Eating at a Meeting

This Women's HERStory Month on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, I'm shining a spotlight on incredible women who are reshaping how we think about food, sustainability, and culture.  The third woman I want you to meet is Chef Asantewaa E. L., a culinary powerhouse and advocate for food sustainability in San Antonio. As the founder of Food Horizons and the Secret Food Stories initiative, Chef Asantewaa is bridging gaps between food, culture, and community as the founder of Food Horizons and the Secret Food Stories initiative. Her work is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, the idea that we are all interconnected—a belief she brings to life through events, advocacy, and storytelling. Through the Secret Food Stories Festival, she's tackling food waste head-on with creative zero-waste recipes and community-driven discussions. Her advocacy stems from her South Sudanese upbringing, where food waste was never an option, and she now educates communities on making the most of their food. And beyond the kitchen, she's also making waves in the art world, showcasing her talents at the San Antonio Ethnic Arts Society's Women's Exhibition. Chef Asantewaa's work is more than just cooking—it's about creating a movement where food is a tool for sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Join me in celebrating her remarkable impact!

This Women's HERStory Month, I'm celebrating women who are using food to build community, preserve culture, and spark meaningful change. One of those incredible women is Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon , the founder and co-owner of Mingle + Graze, a cheese shop and eatery in downtown Chandler, Arizona, that is so much more than a place to eat—it's a space for connection, learning, and inclusion. Mahfam's journey from selling marinated olives at farmers' markets to pioneering grazing boards in the Phoenix area is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality. Drawing from her Iranian heritage and her husband's Chilean roots, she infuses her menu with flavors and traditions that tell stories of culture, migration, and home. Her commitment to sustainability, food safety, and inclusivity is evident in every aspect of her work—from composting and recycling efforts to strict allergen protocols at Mingle + Graze. But Mahfam's impact doesn't stop at her businesses. As the Board Chair for Chandler Sister Cities, a member of the Chandler Arts Commission and a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Phoenix Chapter, she fosters global connections and celebrates cultural diversity in her community. Mahfam is making HERstory by showing that food is more than sustenance—it's a bridge between cultures, a tool for empowerment, and a way to create a more inclusive world.

Women's HERStory Month on Eating at a Meeting This Women's HERStory Month, I'm celebrating trailblazing women who are reshaping the way we think about food, community, health, and inclusion on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. To kick it off, I'm talking with Denise Baron Herrera, Co-Founding Chef and Chief Culinary Officer for Burtons Grill & Bar and Red Heat American Tavern ! Denise is a powerhouse in culinary leadership, setting the gold standard for food safety, allergy awareness, and inclusive dining in the restaurant industry. Under her guidance, Burtons Grill has become one of the most allergy-friendly restaurant groups in the U.S., proving that dining out can be both delicious and safe for everyone. From pioneering strict food allergy protocols to mentoring rising chefs, Denise is not just making meals—she's making an impact. Beyond the kitchen, Denise is shaping the future of food service with her commitment to education, empowerment, and culinary excellence. Through her mentorship programs, groundbreaking food safety initiatives, and inspiring journey from executive chef to industry leader, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative restaurant experience.

To close out

This Black History Month, I sit down with my friend  Tie Whittaker, owner of Buttermilk Boutique. A professional pastry chef with over 13 years of experience, Tie blends her Southern roots and culinary expertise to create stunning pastries and elevated Afternoon Tea experiences that are redefining hospitality in North Carolina. Afternoon Tea may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Southern food, but Tie is transforming it into a space for nostalgia, storytelling, and exquisite flavors. Inspired by her grandmother Angel, whose baking was legendary in her community, Tie has turned family recipes into works of edible art, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. In this episode, we explore her journey from political science to pastry, how Afternoon Tea is more than just an event—it's an immersive experience that celebrates culture and connection—and what it takes to build a brand that blends luxury with legacy.  As a Black woman in pastry, Tie has carved her own path in an industry that hasn't always made space for chefs like her. Now, she's not just making room at the table—she's setting it with elegance and intention.

