CAPT 1060: Floor Captain (Plated Dinner Captain)
Pre-Event Preparation and Setup

4. Conduct a Walkthrough

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Conduct a Walkthrough

Pre-event preparation and setup involves conducting a walkthrough. A walkthrough is a viewing or physical tour of a given site or facility. A service professional team, and specifically a captain, conducts a walkthrough prior to an event.

Best Practices for Conducting a Pre-Event Floor Walkthrough

1.Before the Walkthrough

Bring all necessary documentation (e.g., BEOs, floor plans).

2.During the Walkthrough

Walk through the relevant area, visualizing the event flow (through different service types, service areas, and the transitions between them). Also consider the flow of service professionals planned for different course serve-outs.

  • The location of the BOH and FOH facilities and equipment

  • The location of BOH and FOH entry points and exit points

  • The ability of service professionals to move between tables and guests

In confirming the positioning of tables and service professional paths, ensure:

  • All safety regulations and protocols are in place

  • There is clear access to pathways, walkways, and stairways

  • There are clear paths between the BOH, FOH, and other areas

  • There is clear access to BOH and FOH facilities and equipment for the culinary team and the service professional team

  • The tables are positioned correctly based on floor plans and the client’s desired layout

  • The tables and seats will be accessible and navigable to guests (including guests in lines)

If necessary, communicate with stakeholders. The floor captain should become familiar with communicating with stakeholders to gain proper knowledge of the food and beverage offerings and expectations. Stakeholders often include clients, event coordinators, and/or brand ambassadors who may hand-select offerings for a particular purpose and expect these offerings to presented in a specific way. During the walkthrough, the floor captain should ensure they have a clear sense of the expectations of stakeholders in terms of knowledge of offerings and inventory, messaging and promotional goals, design and display expectations, and/or special activities.

3.After the Walkthrough

After completing the walkthrough, update any necessary documentation (if applicable) and use the rental list to begin to review, organize, and verify equipment and inventory.