Tracy Stuckrath, - Podcast Details

Shows

Eating at a MeetingRipped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your Next EventAfter 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...2024-10-1537 min

Eating at a MeetingCelebrating 4 Years of Eating at a MeetingJoin me, Tracy Stuckrath, as I celebrate 4 amazing years of the Eating at a Meeting podcast journey! 🎉✨ From starting the Eating at a Meeting Facebook group at the onset of the COVID pandemic and doing weekly Facebook lives to the evolution of this podcast, it's been an incredible ride. In this episode, I reflect on the impetus that kickstarted it all and the amazing community we've built together. 🌐💬 In this episode, I share stories from recent events I attended, including eye-opening experiences at a networking breakfast and insights gleaned from the Food Allergy Safety Summit. 🥓🍳 Discover the importance of inc...2024-06-1827 min

Eating at a MeetingBeyond Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusive Events🎙️ On this episode, I sit down with Cazoshay Marie, a professional speaker and disability advocate, sharing her powerful insights on the importance of inclusion in event planning and the business benefits of creating truly accessible experiences. 🎤 🤝 I met and interviewed her at Catersource where she was presenting an education session on the significance of inclusivity in events, not only from a compassionate standpoint but also as a strategic advantage for businesses. 💼 Her personal journey of living with disabilities after a life-changing event fuels her passion for making events more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. 🌈 Discover h...2024-05-2118 min

Eating at a MeetingEmbrace Your Heart: Eliz Greene Says Small Changes Make a Big Difference 2024-04-2358 min

Eating at a MeetingPrepare Your Palates for the Future: 2024 F&B TrendsTracy gathered a culinary dream team – Amber Kispert, Senior Content Producer from Catersource, Christopher Sanchez, Managing Partner of LUX Catering & Events, and Jennifer Bargisen, Senior Vice President – Culinary for Sodexo Live!. Together, we're unleashing the must-know food and beverage trends for 2024 that every hashtag#EventProf and hashtag#CateringProf needs to have on their radar. 🌐 What to Anticipate: 👉 Flavorful Forecasts: We will unravel the biggest culinary trends set to captivate taste buds in 2024. From innovative dishes to unique flavor profiles, get ready for a feast of fresh ideas! 👉 Sustainability in Sips and Bites: Discover...2024-03-2654 min

Eating at a MeetingSweet Cause, Sweeter Treats: Les Dames NC Holiday Cookie Sale SpecialIndulge your ears and sweet tooth in this extra-special episode of "Eating at a Meeting" with your host Tracy Stuckrath! 🍪✨ I sit down with two incredible guests, Chef Sera Cuni of Feed-Well Fridges and Chef Kristin McCarthy of Les Dames d'Escoffier - North Carolina Chapter (Did I mention I'm a Dame too?). Get ready for a heartwarming conversation that goes beyond the cookie jar. What we will cover in this Episode: 🍬 Unveiling the Secrets: Discover the inspiration behind the Les Dames NC Holiday Cookie Sale and the delicious art of creating sweet masterpieces. 🌍 Feed-Well M...2024-03-1929 min

Eating at a MeetingUnlocking Success: A Look Back on Lessons Learned at PCMA Canada East CICIn this episode, Tracy sits down with the PCMA Canada East Chapter Canadian Innovation Conference organizers, Natalie Marino, CMP, DES, Heather Reid, and Erica Orecchio, DES, to discuss how they managed the dietary needs of more than 250 attendees at the conference. They talk about the challenges of accommodating dietary restrictions and the importance of providing inclusive and transparent food options at events and conferences. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Accessibility is crucial: Accessibility should be a top priority and not an afterthought when planning events. From site visits to discussing dietary requirements with...2024-02-2743 min

Eating at a MeetingSavoring Savings: How to Navigate Rising Event F&B costs 2024-02-1350 min

Eating at a MeetingElevated Dining with One of the NationTo close out Food Safety Awareness Month, Tracy had the privilege of sitting down with the culinary sensation, Executive Chef Sarah Thompson, from Casa Playa at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Chef Sarah, renowned for her exceptional Mexican cuisine, brings a truly unique perspective to both the dining table and the kitchen. In this episode, she graciously shares her culinary journey and her unwavering commitment to creating dining experiences that are not only delicious but also safe, sustainable, and inclusive— all while managing her own celiac disease. Chef Sarah's culinary prowess adds an extraordinary tw...2023-12-1943 min

