CMM Venue Selection & Logistics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'banquet event order' (BEO)?
- A detailed document outlining all food, beverage, room setup, and timing for an event (Correct answer)
- A financial invoice issued after the event
- A checklist for the venue's safety compliance
- A legal contract between the planner and the venue
Correct answer: A detailed document outlining all food, beverage, room setup, and timing for an event
A BEO is the primary communication tool between the meeting planner and the venue's catering and operations teams.
Question 2: Which room setup is BEST for a conference that requires all attendees to face a presenter and take notes?
- Classroom style (Correct answer)
- Rounds (banquet style)
- Hollow square
- Reception style
Correct answer: Classroom style
Classroom style arranges rows of tables with chairs facing the front, ideal for note-taking and presentations.
Question 3: What is 'drayage' in the context of event logistics?
- The fee charged by a convention center to transport materials from the loading dock to the exhibit hall floor (Correct answer)
- The cost of transporting speakers to the venue
- An insurance surcharge for heavy equipment
- The rental fee for staging and risers
Correct answer: The fee charged by a convention center to transport materials from the loading dock to the exhibit hall floor
Drayage is a service fee charged by the general service contractor or venue to move freight from the dock to the event floor.
Question 4: When calculating catering quantities, what percentage overage is commonly recommended for buffet meals?
- 10–15% (Correct answer)
- 25–30%
- 5%
- 50%
Correct answer: 10–15%
A 10–15% overage is the standard industry recommendation to ensure adequate food without excessive waste at buffets.
Question 5: Which document formally authorizes a vendor to begin work at an event?
- A purchase order or signed contract (Correct answer)
- A letter of intent
- A proposal
- An attendee registration confirmation
Correct answer: A purchase order or signed contract
A signed contract or purchase order is the legally binding authorization for a vendor to provide services.
Question 6: What is a 'general service contractor' (GSC) at a trade show or convention?
- The official vendor providing floor services including drayage, furniture rental, and labor (Correct answer)
- The venue's in-house catering provider
- The company managing attendee registration
- The audiovisual supplier
Correct answer: The official vendor providing floor services including drayage, furniture rental, and labor
A GSC is the official contractor appointed to coordinate exhibitor services, freight handling, and show floor logistics.
CMM Venue Selection & Logistics 2
What is the purpose of a 'banquet event order' (BEO)?