Doing Business at Dinner: Building Confidence, One Bite at a Time
What do handshakes, small talk, and silverware have in common? They were all part of the learning (and fun!) at the Maine Business School’s recent Doing Business at Dinner event.
Held at the Buchanan Alumni House, this three-course etiquette dinner gave students the chance to practice professional skills in a real dining setting. Led by etiquette expert Jean Papalia, owner of A+ Etiquette, the evening covered everything from how to introduce yourself with confidence, to what to do if you drop a utensil, to why you should never ask for a to-go box at a business dinner.
For Taryn Asvestas, a fourth-year student from North Andover, Massachusetts, the experience was packed with takeaways. “I learned so many things!” Taryn says. “Jean helped me perfect my handshake, learn how to interact with other diners, and what silverware, plates, and cups to use. I also learned that you should never go to a business dinner hungry, because it’s not about the food, it’s about the connections.”
Logan Spratt, a first-year student from Castine, Maine, said he was impressed by how interactive the event was. “This was my first professional event at MBS, and I loved how hands-on it was,” Logan says. “I’m excited to continue to learn and put the skills I learn into practice.”
For Jean Papalia, the highlight was seeing students dive in and practice what they were learning.
“Many pivotal career conversations don’t take place in a boardroom or on a Zoom call—they happen over coffee, during interview lunches, at business dinners, and at networking events,” she says. “I was truly impressed by the level of engagement from MBS students, especially seeing so many first-year students taking advantage of opportunities like this dinner. Several students came up to me afterward to practice their professional introductions, which showed both initiative and eagerness to grow.”
Both Taryn and Logan agreed that Doing Business at Dinner is an event every business student should sign up for.
“You learn so much, meet new peers, and make connections,” Taryn says. “The skills learned from this event are skills students will have to use in their future,” Logan added. “Why not learn them now?”
In the end, students walked away with new friends, practical skills, and the confidence to shine in future networking and dining situations. And yes—they even figured out which bread plate was theirs.
Photos by Andie Lovejoy