Eating at a MeetingHow to Use F&B at Events to Build Stronger Community 2023-11-2842 min

Eating at a MeetingFood & Beverage Trends for 2023Tracy takes a look at various reports that share the food and beverage trends for 2023. From specific food and beverage ingredients and products (CBD, dates, salts) to processes such as upcycling and cultivating meat as well as philosophies to be more intentional and purpose-driven, Tracy shares the leading food and beverage trends for individuals, organizations, and food service providers. Tune in to learn how and why to incorporate these trends into event, home, and space menus. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2023-03-2141 min

Eating at a MeetingLobbying for Systemic Change in Food ServiceElise Buellesbach was on stage at the 2022 FARE Food Allergy Summit when Tracy first heard her speak. She was getting the first-ever Young Leader Award for her work as a college student with food allergies and celiac disease to lobby and fight for systematic change on campus. As a student studying political science at American University, she's passionate about understanding the legislative process so she can help create systemic change for those who suffer from invisible disabilities (e.g. food allergies and celiac disease), in turn creating a more inclusive world. Listen as Tracy and...2023-01-1053 min

Eating at a MeetingAn Acre Farm on Top of a Convention CenterIn late October Tracy visited the Javits Center in New York City to tour their rooftop farm and learn how they are using their harvest to feed employees and event goers. In two different interviews, Tracy chats with the Executive Chef Niko Marinos for Culivated, the culinary arm of the Javits Center as well as Orion Ashmore, the farm manager at the Javits Center for Brooklyn Grange Farms. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2022-12-2735 min

Eating at a MeetingThe Importance of Indigenous Food TraditionsMonday, October 10, 2022 is Indigenous Peoples Day. To celebrate Native peoples throughout the US., Tracy chats with Chef Sean Sherman, co-owner of the restaurant Owamni (Minneapolis, MN) and founder of "The Sioux Chef", a company dedicated to revitalizing and reclaiming Native American cuisine. A member of the Ogalala Lakota Sioux tribe, Sherman is fervent about bringing indigenous food systems like wild food usage, land stewardship, and pre-colonial foods to the modern kitchen and dining table. He is doing something right. In June, Owamni was named Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the James Beard Foundation...2022-11-0843 min

Eating at a MeetingCatering...What the $@?^%Tracy has known Chef Todd Annis of Cru Catering for ~20 years when we were both in Atlanta - as a caterer and a corporate event planner. When I randomly found his podcast "Catering...WTF", I laughed, was amazed, and immediately reached out because the stories he shares about the behind-the-scenes of catering is important for hashtag#EventProfs to understand. Listen in as Tracy & Todd talk about THE question chefs hate to answer, how business is booming but staffing is scarce, tastings, dietary needs and more. This will be a LIVELY conversation on the role caterers have in...2022-10-1851 min

Eating at a MeetingEqual Eats & College DiningA Special Food Allergy Awareness Week Episode First 30 minutes: Kyle Dine and his family love to travel. But dining out while traveling can be hard when he has allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, egg, and mustard and his wife has celiac disease. He started his company Equal Eats after having a full-blown anaphylactic reaction in a European restaurant because the tree nut cashew got lost in translation between him and the waiter. Something that can and does easily happen every day. Tracy and Kyle talk about the what the term "Equal Eats" means to...2022-05-311h 12

Eating at a MeetingAlpha Gal Syndrome - the "Meat Allergy"Food Allergy Awareness Week Epsiode Due to successive tick bites, Amanda Warren became allergic to all mammalian meats (meat allergy); developed a secondary allergy to milk, cheeses, animal byproducts and carrageenan, as well as airborne lipid and particle reactivity. The Alpha Gal Syndrome diagnosis upended Amanda's personal food world. As a School Nutrition Director, chef, and educator, it changed how she feeds thousands of kids every day, and brought to mind thoughtful concerns around allergy management, food labeling, and our food system. Join Tracy and Amanda during Food Allergy Awareness Week as they discuss what...2022-05-1950 min

Eating at a MeetingWhat Allergy? An Action Plan For Living with Life-Threatening AllergiesLiving with one or multiple life-threatening allergies is not an easy thing to do, whether it is someone you care for or yourself. You have to read labels. A lot of labels, all the time, and over and over. You have to ask a lot of questions of others about how they prepared food and what's in the food. It can be terrifying, relentless and exhausting. And, every aspect of life seems to be driven and controlled by them. Ruth Holroyd is allergic to many things — nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, latex, nickel, dust, pollen — and has been to t...2022-05-1752 min

