Navigating a business meal can be challenging. While meetings often take place in casual settings such as coffee shops, formal dining occasions do arise, and when they do, knowing how to conduct oneself is essential.

On Thursday, February 28, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., students will have the opportunity to hear etiquette professional and author Ann Marie Sabath discuss common etiquette pitfalls. Sabath will cover topics including what direction to pass food, when to place a napkin on your lap, and how to manage cutlery, in an effort to give students both confidence and a competitive edge when conducting business over a formal meal. Fundamental business skills will also be discussed.

“Students can expect to learn how to make a positive first impression, how to dress for the position they want, and how to represent themselves with charm during a business reception,” said Sabath.

The Business Etiquette Dinner is just one of the Dolan School’s signature Professional Development Series (PDS) events. The PDS includes a structured series of lectures, networking opportunities, skills workshops, and other events de­signed to complement what students are learning in the classroom. While the Business Etiquette Dinner is highly encouraged for juniors and seniors, all students are invited to attend, space permitting.

“The Etiquette Dinner goes over things like how you chew, how you conduct a conversation over a meal, how you put your fork down,” said Anthony Crasto ’18. Tasks even as simple as these can be learned and applied appropriately in future business dinners, something absolutely crucial for success in any career.

During Sabath’s presentation, students will be seated at round tables with alumni and business professionals to put the skills covered during the event to the test. The cost to attend this three-course meal and presentation is $10. Students should visit OrgSync to reserve their spot.

The Business Etiquette Dinner satisfies a PDS level four event.