Approach buffets from both sides

Ever been at a conference or event and had to wait an inordinate amount of time in a queue to get food at a buffet? When a buffet has both sides, I like to take the initiative and approach the buffet from the other side. With people using a buffet from both sides it can almost half the wait for your lunch.

As an organiser, I think you have a responsibility to speed up this awkward wait and, when you can, make both sides accessible for serving—for example, making plates available at both ends—and encourage people to use them.

It’s amazing to me how often everyone pays for forgetting there are two accessible sides to a buffet.