Eating at a MeetingBridging the Gap - From Food Allergy Diagnosis to Real LifeWhen a person gets diagnosed with a food allergy they often leave the office with not much more information than that diagnosis. Navigating life after the doctor’s office feels overwhelming. That is where Kristin Osborne, founder of The Prioritized Group, comes in. As a trained disability advocate and mom to three boys with multiple life threatening food allergies, she gets it. With over 13 years of food allergy management and disability advocacy, she has helped her clients gain services and accommodations entitled to children in school. Listen as Tracy and Kristin discuss what it...2022-05-1244 min

Eating at a MeetingMay is Food Allergy & Celiac Disease Awareness MonthLet's talk about food allergies and celiac disease. May is the month dedicated to learning about them even though we should be doing it all year long. In this episode Tracy talks about what food allergies and celiac disease are, things to consider when planning menus for guests with those dietary needs, and how to plan for them in meeting and event food and beverage experiences. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2022-05-1023 min

Eating at a MeetingEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion: How does it Relate to Event Catering?How does equity, diversity, and inclusion relate to event catering? Tune into Eating at a Meeting LIVE on Wednesday when Tracy chats with Zoe (pronounced ZOH) Moore, an independent equity, diversity, and inclusion consultant in the hospitality, events and tourism industries. Hint...DEI (and belonging) have a lot to do with event catering. From staffing in the front and back of house to vendor sourcing, service methods to what's being served, inclusive food and beverage experiences are opportunities to invite people to learn, celebrate and honor diversity as well as create a sense of belonging. ...2022-05-0351 min

Eating at a MeetingGetting to the Heart of the MatterIn this special 2-part episode to kick off American Heart Month and Black History Month, Tracy is chatting with Valda Ford, a Registered Nurse and Public Health expert and Chef Author Jennifer Hill Booker. In the first 30 minutes, Tracy and Valda are going to talk about how and why she works tirelessly to find answers to complex questions if it will enable some person or some group to have a better experience - especially one that enhances their quality of life or access to care. Plus, how she changed a health scare with food. Then...2022-04-191h 00

Eating at a MeetingCreating Plant-based Affairs to RememberRich Wilner, a native New Yorker, is the General Manager of AFFAIRS to REMEMBER, the Atlanta-based #catering and #eventproduction company with strong passions for delicious food, unforgettable events, sustainable practices, and community involvement. He is a 30+ year veteran of the #hospitalityindustry, as well as of living a #plantbased lifestyle. He thinks — actually knows from experience — that server quality and innovative, tasty products that happen to meet the objective of plant-based practices, can benefit people, the planet and business profit. Having grown up in a kosher household with a mother who is an amazing cook, and shar...2022-04-1243 min

Eating at a MeetingAdvocating for Healthy Food Traditions to Change Communities & Transform LivesThis is a special Women's HERstory month edition Tracy does every March. National City has one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in San Diego County and in the state of California. To help women seeking healthier diets in National City, a 7-week nutrition program called Cooking for Salud® was designed in 2012 with the goal of empowering families to take control of their health through the foods that they eat and prepare at home. It has become a Latina-led movement to raise the health, wellbeing, and resilience of the community with its graduates — Kitchenistas® — advocating, educat...2022-04-0848 min

Eating at a MeetingPromoting an Overall Better Quality of Life Through FoodThis is a special Women's HERstory month edition Tracy does every March. With a passion for global cooking and holistically nourishing the body through food, Chef Elizabeth Johnson, by way of her restaurant Pharm Table, shares plant-forward meals that are locally sourced, globally inspired, and promote an overall better quality of life. With her rich and unique background in multi-disciplinary studies like Anthropology, Culinary Arts, and Ayurvedic medicine, she has a deep understanding the healing capacity food offers us. Join Tracy as she talks to Chef Elizabeth with "arguably the only anti-inflammatory restaurant of its kind" about...2022-04-0743 min

Eating at a MeetingIt's On UsThis is a special Women's HERstory month edition Tracy does every March. Aliza Tuttle is combining her own personal experiences with food. Growing up volunteering with her grandma in the local soup kitchen, studying food systems and urban studies in college to understand the systemic issues that affect food and inequality, and personally experiencing food insecurity and time poverty — to help build community and help the economy through food. As a volunteer with the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition's Food Action Team during the early days of the pandemic she helped start a group that used crowd funding to bu...2022-04-0545 min

