1|Page
PCMA EXAM
What should F&B arrangements for meetings support? -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ the objectives of the event and
meet the attendees' needs
For a three-day meeting, all attendees need to be alert
and comfortable which requires: - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
balanced, nutritious, and appealing menus
What kind of menu should an association gala dinner
have? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ remarkable and create a
celebratory atmosphere; less regard for nutrition
What is a catering manager? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
works for the facility hosting the meeting and assists the
meeting professional when making foodservice
arrangements
What will the meeting professional provide to the
caterer? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ meeting's goals and
objectives as well as a history of the group's F&B
preferences
,2|Page
List some questions to ask about the F&B function -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ 1. what is the meeting budget?
2. how many guests?
3. meeting theme?
4. will VIPs be attending?
5. will the meeting be formal or casual?
6. what type of day will the meeting take place?
7. attendee demographics?
8. what type of service is preferred - buffet, table
service?
9. is the meeting for business, networking, or social
purposes?
10. will entertainment or presentations take place during
the meeting?
11. will other scheduled activities precede or follow the
meeting - reception, dance, etc.?
What is one of the largest expenses associated with a
meeting? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ F&B; extends beyond
just menu selection
What should the focus of F&B be? - .....ANSWER...
✔✔ to create a memorable experience
,3|Page
How are menu selections confirmed? - .....ANSWER...
✔✔ typically through the ESG - event specifications
guide
When are BEOs made? (banquet event orders) -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ after menu selections are
confirmed; caterer makes the BEOs and the meeting
professional reviews and signs-off
T/F: selecting the caterer and menu are decisions that
happen at the very beginning of the planning process -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ False. Happens much later in the
planning process after destination and menu have been
selected
What serves as the starting point for selecting the rest of
the meal? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ choice of the main
course
When is it appropriate to ask for a customized menu
proposal? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ if the choices on the
standard menu do not seem appropriate for the meal
function
, 4|Page
Regarding moving an outdoor event inside, how much
notice is typical for the caterer? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
24 hour notice; this standard may be negotiated and
this agreement should be made well in advance
Arrangement guidelines for meal functions with round
tables - comfortable - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ 13.5 sq ft
per person
Number of people per table -
60 inch round: 8 people
66 inch round: 9 people
72 inch round: 10 people
Arrangement guidelines for meal functions with round
tables - tight - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ 12.5 sq ft per
person
Number of people per table:
60 inch round: 9
66 inch round: 10
72 inch round: 11
PCMA EXAM
What should F&B arrangements for meetings support? -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ the objectives of the event and
meet the attendees' needs
For a three-day meeting, all attendees need to be alert
and comfortable which requires: - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
balanced, nutritious, and appealing menus
What kind of menu should an association gala dinner
have? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ remarkable and create a
celebratory atmosphere; less regard for nutrition
What is a catering manager? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
works for the facility hosting the meeting and assists the
meeting professional when making foodservice
arrangements
What will the meeting professional provide to the
caterer? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ meeting's goals and
objectives as well as a history of the group's F&B
preferences
,2|Page
List some questions to ask about the F&B function -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ 1. what is the meeting budget?
2. how many guests?
3. meeting theme?
4. will VIPs be attending?
5. will the meeting be formal or casual?
6. what type of day will the meeting take place?
7. attendee demographics?
8. what type of service is preferred - buffet, table
service?
9. is the meeting for business, networking, or social
purposes?
10. will entertainment or presentations take place during
the meeting?
11. will other scheduled activities precede or follow the
meeting - reception, dance, etc.?
What is one of the largest expenses associated with a
meeting? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ F&B; extends beyond
just menu selection
What should the focus of F&B be? - .....ANSWER...
✔✔ to create a memorable experience
,3|Page
How are menu selections confirmed? - .....ANSWER...
✔✔ typically through the ESG - event specifications
guide
When are BEOs made? (banquet event orders) -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ after menu selections are
confirmed; caterer makes the BEOs and the meeting
professional reviews and signs-off
T/F: selecting the caterer and menu are decisions that
happen at the very beginning of the planning process -
.....ANSWER... ✔✔ False. Happens much later in the
planning process after destination and menu have been
selected
What serves as the starting point for selecting the rest of
the meal? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ choice of the main
course
When is it appropriate to ask for a customized menu
proposal? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ if the choices on the
standard menu do not seem appropriate for the meal
function
, 4|Page
Regarding moving an outdoor event inside, how much
notice is typical for the caterer? - .....ANSWER... ✔✔
24 hour notice; this standard may be negotiated and
this agreement should be made well in advance
Arrangement guidelines for meal functions with round
tables - comfortable - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ 13.5 sq ft
per person
Number of people per table -
60 inch round: 8 people
66 inch round: 9 people
72 inch round: 10 people
Arrangement guidelines for meal functions with round
tables - tight - .....ANSWER... ✔✔ 12.5 sq ft per
person
Number of people per table:
60 inch round: 9
66 inch round: 10
72 inch round: 11