This is episode 300 of Eating at a Meeting! After five year and 300 episodes, one thing is clear—food and beverage are never just about what's on the plate. They're about safety, inclusion, transparency, and creating experiences where everyone feels valued. For this milestone episode, I'm bringing back some of the most insightful and impactful guests to unpack the biggest lessons we've learned about making food and beverages safer, more accessible, and more sustainable. Join me and Tess Vismale, Erin Malawar, Ewan Phillips, Suzanne Morrel, and Laurel J. Francoeur as we dive into: ✅ The biggest event F&B challenges we still need to fix ✅ Why transparency in ingredients, labeling, and service matters more than ever ✅ What event planners and venues must do to create safer dining experiences ✅ How food allergies, accessibility, and ADA compliance are evolving ✅ What's next for the future of food and beverage After 300 conversations, what have we learned? And where do we go from here? If you're an event planner, hospitality professional, or food service provider, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable takeaways to help you serve food and beverage that truly works for everyone.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour wasn't just a cultural phenomenon—it was also a showcase of unforgettable food and beverage experiences. For the last three U.S. stops and her grand finale in Vancouver, Sodexo Live! delivered the perfect menu to celebrate the end of an era, crafting mocktails and drinks as iconic as the music itself. This week, Tracy is thrilled to welcome Sam Stewart, Senior Director, Beverage Alcohol for Sodexo Live!, to talk about the magic behind those drinks and what event planners can learn from their success. From the themed beverages that struck the right chord with Swifties to the innovative strategies that turned mocktails into must-have menu items, this episode will be packed with insights. Sam will share:

Ready to go Behind the Plate? This week on Tracy chats with Sufi Karaien, Executive Chef at the San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCC), where he leads culinary operations for one of the busiest convention centers in the United States.  Chef Sufi is redefining event catering by incorporating innovative, plant-based dishes into large-scale menus that cater to diverse dietary needs. From portobello mushroom "pulled pork" to allergen-friendly creations, he balances creativity, safety, and practicality to serve groups as large as 4,000. If you're curious about how to elevate plant-based options alongside traditional dishes to create menus that wow every guest, this episode is for you! Don't miss Chef Sufi's expert insights!

Food safety isn't just about what's on the plate—it's about protecting everyone who gathers to share a meal. This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, join me as I chat with food safety expert Francine Shaw, CP-FS, FMP, about one of the most contagious viruses threatening events today: norovirus.    Francine's expertise spans the globe, with projects from Peru to Dubai. She's worked with household names like Target, Marriott, and McDonald's. From keynote stages to consulting with public health departments, Francine, founder and CEO of Savvy Food Safety, Inc., co-creator and co-host of Don't Eat POOP! A Food Safety Podcast, and author of “Who Watches the Kitchen,” has made it her mission to champion food safety in every corner of the industry.    With norovirus outbreaks on the rise, especially during the busy event season, it's a crucial topic for meeting planners. Did you know that norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, and direct contact? Unlike COVID-19, hand sanitizer alone won't cut it, so proper food safety protocols and cleaning measures are essential.    In this episode, we'll discuss:    How norovirus spreads and why it's so persistent.  ➤ Practical strategies for venues and planners to reduce risk—from the kitchen to the buffet line.  ➤ The key questions you need to ask your catering and venue partners to ensure safe practices.  ➤ Steps you can take to safeguard attendees and staff, including cleaning high-touch surfaces and promoting thorough handwashing.    Whether planning a corporate conference or a community gathering, this conversation will equip you with the tools to prioritize health, safety, and trust in your food and beverage experiences. Make food safety the backbone of every event, not an afterthought.   

Unity at the table is more than gathering people; it's about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Reflecting on my December commitment to make every table safe and welcoming, I recognize that intentionality isn't just an ideal—it's a responsibility and it requires action.  In this solo episode of Eating at a Meeting, Tracy discusses how we can take the lessons of 2024—like the importance of thoughtful inclusion and the courage to address tough conversations—and bring them to life in 2025. Stories like Dominique Brown's tragic passing due to a food allergy highlight the urgency of this work. From proactive food safety protocols to designing truly inclusive dining experiences, every choice we make as event planners and hospitality professionals has the potential to save lives and foster unity. Let's talk about what it takes to create spaces where no one is unintentionally excluded, how to address the hard conversations that inclusion often demands, and why every detail matters when it comes to food safety and unity at the table.  Together, we can ensure that 2025 is a year where our intentions shape real, meaningful change.

The way we eat, drink, and celebrate at events is evolving, and the numbers prove it. This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE — the first episode of 2025 —  I'm sitting down with Hugo Campbell, co-founder of Togather, to talk about their new report tracking food and drink trends at over 100 UK festivals attended by 10 million people in 2024.

David T. Stevens and I will recap the "Beyond the Bar" panel discussion he led and I participated in during IMEX at the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club in Las Vegas. During the discussion, we dove into the growing trend of non-alcoholic and wellness-focused events. We discussed everything from authentic mocktails to the importance of inclusivity in today's social and corporate gatherings. Whether you're sober or just health-conscious, it's about time we elevate our event experiences for everyone. 

