Eating at a Meeting explores a variety of topics on food and beverage (F&B) and how they impact individual experience and inclusion, sustainability, culture, community, health and wellness, laws and more. The mission of Eating at a Meeting is to share authentic stories that illustrate the financial, social, emotional, and mental impact food and beverage have on individuals, organizations, and the earth. I see it being threefold: ● Help individuals and organizations understand how F&B impacts ...
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291: The Food Allergy Generation Goes to Work_ Legal Challenges & Opportunities
46:59
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46:59How are workplaces adapting to meet the needs of the "food allergy generation"? In this conversation, I sit down with Professor D'Andra Shu, a law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, to explore the growing legal challenges and opportunities that food allergies present in professional environments. We dive into how addressing food aller…
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290: Raising the Bar: Why We Need Clear Alcohol Labels Now
50:31
50:31
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50:31Did you know that beer, wine, and spirits can contain allergens like wheat, nuts, or even milk—and that most bottles don’t disclose this information? Consumers are often left guessing with no mandatory labeling for allergens or ingredients, putting health and safety at risk. This week, I'm discussing transparency in alcohol labeling with Eva Greent…
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289: How the Food Donation Improvement Act Impacts Events, Hotels, and Venues
53:48
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53:48Tracy talks with Emily Broad-Lieb, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic, diving into the game-changing Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA). Many of us as planners hear “we can’t donate the food” or “we’ll be sued” from venues, but this new legislation signed into law in January 2023 breaks dow…
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288: What Would Make You Feel Safe Eating at a Meeting With a Food Allergy?
9:22
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9:22What does it take to feel safe eating at a meeting? In this episode, individuals with food allergies, celiac disease, and other dietary needs share their personal stories and actionable suggestions for creating safer, more inclusive dining experiences. From clear ingredient labeling and cross-contact prevention to having knowledgeable staff or chef…
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287: Is Your Event Breakfast Doing More Harm Than Good?
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44:31Registered Dietitian Jessie Gibson from UT Health East Texas joins Tracy to discuss whether event breakfasts are helping or hindering attendee success. Are the meals served setting attendees up for a productive day—or leaving them sluggish and distracted? Jessie shares how better breakfast options could boost energy, focus, and overall wellness. We…
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286: Behind the Plate: Why Ingredient Stories Matter for Event Menus
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51:30On this week’s Eating at a Meeting Live, I’m sit down with Ali Cox, the Founder & CEO of Noble West, an award-winning marketing consultancy specializing in the entire agricultural ecosystem to explore how event professionals on both sides of the table — planners and food service teams — can bridge the gap between farm and table. As a fifth-generati…
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At IMEX America 2024, Tracy hit the show floor and stopped random event pros—some she knew, some she didn’t—to ask: What’s your best tip for managing food and beverage at events? Their answers? Pure gold! From the importance of low-sodium options to creative uses of lighting and signage, the insights from these 15+ event professionals are packed wi…
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284: EventProfs at IMEX Share Essential Tips on Managing Event F&B
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13:08At IMEX America 2024, Tracy hit the show floor and stopped random event pros—some she knew, some she didn’t—to ask: What’s your best tip for managing food and beverage at events? Their answers? Pure gold! From the importance of low-sodium options to creative uses of lighting and signage, the insights from these 15+ event professionals are packed wi…
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283: Event Profs in Elevators — Moving Conversations for Better F&B at Events
46:54
46:54
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46:54🚀 Join me as I take an elevator ride with Devon Pasha, an expert in event planning and inclusivity! 🎙️ Devon and I delve deep into the pivotal role of offering diverse food options at events rather than simply replacing items. We discuss how to craft inclusive menus that cater to everyone’s needs, from ensuring dietary restrictions are respectably …
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282: Why Values Matter in Food & Beverage: A Revolutionary Approach
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38:15
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38:15In this episode, I sit down with David Allison, founder of the Value Graphics Project and author, to delve into a revolutionary approach to food and beverage at events. David's extensive research, using a global dataset from one million surveys, debunks traditional demographics, highlighting shared human values instead. ✨ We discuss how understandi…
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281: How to Enhance Events with Sustainable & Inclusive Travel Practices
43:24
43:24
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43:24Tracy chats with renowned traveler and cultural connoisseur, Susheda Raval. 🌍 With a staggering 120 countries under her belt, Susheda brings a world of experience in sustainable and inclusive travel practices to the table. We delve into the heart of authentic travel, where Susheda shares her secrets for uncovering genuine local experiences—from sav…
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280: Fueling Wellness: Culinary Innovation for a Healthier Lifestyle and Events
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44:51
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44:51🍳 Join Tracy for a nourishing conversation with Chef Pete from Canyon Ranch, where they dive deep into the art of fueling wellness through culinary innovation. 🌿✨ Overseeing multiple locations, Chef Pete collaborates with dietitians to craft balanced, flavorful menus that defy common misconceptions about healthy eating. We explore diverse dietary n…
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279: From Marsh to Plate: Äna Shellem's Philosophy on Fresh, Local Harvests
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51:16
