Since the second Covid-19 surge, business meetings over dinner and drinks have been held on drab Zoom and WebEx. Nayantara Sangtani, event stylist and founder of Dinners By Nayantara, curator corporate events, says the year has been extremely challenging for those in sales. Talking shop while entertaining clients is an important part of business, and it has taken a beating thanks to the restrictions at restaurants. “With most executives struggling with video conferencing fatigue, we must ensure that the business-meets-pleasure meeting is as fun and interactive as possible. Think of adding virtual ‘happy hours‘ or a sending a customised meal box to your clients from time to time,” she says. Recently, as part of a business initiative for a client, Sangtani sent DIY cocktail kits and thinks it did help “strengthen their relationship”.

Ranjit Bindra, managing director and founder at Bastian Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, started the Build-A-Bastian-Box concept. The individual portions keep it cost-effective and less wasteful, he thinks. “We’ve noticed this reduces the decision-making time for business customers and keeps it fun for them too.”