 was a landmark experience for our team. From planning to the final service, every moment was filled with dedication, effort, and a love for food.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the SUSCI team and all the volunteers who played a role in our success. To everyone who joined us and enjoyed our food, your support is incredibly meaningful.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey in the catering world. We promise to keep sharing our upcoming events and culinary projects with you. Until next time, enjoy great food and wonderful company!
Comments