Eating at a MeetingThe Necessary Ingredients for an Abundant LifeSera Cuni is a classically trained chef who grew up in a family of self-taught cooks who enthusiastically embraced their Italian and Czech heritages. She also learned early in life that the sharing a home-cooked meal together every evening was a necessary ingredient for an abundant life. Now as chef owner of The Root Cellar, she has built her career around feeding people and feels especially compelled to provide nourishment to those in need. Join Tracy and Sera today, Wednesday, March 23 at 12PM as they talk about her commitment to ending hunger in Pittsboro, North Carolina and help those...2022-03-3137 min

Eating at a MeetingEating Your Way Across New JerseyBack in April 2016, SAVEUR said New Jersey was "the unsung hero state of American eating." From Taylor Ham to Jersey Sloppy Joes, Trenton Tomato Pie (pizza) to Boardwalk Lemonade & Fries, Pechter's Rye Bread to Cranberries, blueberries and tomatoes, magazine deemed the Garden State is "the most edible state" with a rich, diverse, and passionate food culture. But you do not need to tell that to Kathleen Carozza, Alessia Aron or Liz Pacelli, food tour owner operators and co-founders of the New Jersey Food Tour Trail Collaborative. These women, along with four others, banded together when the pandemic...2022-03-2945 min

Eating at a MeetingInspiring People to Think Critically About Where their Food ComesAs a toddler, this week's Women's HERStory month honoree studied her Persian grandma’s movements in her kitchen while she deftly tossed in spices to stews that cooked for hours until the meat was so tender it slipped off a fork, rehearsing an act long practiced and learned from her own mother. Today, Tala Ahmadi is inspiring people in Accra, Ghana (and across Africa) to think critically about where their food comes from, how it is processed, and the effects it has on their health, and the planet. Through her work as a CEO of a small ur...2022-03-2443 min

Eating at a MeetingAmplifying Black CulinariansAfter years of participating/attending food and beverage festivals and not seeing themselves represented, restaurateurs Subrina and Chef Gregory Collier decided to start their own. Eighteen months later the Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival was born, celebrating Black culture. "highlighting the richness of Black culinary traditions and advancing Black cuisine in innovative ways." Listen in as Tracy is chats with them at the beginning of Women's History Month about how they were inspired by women in their own families. Useful Links www.leahandlouise.com https://www.facebook.com/leahandlouise https://instagram.com...2022-03-221h 07

Eating at a Meeting122: Foods that Heal: Highlighting the Value Local FoodAs an Ecuadorian anthropologist, writer, and filmmaker Pilar Eguez Guevara uses her independent food education and media company to highlight the value in the local knowledge about food. Carried and preserved by elders through food traditions, she create spaces of belonging through the empowerment that comes from the access to knowledge about the value of traditional foods. Join Tracy and Pilar as they discuss how understanding and respecting traditional food knowledge is a way to re-generate or recover a sense of belonging, self-appreciation, pride and self-worth through our cultural traditions. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting...2022-03-1746 min

Eating at a MeetingWomen's HERstory Month — Creating Meaningful Experiences with ProduceTo kick off Women's HERstory month, Tracy is chatting with Jamie Gonzalez, aka the “Puta De La Fruta," who has, since 2020, partnered with over 50 organizations to distribute more than 3 million pounds of food. With the mantras “Everybody Eats” and “Cultivating Community” she is using her voice and her experience to help people find pathways to quality, affordable, and healthful food choices. Her professional and philanthropic feeding efforts — and actions — are creating private-public partnerships that show there are better ways to feed people, while promoting accessibility, supporting an equitable food system and the economic stability of local food economies, and creating meani...2022-03-0855 min

Eating at a MeetingPlant-based & Flavor ForwardWho says that eating plant-based cannot have flavor? I am sure there are a lot of people who do, but not Chef Robin Asbell. A vegetarian since 1980, Robin is the least preachy veg-head you know. Most of her friends are omnivores and she cooks meat for her private clients. She is more into living it than talking about it at parties and really believes that teaching people to enjoy eating more plants and less meats is going to have a bigger impact than pushing strict rules on people. Fun Fact: Robin is probably the first chef to teach Tracy...2022-03-0135 min

