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 kitchen staff, in creating inclusive and safe dining experiences. I share significant event practices like labeling allergens clearly on menus, the importance of communication between kitchen teams, and the necessity of comprehensive dietary planning.

Discover practical recommendations to enhance attendee participation at events, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure that everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, can feel comfortable and included.

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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.

• Tips for effectively communicating menu options and collecting guest preferences.

• Cost-effective strategies to create an impressive dining experience within your budget.

This webinar was a Northstar Meetings Group webinar recorded in July 2024. It was sponsored by The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.

You can watch the webinar https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Events-Calendar/Crafting-Crowd-Pleasing-Event-Menus Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 said.

Join Zoe and me this week on Eating at a Meeting LIVE as we discuss essential topics shaping the future of inclusive event food and beverage experiences:

🍽️ The disconnect between front-of-house and back-of-house staff and the crucial need for training and communication regarding ingredients, food restrictions, preferences, and proper labeling.

📋 Where is inclusion considered in the food and beverage BEO process?

🤔 Whose owns responsibility for creating an inclusive dining experience — sales, operations, kitchen, front-of-house, eaters?

I'm excited to talk with Zoe and get her perspective on how event professionals on both sides of the kitchen door can operationalize EDI.

In the spirit of July's focus on independence and freedom in dining experiences, I'm thrilled to discuss these critical issues with Zoe and gain her perspective on how event professionals on both sides of the kitchen door can operationalize EDI. Let's spark change together and make every meal matter!

✨ Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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

🎙️ 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 to minimize waste and conserve resources.

🏞️ He’ll explain what safe, sustainable, and inclusive dining experiences mean to him: keeping guests informed to make healthy, educated diet decisions and addressing challenges like cross-contamination, using personal experiences on what that means.

📅 Tune in to get a glimpse of Aramark’s headquarters and how they are shaping the future of hospitality with every meal and operation. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 sustainability efforts, which emphasize bee conservation and highlight his innovative farm-to-table approach. His collaboration with a nearby chicken farm exemplifies his comprehensive vision: all kitchen scraps and waste are repurposed as feed for the chickens, which in turn supply fresh, high-quality eggs to his kitchen. This process not only minimizes waste but also ensures the quality of his culinary creations by using the freshest possible ingredients.

Additionally, we’ll discuss his beliefs around hospitality, which for him goes far beyond mere food service. His approach involves creating unique and memorable experiences where every detail is considered—from how ingredients are sourced to how guests engage with their food. This holistic view of hospitality aims to create lasting impressions by making guests feel genuinely valued and connected to the entire food journey, sparking intrigue and curiosity in his innovative farm-to-table approach.

Join us to learn about Chef Pfeiffer’s innovative methods and his unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Discover how he seamlessly blends his roles as a chef and a beekeeper with his passion for crafting unique dining experiences that respect nature and the consumer. Tune in and be inspired by Chef Pfeiffer’s journey, which not only pushes the boundaries of traditional culinary roles but also redefines what it means to be a chef in today’s environmentally-conscious world, positively impacting our planet.

P.S. He recently won the IACC Innovation Award for his Beekeeping and sustainability practices.

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Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🎉🍽️ 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 challenges of dietary restrictions at events.

🚫🌾 We'll explore the psycho-social impacts and the often overlooked dangers of cross-contamination and lack of options. Erica's experiences bring light to these issues, like her recent conference dilemmas where she was faced with inadequate meal options. After seeing her plight posted online, I immediately reached out to a friend with connections at the convention center to ensure that Erica received suitable meals beyond the typical hard-boiled egg or slice of cantaloupe.

🎤 Erica's advocacy goes beyond her personal needs. She humorously captures the frustration many feel when she exclaims, "But daddy, I WANT A CROISSANT 🥐REAL BAD," underscoring the demand for more appetizing and varied gluten-free options at conferences and conventions.

👥 Known for her honest product reviews and pushing for transparency in the gluten-free market, Erica's insights are crucial for anyone involved in food service or event planning.

📅 Tune in for a conversation that promises to educate and empower. Whether you're well-acquainted with celiac disease, eager to learn, or involved in ensuring safe food service, this episode is essential viewing!

👉 Don’t miss this engaging discussion filled with real stories and actionable insights. Follow us and Celiac and the Beast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. Set your reminders now to join us in making every event accommodating and enjoyable for every guest. See you there! 🌟

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 shares her personal experiences with food allergies, offering a unique perspective on living with and managing these challenges. Cutting-Edge Data: Stay updated with the latest statistics that are shaping the landscape of food allergies today.

𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Discover promising new treatments on the horizon and their impact on those affected.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀: We demystify common misconceptions and provide expert insights into food allergies as a chronic disease, not just a dietary preference.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: Learn about the tireless efforts in advocacy that aim to improve the lives of those with food allergies, ensuring safer environments and inclusive policies.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Food allergies affect millions worldwide, and understanding them is essential for creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments.

This episode will educate and inspire action, aligning with FARE’s mission to enhance individuals' quality of life and health through transformative research, education, and advocacy.

This episode will illuminate food allergies as a significant public health issue, advocating for recognition and proper management. It will also educate listeners on the seriousness of food allergies and highlight FARE's pivotal role in the field.

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com