Breakfast events are an increasingly popular choice for companies and organisations looking to engage their audience in a more intimate, focused setting. Taking place early in the day, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM, these gatherings provide an efficient way to connect, educate, and collaborate without taking too much time out of the participants’ workday. By offering a relaxed yet productive atmosphere, breakfast events are ideal for loads of different purposes.
Types of Breakfast Events
Today, we’re exploring some common types of corporate breakfast events and key suggestions to ensure their success.
Networking Breakfasts
Designed to foster professional connections, networking breakfasts bring together individuals from various industries to meet, connect, and share ideas. Unlike large conferences or networking mixers, these events are smaller and more intimate, allowing for more meaningful conversations. For example, a tech startup might host a networking breakfast to bring together investors, developers, and potential partners, creating a relaxed environment for them to discuss innovations and opportunities. The small group setting helps facilitate genuine connections that might be missed in a larger event.
Speaker ideas:
- Vinay Parmar, speaker, customer experience consultant and event host.
- Sophie Pender, speaker, Founder and CEO of the 93% Club for state school alumni
- Scott Morrison, speaker NED for British Faashion Council, creativity expert, best-selling author and impactful business leader
Executive Breakfasts
Targeted at senior leaders and decision-makers, executive breakfasts often feature keynote speakers or panel discussions focused on industry trends, challenges, or emerging opportunities. These events provide a unique opportunity for executives to engage with thought leaders and peers while getting an early start on their day. For instance, a financial services firm might organise an executive breakfast featuring a keynote speaker discussing how companies can navigate upcoming regulatory changes. Keynote speakers at these events often inspire attendees with new perspectives, helping them gain actionable insights before their first meeting. This combination of inspiration and information sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.
Speaker ideas:
- Larry Elliott., economics editor for The Guardian and Observer, is a renowned economist, author, and financial speaker.
- Soumaya Keynes is the economist columnist at the Financial Times and host of The Economics Show podcast.
- Maryam Moshiri, speaker, Chief Presenter at BBC News, Journalist
Breakfast Briefings
These are educational or informative sessions where companies present updates, insights, or research findings to a targeted group. Breakfast briefings are particularly effective for launching new products or services, as they allow businesses to explain key features and benefits in a focused, undisturbed setting. For example, a pharmaceutical company might use a breakfast briefing to announce groundbreaking research on a new drug. Adding a motivational speaker or industry expert to the briefing can energise attendees, giving them a fresh outlook on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Speaker ideas:
- Rory Sutherland, Speaker, Co-Founder Of Ogilvy Change, Behavioural Science Expert
- Michael Clark, a Data Futurist with over 20 years of experience
- Terence Mauri, speaker, author, artificial intelligence expert and innovative business thinker.
Internal Team Meetings
Breakfast meetings within companies can be a great way to kickstart the day. They are often used for project planning, team-building activities, or strategy discussions in a more relaxed setting than a typical office meeting. For instance, a software development team could gather over breakfast to map out a new sprint cycle. Bringing in a motivational speaker to start the meeting can elevate the session, offering fresh ideas on teamwork, productivity, or innovation. The right speaker can leave employees feeling motivated and ready to tackle the challenges of the day ahead.
Speaker ideas:
- Rob Hosking, international TEDx motivational speaker and former front-line Police Officer
- Stefanie Sword-Williams, speaker, confidence and personal branding expert
- Fiona English, keynote speaker on purpose, leadership, and self-actualisation
Press Breakfasts
Press breakfasts are popular for companies or organisations that are making announcements or launching new products. These events offer a chance for journalists to hear directly from company representatives while also providing time for questions and discussion in a more personal setting. For example, a tech company might host a press breakfast to announce the release of a new device, featuring a keynote speaker who shares insights on the product’s development journey. This creates a focused opportunity to communicate the product’s value and story before the news hits the broader media.
- Davina McCall, beloved television presenter, wellness Speaker and fitness expert
- Jenson Button, Formula 1 World Champion, motorsport Speaker, automotive industry insider
- Chris Boardman, speaker, Olympic cyclist, designer, cycling and sustainability advocate
Why Host A Morning Event with Keynote or Motivational Speakers?
For companies looking to inspire their teams or clients, a morning breakfast event centred around keynote or motivational speakers can be an incredibly impactful experience. Imagine starting the day with a speaker who shares stories of overcoming challenges, leadership strategies, or tips for staying resilient in the face of adversity.
Motivational Speakers
These events can cater to internal teams and external audiences, such as clients or partners. For instance, an insurance firm might invite a motivational speaker who has succeeded against the odds to encourage its sales team, leaving them energised and driven to meet their targets.
» READ MORE: The Art Of The SKO: Planning Your Sales Kickoff Event
Speaker ideas:
- Ed Jackson, a motivational speaker empowering individuals to overcome challenges
- Ethan Zohn, speaker, winner of CBS Survivor: Africa, co-founder of Grassroot Soccer (GRS), cancer survivor and global health advocate.
- Nahla Summers, speaker and cultural change advocate, promotes kindness in workplace culture for mental health improvement.
Alternatively, these events can be designed to inspire attendees at various stages of their careers. A keynote speaker specialising in leadership development might share strategies for managing change, while a motivational speaker could discuss personal growth or achieving work-life balance. Whether you're targeting recent graduates, executives, mid-level managers, or rising talent, a morning of motivational speeches can set the tone for a productive day ahead.
Hosting a Successful Breakfast Event
Time Management
Given that breakfast events take place early in the morning, they are designed to be concise, usually lasting between 1-2 hours. Attendees appreciate the efficient use of their time, especially if they return to work after the event. For example, a well-planned executive breakfast might include a 30-minute networking period, followed by a 45-minute panel discussion or keynote speech, and 15 minutes for Q&A. Sticking to a strict schedule allows guests to leave promptly and get on with their day but ensures that they have enough time to engage meaningfully.
Menu Selection
The menu is an important consideration, as it helps set the tone for the event. Light, healthy fare such as fruit, yoghurt bowls, smoothies, and pastries are standard, though more substantial options like eggs, bacon, and toast may also be offered. It’s wise to include vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar alternatives to accommodate various dietary preferences. For example, offering a selection of granola and smoothie bowls and more traditional options like croissants ensures something for everyone, making the experience more inclusive and enjoyable.
Venue Setup
The choice of venue plays a critical role in creating the right atmosphere for a breakfast event. Popular options include hotel meeting rooms, private restaurant dining spaces, or outdoor terraces for a more casual setting. For a networking breakfast, round tables encourage conversation, while a more formal executive breakfast or keynote event could benefit from a stage and AV setup for the speaker. The venue should match the event’s tone, whether intimate and cosy for team meetings or professional and sleek for motivational speaker events.
Dress Code
Attendees typically dress in business or business-casual attire, depending on the event's formality. A press breakfast or executive briefing may call for more formal business attire, while networking or internal team breakfasts might have a more relaxed, business-casual dress code. It’s important to communicate this to attendees so they feel comfortable and appropriately dressed for the occasion.
Breakfast Events In A Nutshell
Breakfast events offer a highly efficient way for businesses to engage with their target audience in a more focused, relaxed setting. Whether you're looking to connect executives, launch a new product, or inspire your team with a morning of motivational speakers, breakfast meetings provide a unique opportunity to start the day off on the right foot. By focusing on elements like time management, menu selection, and venue setup, organisations can ensure their breakfast events leave a lasting, positive impression on attendees while respecting their busy schedules. A well-curated lineup of speakers can transform a simple breakfast into a powerful experience that energises and motivates all who attend.
💡 Would you like to mark any of these events with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!
