Let’s be honest–what do we all look forward to when we respond to an off-site meeting request? No, it’s not the PowerPoint presentations full of graphs and clip art, nor is it the awkward filler conversation with the guy who stole your corner office. What then, you may ask, is a meeting’s redeeming factor? While I haven’t conducted a scientific poll, I’m assuming it’s pretty safe to say that people look forward to the possibility of good, free food at meetings.

The problem, of course, is that good food and meetings don’t always go hand in hand. In fact, more often than not, you may find yourself wondering how long it would take you to “use the restroom” and then quickly run to the nearest burger joint and scarf down a hearty meal. Please, don’t do that!

Meetings have certainly become a little more exciting in Philadelphia, where popular meeting space, The Hub, announced its exclusive multi-year partnership with STARR Events in April 2008. STARR Events is a full-service catering and special events service that was formed by the STARR Restaurant Organization in early 2008 and is led by Simon Powles, formerly of Wolfgang Puck’s catering business.

Instead of typical generic meeting fanfare such as salads and sandwiches, The Hub offers a menu with STARR’s most popular dishes, including select meals from STARR restaurants such as Alma de Cuba, Tangerine, El Vez, Buddakan, Barclay Prime, Pod, Jones and Continental. Meeting organizers can choose menus for attendees that feature everything from Chilean Sea Bass to Kobe Beef Sliders.

In addition to a delectable menu, The Hub provides a much-needed alternative to the dated and boring hotel conference room. The Hub’s facility at the Cira Centre is the only privately held, LEED-certified meeting facility in the United States. Many of the construction materials and furnishings are made of recycled and recyclable content and are manufactured within 500 miles of Philadelphia. Other sustainable features include energy sources that are 100% wind generated, low CFC-emission, energy-efficient lights in the meeting rooms and the use of organic cleaning materials.

Another element that makes The Hub an exceptional and accommodating place to hold a meeting is the personalized attention every client receives. Each client is assigned a Chief Meeting Officer (CMO) who works to attend to an organization’s unique needs as well as ensure meeting goals are achieved. It’s like having your very own assistant!

The Hub offers three locations: The Hub Cityview, The Hub Cira Centre and the soon-to- open Chemical Heritage Foundation Conference Center in Old City. Each location offers full-service amenities as well as STARR catering.

So while I’m not suggesting you bring your significant other to your next meeting to celebrate your anniversary, I do strongly urge you to reconsider declining your next meeting invitation. After all, nothing tastes better than a delicious, free lunch.