What meals do you want to provide, and how should they be served? Consider the dietary needs and preferences of your attendees – some people may not drink alcohol, while others may be allergic to certain foods.

Technology needs may include audiovisual equipment such as microphones, speakers, projectors, and screens. If you're hosting a hybrid event or streaming, you'll need a fast and secure connection and a strong WiFi signal for your attendees.

Check out the floor plans and capacity charts on the hotel's website. If you're planning from out of town, the hotel should be able to provide photos or video of the venue. To get a better idea of what spaces you'll need and when, create a basic outline of your event-day agenda.

Check your billing information and Hilton Honors details. Make sure you understand the guarantee, cancellation, and attrition policies in your contract and the hotel's gratuity and service charge policies. Don't hesitate to ask questions – after all, your banquet event order is a legal document!

LightStay measures our hotels’ environmental and social impact by tracking water and energy, volunteer hours, donations, and other ways we can make a difference. We can suggest ways to reduce your event's carbon footprint. Ask your hotel event manager to run a LightStay Event Impact Calculator to estimate the carbon emissions, energy use, water, and waste associated with your event.