I'm thrilled to welcome Psyche Williams-Forson, cultural food scholar and author of “Eating While Black: Food Shaming and Race in America,” to the podcast!

Tracy chats with Jami Paronto, Senior Global Account Director at HPN Global, about creating accessible food and beverage experiences for all attendees.    I met Jami at a recent event and was struck by some of the barriers she faced to simply participate. To enter the room, Jami, who uses a wheelchair, had to be taken outside in the rain to access an exterior door because the main entrance was a flight of stairs. Once inside, the challenges didn't stop—buffet tables were set too high for her to comfortably reach.    These moments are not uncommon, but they're entirely preventable with intentional planning. From entryways to buffets, accessibility is a key consideration for ensuring everyone feels valued and included at events.    Join us as we discuss what planners and venues can do to prioritize accessibility and create food and beverage experiences that truly welcome everyone.

How 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 allergies as both a legal and societal issue can promote safer, more equitable workplaces—upholding human rights and ensuring everyone feels empowered to participate fully. Together, we unpack the complexities of managing food allergies at work. DeAndra, drawing from her research and personal experiences—including those of her son—shares invaluable insights on increasing awareness and establishing robust legal frameworks. We discuss everything from legal precedents and workplace policies to actionable steps employers can take to foster an inclusive environment. Join us as we delve into the critical need for increased education, robust legal protections, and thoughtful workplace practices that not only address food allergies but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable professional environment. Whether you're an employer or an employee, this conversation offers a roadmap for creating safer spaces and ensuring that every meal—and every person—matters.

Did 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 Greenthal, Senior Policy Scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Eva has been leading the charge to ensure that what's in your glass is as clear as what's on your plate.    Eva will explain why mandatory allergen and ingredient labels on alcoholic beverages are long overdue. We'll also examine how the lack of transparency impacts food-allergic individuals, unpack the proposed regulations from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and explore how these changes could reshape how we drink and shop for alcohol.    If you've ever questioned what's really in your glass—or how we can create safer and more inclusive dining experiences—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Together, let's raise awareness and raise the bar for transparency! 

Tracy 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 down those barriers by providing crucial protections, empowering event planners, hotels, and venues to safely reduce food waste. Emily will share insights on navigating food donations, understanding liability protections, and implementing sustainable practices in events. From real-life examples of successful donation programs to her expertise on food waste policy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make their events more responsible and inclusive.

What 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 chefs available to answer questions, these insights highlight the critical steps that can make a difference. Whether it's the reassurance of detailed communication or the comfort of knowing every precaution has been taken, these perspectives offer practical guidance for fostering inclusivity and reducing anxiety at the table. Explore how thoughtful planning and communication can transform meals into safe and welcoming experiences for everyone. Every guest matters. Every meal matters.

Registered 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 discuss how event planners could provide safe, sustainable, and inclusive food choices, ensuring everyone could eat safely—without having to "sit out" due to dietary restrictions. Jessie also explains how her facility had shifted from using traditional, processed fats in patient nutrition to more natural, whole-food-based options—offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their food offerings. For those curious about how whole foods and thoughtful menus could boost attendee wellness and energy, that episode was a must-listen. Jessie also shared her perspective on whether breakfast truly was the most important meal of the day and how making the right food choices could elevate an event's impact. Together, we explored how the meals served might have been doing more harm than good—and what could be done to fix it.

On 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-generation farmer, Ali combines her deep-rooted understanding of farming with cutting-edge marketing strategies to help brands tell the story behind their ingredients.  Ali will share her insights on the importance of regenerative agriculture, how to reduce food loss and waste, and why telling the story of where our food comes from matters now more than ever. With a focus on transparency and sustainability, Ali will discuss how event professionals can bring a new level of intentionality to food and beverage, offering guests more meaningful and impactful dining experiences. Whether you're working behind the scenes in food service or planning the menus, this conversation will reshape how we think about F&B at events. Let's connect farms to tables, one meaningful meal at a time.

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 with inspiration to take your events to the next level. In under 20 minutes, learn how understanding cultural differences, incorporating local flavors, minimizing food waste, and even printing personalized cookies can transform your F&B strategy. You'll also hear about:

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 with inspiration to take your events to the next level. In under 20 minutes, learn how understanding cultural differences, incorporating local flavors, minimizing food waste, and even printing personalized cookies can transform your F&B strategy. You'll also hear about:

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 luxuries like aged champagne aligns perfectly with social standing values.

Tracy chats with renowned traveler and cultural connoisseur, Susheda Raval.