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51:16🌊 Step into a coastal adventure as I chat with Äna Shellem, the spirited force behind Shell'em Seafood Company in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 🐚✨ From razor clams and oysters to her philosophy on sustainability and mental health, Äna’s approach to shellfish harvesting feels as refreshing as a sea breeze. On Eating at a Meeting, Äna dives int…
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278: Food Allergies and the ADAAA: A Deep Dive into Legal Protections
50:36
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50:36Join me for an eye-opening conversation with attorney Laurel Francoeur, a fierce advocate for food allergy and disability rights, as we dive into the real-world challenges of creating safe, inclusive environments for those with dietary needs. 💼✨ In this Eating at a Meeting episode, Laurel and I explore the importance of accommodating food allergies…
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277: The Power of Pie: Connecting and Collaborating Through Culinary Delights
44:53
44:53
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44:53🥧 In this episode, Tracy introduces you to Valentina Ruffoni, the founder of Beyond the Event and the PIE network. 🍴✨ With a passion for transforming typical gatherings into memorable experiences, Valentina dives deep into the culinary delights that can boost connection and collaboration at events. From the importance of offering nonalcoholic bever…
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276: Empowering Consumers with Safe Food Choices: The Path to Purity and Transparency
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54:01
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54:01Amidst troubling reports of food recalls and safety violations, including salmonella in Quaker Oats products and a deadly listeria outbreak at a Boar's Head facility, this week’s episode of Eating at a Meeting dives into how consumers — and meeting professionals — can be empowered through safer food choices. Join me as I discuss transparency and ri…
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275: Disney Food Allergy Case: Legal Viewpoints re: Events Before It Reaches Court
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49:24
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49:24On this week's episode of Eating at a Meeting, I'm excited to welcome two incredible experts, Disability Rights Attorney Mary Vargas, and Hospitality Attorney Joshua Grimes, for an in-depth discussion on the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc. and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant wrongful death lawsuit involving food allergies. Before it head…
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274: Ripped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your Next Event
37:48
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37:48After a whirlwind summer of meetings and events, Tracy brings you the latest, most crucial food news every meeting professional needs to know. Titled "Ripped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your Next Event," dives into recent stories that are shaking up the industry, with a particular focus on safety and liability. One headline-g…
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273: Empowering Communities: The Transformative Role of Food Justice in The People's Kitchen
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53:29
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53:29Join me for the next episode of Eating at a Meeting as I sit down with Alethia Erwin, a board member of The People’s Kitchen, to explore how food is more than just a meal—it's a force for empowerment, transformation, and healing. Alethia's roots in the food service industry stretch back to 1988, with a rich career spanning restaurant management, ca…
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272: Exclusive Insights: Lessons on Event Food Waste, Labeling, and Communication
33:13
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33:13In today's Eating at a Meeting episode, I'll dive into the latest food and beverage headlines that are making waves. From allergen safety to loneliness, I’m breaking down what these stories mean for your next event. Join me as I connect the dots between the news and your food and beverage strategy. You won’t want to miss it! Join the Eating at a Me…
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271: Turning Taste into Trust_ How to Make Your Healthcare Booth Stand Out
39:18
39:18
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39:18For this week’s Eating at a Meeting podcast episode, I’m coming to you live from the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association convention in Tampa. It’s at a special time — 2:30 PM — since I will be on stage presenting at noon. I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible guests who know exactly how to make a healthcare booth stand out in the c…
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270: Event Menus: How to Provide Freedom and Independence in Food Choices
28:33
28:33
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28:33Each July, I focus on the spirit of July and the celebrations of freedom and independence. I am inspired to discuss the importance of these themes in the context of food and events on this episode of the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. 🌍🍽️ In this episode, I discuss how we can ensure freedom and independence for event attendees, particularly those wit…
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269: Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus a Northstar Meetings Group Webinar
55:25
55:25
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55:25With the growing prevalence of diverse dietary needs and preferences, designing event menus that satisfy everyone can be challenging. Join our seasoned experts as they share strategies to craft inclusive, flavorful meals that accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and delight every palate. Webinar attendees will gain: • An understanding o…
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268: What does it Take? A Deep Dive into Inclusive Food & Beverage Experiences
1:01:49
1:01:49
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1:01:49At a PCMA EduCon in Detroit, I ran into my friend Zoe Moore, CEO and Strategic Disruptor at Grow with Zomo. When I saw her, she said, "We have lots to discuss." As a passionate advocate for EDI in hospitality, events, and tourism, Zoe brings a wealth of experience and a powerful voice to the table. However, she is learning that there is still much …
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267: We Reconnect to Talk about Event F&B after PCMA EduCon
27:29
27:29
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27:29After months of not seeing each other, I'm excited to have had just spent four days together at PCMA EduCon and to now sit down with my good friend and former neighbor, Tess Vismale, to reconnect and talk about event food and beverage. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at [email protected]…
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