In 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 understanding attendees' values like health, well-being, and social standing can transform event planning. For instance, at high-status events, prioritizing luxu...
Dec 10, 2024•38 min•Ep. 282
Tracy 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 savoring street food in Bangkok to exploring 200-year-old vineyards hosted by local families. 🍷🌮 Discover her passion for involving local communities ...
Dec 03, 2024•43 min•Ep. 281
🍳 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 needs for events, offering vegan options like Just Egg, tofu scrambles, and smoothie bars, while maintaining robust choices for all attendees. 🥑🍲 C...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 280
🌊 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 into the vitality of rebuilding oyster shells for a sustainable future, shares her inspiring journey of healing through nature, and explains her dedica...
Nov 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 279
Join 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 across workplaces and public spaces. We discuss how the ADA Amendments Act expands protections for individuals with food allergies, despite challeng...
Nov 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 278
🥧 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 beverage options like mocktails and nonalcoholic beer in Spain to the challenges event planners face with inflexible caterers, we leave no stone unturned...
Nov 05, 2024•45 min•Ep. 277
Amidst 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 rigorous safety practices in the food industry with Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of ZEGO, about the pivotal role of rigorous food safety practices. Learn about...
Oct 29, 2024•54 min•Ep. 276
On 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 heads to court, we will unpack the case from all angles—guest safety, meeting planner responsibility, hotel and restaurant liability, and even the landlor...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 275
After 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-grabbing case discussed is the wrongful death lawsuit involving a doctor who tragically died from an allergic reaction at Raglan Road in Disney Springs...
Oct 15, 2024•38 min•Ep. 274
Join 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, catering, and event planning. She was the General Manager of the critically acclaimed Geechee Girl Rice Cafe in Philadelphia and now helps lead The Peop...
Oct 08, 2024•53 min•Ep. 273
In 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 Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com
Oct 01, 2024•33 min•Ep. 272
For 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 crowd — Hailey Rosenstein, Owner and CEO, and Amy Simonides, Account Executive and National Sales Leader at Crêpes à Latte. Hailey and Amy will sha...
Sep 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 271
Each 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 with dietary restrictions and disabilities. Through real-life examples, I highlight the critical role of education, from event planning teams to kitche...
Sep 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 270
With 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 of common dietary restrictions and how to cater to them elegantly. • Creative ideas for offering variety while maintaining cohesion in your menu. • Tip...
Sep 10, 2024•55 min•Ep. 269
At 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 work to do when it comes to the dining table. "You have been in my head when trying to plan inclusive menus for the events I've been working on," she ...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 268
After 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 tracy@thrivemeetings.com
Aug 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 267
🎙️ I'm thrilled to sit down with Aric Ferrell, Vice President of Operations for Aramark's Destinations group. We'll discuss Aramark’s commitment to managing unique destinations — parks, day attractions, conference and convention centers — integrating safety, sustainability, and inclusivity into every food and beverage experience. Aric will share insights on Aramark's approach to environmental stewardship, including strategies to source local, seasonal, and products and their innovative efforts ...
Aug 20, 2024•48 min•Ep. 266
This week on Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I’m excited to introduce you to Chef William Pfeiffer, whose pioneering culinary practices with Flik Hospitality at the IBM Learning Center in Armonk, NY, showcases a remarkable commitment to sustainability and hospitality. Chef Pfeiffer’s initiatives include a fascinating integration of beekeeping and a synergistic partnership with a local chicken farm, defining a full-circle sustainability model. In this episode, we will explore Chef Pfeiffer’s sustainabi...
Aug 13, 2024•51 min•Ep. 265
🎉🍽️ Join me LIVE on "Eating at a Meeting" as we wrap up Celiac Disease Awareness Month with a powerful episode titled "The Critical Need for Clarity in Feeding Guests with Celiac Disease." I’m thrilled to welcome Erica Dermer from Celiac and the Beast for this insightful discussion! 🎉🌾 👩🍳 Dive deep with Erica, a prominent voice in the gluten-free community, as she shares her journey navigating the complexities of celiac disease. Her blend of humor and expertise highlights the ongoing chal...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 264
For my final Eating at a Meeting LIVE episode during Food Allergy Awareness Week, I'm diving into the critical world of food allergies advocacy, research, and education with Sung Poblete, RN, PhD—CEO of FARE. 🍽️ 🚫 🎙️I am thrilled to sit down with Sung, a distinguished nurse, educator, and healthcare management visionary. Sung brings a wealth of knowledge and personal connection to the forefront of food allergy research and treatment. 💬 We'll Explore: 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Sung s...