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.

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 the critical link between food safety and consumer empowerment, and how transparency not only ensures safety but also builds trust. We'll explore how initiatives like ZEGO's Purity Verification System are setting benchmarks for industry-wide transparency, giving consumers the knowledge and power to make informed decisions. This conversation is crucial for anyone involved in food service, hospitality, or simply interested in the safety of the food they consume. Discover the steps that can be taken to ensure that food products are not just consumable but also conducive to long-term health and well-being. Get insights into how demanding higher standards in food safety can lead to a healthier, more informed consumer base and a more accountable food industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that could change how you think about the food you eat and the brands you support.  #FoodSafetyAwarenessMonth #FoodSafety #HospitalitySafety #PublicHealth Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 landlord's accountability. What lessons can we learn from this tragic case? How will it shape the future of food allergy management in the hospitality and events industry? These are crucial questions that we'll delve into deeply. Tune in as we explore what needs to change to ensure safer and more inclusive dining experiences for everyone—because the safety and well-being of every guest should always come first. Be sure to tune in, share your thoughts, and join the conversation!   Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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. Tracy unpacks the global implications of this case, including Disney's controversial legal arguments and how it underscores the importance of allergy safety at events. She explores the critical aspects of liability in event contracts, effective communication of dietary restrictions, and the evolving landscape of food allergy regulations. From a shocking incident in the UK that exposed flaws in staff training to the impact of climate change on commodity crops and the importance of sustainable catering practices—this episode is packed with essential insights. Join Tracy as she connects these stories back to your role as an event planner, offering actionable tips and expertise to ensure your events are not only memorable but also safe and compliant. Tune in and learn how to navigate the complexities of managing food and beverages at your next event! Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 People's Kitchen of Philadelphia, an incredible initiative that provides free, nutritious meals while fostering community connections through gardening and education. From organizing events to inspiring change through food, Alethia is a powerhouse. Together, we'll dive into how The People's Kitchen emerged during the pandemic, its impact on food sovereignty, and how grassroots solutions are feeding bodies and souls alike. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the power of community, culture, and, of course, food. Tune in on Wednesday! Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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

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 share their secrets for using the power of food to create booth experiences that don't just attract attendees—they build trust and leave a lasting impression. We'll discuss how they've mastered crafting on-brand food and beverage experiences that increase dwell time and foster genuine connections with healthcare professionals. They'll also dive into their approach to strategic planning, seamless execution, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you're here at the convention or listening from wherever you are, this episode will be packed with insights and strategies to help you turn taste into trust and make your booth the one everyone's talking about.  Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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.

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:

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

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. 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.

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.

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, Amy's personal struggles have shaped not only her dietary choices and living arrangements but also her career trajectory. We delved into strategies for businesses to effectively connect with and serve this vital consumer base. Amy highlighted the financial benefits of transparency in ingredient labeling and improved accessibility measures, emphasizing the costly repercussions of neglecting these growing demographics. Our discussion uncovered industry misconceptions about food allergies, the divide between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, and the undisclosed realities of common food products. Amy's experiences, from navigating TSA checkpoints to sourcing safe baking ingredients, underscored the critical gaps in current industry practices. Amy's journey serves as a powerful example of how personal challenges can catalyze profound changes in the food industry, opening doors to a $19 billion market of allergy-conscious consumers. Together, we stressed the urgency of raising awareness and understanding across all sectors, ensuring a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with food allergies and celiac disease .

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 and her team sustainably grow, harvest, prepare, and enjoy food on-site, aligning closely with our deepest values of creating safe, sustainable, and inclusive food experiences. We'll delve into how these practices can inspire and transform the way meeting planners, hotels, and event venues approach food and beverage, making every event memorable and impactful.

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 groundbreaking work in environmental initiatives across some of the world's most iconic venues. With two decades of pioneering efforts, she has significantly reshaped how the live event industry addresses its ecological footprint. In our discussion, Lindsay shares her experiences from managing the sustainability program at Expo West, including the visually impressive “plastics rainbow” to effective strategies implemented there to dramatically reduce single-use plastics and explore the lasting effects of these initiatives. We'll also discover some practical tips and innovative solutions that you can implement to champion sustainability. Whether you're organizing a local workshop or a grand international conference, Lindsay's expertise will equip you with the tools to make eco-friendly and impactful decisions. Every meal and every event has the potential to contribute positively to our planet. As Earth Day approaches, let's unite to learn how we can transform the events industry into a force for environmental good. Listen to this episode so we can learn, adapt, and innovate together for a sustainable future.

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.