We're happy to answer your questions.
For more information, please contact us.
Q: How do I go about booking a room for my event?
A: Contact our Catering Sales Office directly at 863-834-8131 and we will check the availability for your event. You will first need to know when you want to hold your event (date and time), and how many guests are coming. To book your event ARAMARK requires a $500 deposit that is returned with your signed contract. You will receive two contracts, one from the Lakeland Center for the space and room setup, and a separate contract from ARAMARK for the food and other catering related items.
Q. What kind of costs can I anticipate in booking an event?
A: Every room at the Lakeland Center requires a rental charge, which varies according to the size of that room. If the event includes food and beverage there is typically a minimum food and beverage amount you need to meet to have the room rental fee waived. This amount varies by room. Generally, your event will be matched with an appropriate sized room, and reaching the minimum food and beverage requirement will not be difficult. You will also pay a setup charge for that room, which covers the Lakeland Center labor to bring in the equipment – tables and chairs, etc. – to prepare the room for your event. This charge is based on the amount of labor required to setup and take down your room, and generally starts between $4 and $5 per person. Finally, parking for your guests is charged at $2 per person. After that, any other room related charges are optional, and can include microphones, staging, audio visual or pipe and drape. The ARAMARK charges will be for any food that you purchase, plus service charge and tax. Additional enhancements are available for your event. Please see the banquet menus for further details.
Q: Do I need to know exactly how many people are coming before I can book?
A: No. You do need to know approximately how many people are coming, but not the exact number. Most of the event planning is done long before exact numbers are known, but that is to be expected. You do not have to submit exact counts of your attendees until several days prior to your event, depending on the size of the event. The larger the event, the earlier your guest count is due. Please see our standards for details. Within the designated guarantee period once the final guest count is provided you may increase, but cannot decrease, the expected attendance.
Q: Tell me more about the guest count guarantee.
A: The guarantee is the number of attendees you expect at your event. This number is crucial to the success of the event because it becomes the basis on which production and operations decisions such as food preparation, china, staffing and other details are made.
ARAMARK will prepare an excess of 5% (not to exceed 50 meals) above the final guarantee. You will only be charged for these extra meals if they are actually served.
Q: Since I get the 5%, should I lower the count I give ARAMARK?
A: It's not recommended. For the benefit of everyone in attendance, it is best that the most accurate guarantee be provided with adjustments made onsite only if absolutely needed. It is our professional recommendation that you provide the best possible guarantee for every event in order to maximize the resources you available and to avoid unnecessary last minute preparations.
Q: Can I get a discount on my food?
A: Our prices are carefully developed to cover all costs involved in the preparation and delivery of your meal in a state of the art venue with exceptional service. We are very conscious of the quality of the products that we use and serve, which need to reflect the high standards of professionalism to which we hold ourselves. At the same time, we strive to be highly competitive in the marketplace. Accordingly, our prices have been fine tuned. If however, the current menu prices do not meet the budget for your event we are happy to design specialty menus of alternative selections. Please see your Catering representative for details.
Q: May I bring in my own food & beverage?
A: As the exclusive food and beverage provider at the Lakeland Center, ARAMARK holds both the Polk County Health permits and liquor licensing required by local statute. Due to liability concerns, no other food or beverage is allowed to be served in the building. This is to protect the health and welfare of all exhibitors and attendees.
Q: I've never done this before. I'm nervous I'll make a mistake.
A: Planning events is a big job requiring attention to detail and the ability to wear many hats at once. If this is not your full time job, it’s understandable and completely normal to be overwhelmed by the task at hand. That said, ARAMARK is ready, willing and able to serve as your support for planning and organizing your event. We'll help you think through your event, make suggestions, point out pitfalls or alternatives, and answer questions. We want you to look great in the eyes of your guests. ARAMARK has over 30 years of experience at Convention centers around the country, including venues such as Las Vegas and New Orleans. You won't be doing this alone. We're there with you. It's what we do.
Q: Not everyone I paid for showed up. Can I take the extras home?
A: Due to liability concerns we have strict guidelines around handling left over food. If possible, we will donate unopened, untouched items to a local food bank, but generally food or beverage is not allowed to leave the building. This is to protect the health and welfare of all exhibitors and attendees. Due to state law, all left over ALCOHOLIC beverages must remain on convention center property.
Q: Can we be direct billed for the entire amount?
A: ARAMARK' requires full payment prior to services being rendered. We gladly accept company checks, American Express, Visa or MasterCard for payment of catering services. Additionally, we accept wire transfers although the customer is responsible for all bank fees incurred in this process. Also, for all orders, a credit card MUST be on file to both guarantee payment by check and also for additional orders while you are on site.
Q: Do you do weddings?
A: Absolutely! ARAMARK is delighted to be a part of your very special day. We have a beautiful carpeted ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 guests, with larger halls for that special gala of 300 to 500 and beyond! With a wide variety of selections and options available, a wedding with ARAMARK is both affordable and memorable. Please see our wedding section on this website. To have a wedding package mailed, faxed or emailed to you, please write or call the Sales office. We will get it to you immediately.
Q: How about Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quincenarras, Quincenarros and Sweet 16 parties?
A: Yes, Yes, and Yes. Each of these events is special and unique, and we understand the extra care that needs to go into these very special moments in a child's life. We will assist you with the careful planning and attention to detail that needs to go into each one of these events, so that you may proudly enjoy them. Whether it's helping to create a theme or designing a menu, or laying out the perfect room arrangement, ARAMARK has the expertise. Our goal is to make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Q: Can I change ingredients on certain menu items?
A: Of course. ARAMARK is happy to assist you in creating menus to accommodate specific dietary needs or to produce completely customized menus to suit your special event. Please contact your ARAMARK Sales Manager for assistance with your custom menu needs.
Q: How much coffee should I order?
A: A good starting point would be to estimate 1.5 drinks per person. And, generally, one gallon of coffee yields approximately 16 eight-ounce servings. As you plan your event, the size of the coffee cup being used together with the habits and demographics of your group will determine how much coffee you will need.
Q: Am I responsible for removing my trash?
A: No. ARAMARK or the convention center maintenance staff will handle almost all trash removal during an event. The only exceptions may be on the exhibit hall floor, glitter, or trash requiring special equipment or handling to remove. Please contact your ARAMARK Sales Manager for details.
Q: Do you do off premise catering?
A: We sure do. The same delicious food and beverages that you've enjoyed at the Lakeland Center are available to you anywhere in Lakeland and the vicinity. Off premise delivery fees start at $150 over the cost of the food, depending on the nature of your site, its facilities, and the distance. And now, ARAMARK proudly offers off premise alcohol service. Call us! We'd love to come to your place for a change.
Q: My event has both adults and teenagers and I want to have a bar. How does that work?
A: ARAMARK takes the issue of alcohol service to minors very seriously. All of our bartenders are trained in Alcohol Awareness, and are TIPS Training Certified, meaning that they know the laws, and how to serve alcohol with care. We will not serve minors, allow minors to be served or serve any guest who appears to be intoxicated. We will handle any situations discretely and with the full cooperation of the event planner, so that the majority of your guests may have a safe and enjoyable evening. For a complete review of our alcoholic beverage service standards please contact your ARAMARK Sales Manager directly.