Aug 06, 2024•50 min•Ep. 263
🎙️ This Food Allergy Awareness Week, I'm thrilled to feature Ben Parris, Executive Head Chef at De Vere Horsley Estate and a private chef for HNWI, on our next episode: "From Planning to Plate: Ensuring Allergy-Safe and Delicious Meals." 👨🍳 I met Ben at the IACC America's Knowledge Exchange last month. And, I want YOU to meet Ben, a seasoned food traveler, cookbook collector, and an all-around food fanatic whose approach to culinary arts blends passion with precision. As he leads his team at...
Aug 01, 2024•44 min•Ep. 262
🌸 As we address the crucial topic of food allergen safety, I am thrilled to welcome Ryan Gembala, an expert attorney specializing in the legal liabilities concerning food allergens in the hospitality and food service industry. 🛡️🔍 Ryan's vast experience in food safety law and his keen understanding of both proactive and reactive measures make him a vital voice in this critical conversation. On this episode of the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, we dive deep into the proactive duty to warn consum...
Jul 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 261
In this episode, we also celebrated World Cocktail Day with a unique blend of advocacy, insight, and the fine art of mixology. I am thrilled to introduce our incredible trio of guests: Erin Malawer, Executive Director and Founder of Allergy Strong, Georgina Stewart from Nutrient Gap, and Ewan Phillips, Co-founder of And It Has. 🌿🍹 Erin, Georgina, and Ewan join me to explore a crucial topic: transparency in alcohol labeling. Together, we dive into the pressing need for clear labeling to ensure ...
Jul 25, 2024•55 min•Ep. 260
🍽️ Back in May, as we honor Gluten-Free Awareness Month, I am thrilled to bring you this episode direct from Michigan! Join me for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Margaret Clegg, the inspiring founder of MI Gluten Free Gal, as we sit down in person to talk about all things gluten-free. Broadcasting directly from Margaret's home in Flint, Michigan, 🏠 this episode promises to be a unique blend of personal stories, expert advice, and community support. With over two decades of exper...
Jul 23, 2024•51 min•Ep. 259
To kick off Food Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Disease Awareness Month 2024, I had a captivating conversation with Amy Graves, a prominent advocate and expert in consumer food safety and inclusivity. Amy, founder of AMG Innovative Consultants and author of the upcoming book "The Hidden Consumer," shared her journey navigating life with severe food allergies and limited mobility. From battling an unrecognized corn allergy to facing daily accessibility challenges in public spaces and hotels, ...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 258
I'm thrilled to invite you to join me for this week's episode where I chat with Melinda Hopkins, Farm and Production Manager at The Farm at Pendry Natirar Hotel and Ninety Acres Restaurant in Gladstone-Peapack, NJ. Her passion for cultivating the 12-acre all-natural sustainable farm featuring over 200 varieties of produce and humanely raised, pasture-fed livestock to enhance dining and spa experiences truly sets Natirar apart as a unique culinary destination. Join us as we explore how Melinda an...
Jul 16, 2024•52 min•Ep. 257
Hey y'all! On Earth Day — April 22 — I recorded a special episode of Eating at a Meeting to dive deep into an issue that affects all of us in the event planning industry: the pervasive challenge of single-use plastics. Together, we'll explore transformative strategies to reduce their impact and make our events more sustainable. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies, who joined me for this episode. Lindsay is a titan of sustainability, known for her groundbre...
Jul 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 256
This episode was recorded as an educational session at IACC's 2024 Americas Knowledge Exchange. I was joined by Patrick Berwald, Senior VP of Food and Beverage for Pyramid Global Hospitality, and Felix Maietta, Corporate Executive Chef with Nestle Professional. 🌍🍴 With a combined passion for innovation, sustainability, and personalized dining experiences, Patrick and Felix join me to unravel the latest food and beverage trends. From the growing prominence of ghost kitchens and the ever-evolvin...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 255
🌿 In this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rob Vandenabeele, founder of ecofriendlybeer.com. 🍻✨ Rob brings a wealth of knowledge from his deep dive into the craft beer scene, and with his impressive background in sustainability from Harvard Extension School, he's a crusader for a greener brewing industry. Together, we dive into the waste-heavy side of brewing and explore innovative methods for repurposing spent grain, turning what was once discarded into nutriti...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 254
🌿 I'm thrilled to invite you to a special edition of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE on Global Meetings Industry Day — April 11 — where we'll explore the remarkable sustainability achievements of IMEX Frankfurt 2023. In this episode titled "Eating Green, Meeting Greener: How F&B Drove Sustainability at IMEX Frankfurt," I'm excited to be joined by Roger Lehner of IMEX and Eric Wallinger of MeetGreen® . 🍽️ Prepare to uncover the insights behind IMEX Frankfurt's sustainability journey as we ...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 253