Eating at a MeetingLIVE from PCMA Convening Leaders - What's on the MenuComing Live from Las Vegas on the final day of PCMA Convening Leaders, Tracy reports on what she saw and heard about food and beverage at the convention, around town, and through the convention partners who are showcasing their cities. Tracy covers presentation styles, labeling, room sets, and ancillary events. She even takes a tour around the main area of the show so you can see how it is set-up. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2022-02-2232 min

Eating at a MeetingPassion for the PlanetKicking off the 2022 talking about and celebrating veganism and how it can help us be better stewards for our planet. Who better to help me do this than Veganethical food advisor Chantal Cooke . Her 30+ years as an environmental journalist, founder of UK's only ethically focused radio station PASSION for the PLANET, a long time vegetarian/vegan, she is a wealth of knowledge to start the year and Veganuary. Tune in to listen as Chantal and Tracy chat about why moving to plant-based eating so important, how we can make it easier for caterers to meet the needs of vegetarians...2022-02-1554 min

Eating at a MeetingCreating a Global Food Program Good for the PlanetTo truly create safe, inclusive, and sustainable food experiences, we must take into account all the other human and non-human inputs along the food supply chain. Using their experience running a global corporate food program and their appreciation and advocacy for local and sustainable food system, McKenzie Phelan and Meghan Shellenberg founded Foodmuse. Through their food and beverage design agency they help organizations create dining programs that are connected to their local food systems while addressing other inputs in the supply chain. Join Tracy on Wednesday, December 1 at 12PM when she chats with McKenzie and Meghan on how to and...2022-02-0845 min

Eating at a MeetingSafety + Inclusion = RevenueWhat do you get when you provide a safe dining experience for someone with food allergies? An inclusive experience in which everyone can enjoy a meal with together without anyone going hungry. If you are a #foodservice outlet or an #event, adding those two types of experiences together — safety + inclusion — you gain potential for increasing your revenue. You see, individuals with #foodallergies and other dietary needs are VERY loyal. Debbie Bruce, founding member and current Director of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI), can attest to that herself. For the past 30+ years she has collaborated with community partners, busi...2022-02-0143 min

Eating at a MeetingEvent Food & Beverage ContractsWhen contacting a hotel or other venue to hold a meeting/event there is usually a food and beverage (F&B) contract clause that stipulates the group must spend a minimum amount of money on F&B during the event, providing a source of revenue for the venue. And, if the group doe not generate the contracted amount, it will responsible for making up the difference. These are "standard" clauses, if you're in the industry. But what is the standard now after/during the pandemic? What has to be negotiated as it relates to food and beverage sourcing? What about...2022-01-2548 min

Eating at a MeetingHow to be Savvy with Food Safety at EventsDid you know that in the US alone, 48 million people get and 3,000 people die from a foodborne illness each year? Some of these illnesses cause lifelong ramifications or potentially death. The problem is, no one cares until it affects them personally. To help spread awareness on the importance of compliance and ethics related to food safety, in this week's Eating at a Meeting LIVE, Tracy chats with food safety expert Francine Shaw, Founder/CEO of Savvy Food Safety. Listen as Tracy and Francine discuss why basic food safety should be important to everyone and what are the most typic...2022-01-0446 min

Eating at a MeetingCreating a Stellar Food & Beverage EventHotel catering menus are pretty standard. You have your choice of this breakfast or that. Lunch and dinner choose from chicken, beef or fish with salad and dessert. Bonni Scepkowski was never one to follow the standard rules of meeting. She never met a menu she couldn’t improve. As you know, food is more than ‘lunchtime’ — it’s an integral part of the experience and should be woven into the fabric of the program, reflecting your audience's demographics, culture and vibe of the program. Part of our role is to nourish our guests — not just intellectually, but physically as well. Why...2021-12-2844 min

Eating at a MeetingA Catch of a ChefI had the opportunity to interview Chef Keith Rhodes of Catch restaurant (Wilmington, NC) for a Meetings Today article I wrote on the Cuisine of the Coastal Carolinas earlier this year. His knowledge of and ideology behind cooking fresh, healthy, seasonal meals and living a sustainable lifestyle comes from his deep roots to the Carolina coastal community. While he supports local purveyors, fishermen, and farmers, he also is committed to giving back and serving his local community. In this episode Chef Rhodes and Tracy will continue our conversation about sustainable, healthy coastal cuisine, while also touching on the fact...2021-12-2151 min

Eating at a MeetingEvents Industry Council Sustainability StandardsIn this final session recorded at IMEX America 2022, Tracy chats with Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability at MGM Resorts International and Mariela McIlwraith, Vice President Sustainability and Industry Advancement at Events Industry Council. https://www.linkedin.com/in/yalmazsiddiqui/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielamcilwraith/ Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-12-1438 min

Eating at a Meeting107: Enhancing Dining Experiences Born out of Necessity But With IngenuityThis episode is the second of three recorded at IMEX America. Tracy is chatting with Mark Cooper, CEO and Sean Anderson, Global Board President of IACC, an international collection of 400 small to mid-size conference, training and meeting venues that specialize in meetings and events. Listen in as Tracy, Mark and Sean talk about food and beverage trends. From QR codes for each person's dietary needs, food waste and food safety to redesigning dining environments, evaluating a food service partners and how accelerating investment in desing are good for people, business and the planet. Be committed to the venue and...2021-12-0739 min

Eating at a MeetingIMEX America's Sustainability EffortsLIVE from IMEX America 2021 in Las Vegas, Tracy chats with Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director for IMEX Group and Eric Wallinger, Director of Sustainability at MeetGreen on the sustainability efforts that IMEX Group has championed at the meetings industry's largest exhibition. Learn the steps taken and the milestones reached over the last 10 years in regards to reducing the show's carbon footprint. Useful Links IMEX America — https://www.imexamerica.com/ MeetGreen — https://meetgreen.com/ Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-11-2345 min

Eating at a MeetingCultivating MushroomsI met Kyle Winfrey and Austin Roper a few months ago when visiting the New Bern (NC) Farmers Market. Through Urbia Farms they were selling mushrooms. And, they were selling big white blocks for customers like me to grow mushrooms on their own kitchen counter. What?!?!? That's right. In this episode of Eating at a Meeting LIVE, Tracy chats with both of them about why mushrooms and why and how can they and I grow mushrooms inside. Are mushrooms — fungi — a food that can save the world? Useful Links https://www.instagram.com/urbi...2021-11-0234 min

Eating at a MeetingFood Laws — Current & New — Impacting Meeting MenusSince COVID-19 hit, there has been a greater emphasis on food safety — at home, in the grocery stores, restaurants, and at #meetingsandevents. Guests/attendees want to know what’s in the food, how it is prepared, and how it will be delivered or served. While the US Food Code (and state food codes) provides guidelines on how food should be prepared and handled, there are other rules and regulations — current and forthcoming — pertaining to the labeling of foods that we should all be aware of. Listen as Tracy chats with Jen Jobrak, a nationally recognized food all...2021-10-2651 min

Eating at a MeetingCreating Inclusive Neurodiverse Food & Beverage EventsPeople don't eat or drink at events for a variety of reasons: food allergies, religious, moral, personal, disability, pregnancy, mental health, etc. Haley Moss says (and I agree) that "they shouldn't always feel pressured to disclose why or feel they have to opt out of socializing!" because of their need. Menus and environments should be designed so they are able to participate. As an attorney, neurodiversity expert, author, speaker and educator who is also autistic, Haley speaks to and consults top organizations seeking guidance in creating a diverse workplace. Her accomplishments and commitment to advocating...2021-10-1246 min

Eating at a MeetingCelebrating National Goat Cheese MonthDid you know August was National Goat Cheese Month. Who knew!?! To celebrate, Tracy chatted with passionate goat farmer Mary Rigdon of Decimal Place Farm located in southeast Atlanta, GA. While the history of goat cheese goes back 9000 years to Ancient Greece, self-taught cheese-maker Mary has been making it for 26 years when she first acquired Decimal Place Farm and two goats. Since 2008, her commercial cheese has been consistently lauded and used by some of Atlanta best chefs and restaurants. She says that tending to the goats is "not so much a job as a lifestyle.” Join us as...2021-10-0551 min

Eating at a MeetingPower of the PalateHow would you describe your gastronomic palate (tastebuds)? How did it develop — family recipes, trying new foods, TV commercials, exploring other cultures, travel? Has your palate shifted your opinion, appreciation, and/or outlook on the world, other cultures, friendships, business? Kathiana LeJeune, author of the new book "The Power of the Palate," is a gastrodiplomatic thought leader and culinary enthusiast who is enthralled by the ways food can serve as a means of unity across cultural differences. Listen in as Tracy chats with Kathiana about how powerful our palates are and how they can shift pe...2021-09-2848 min

Eating at a MeetingProsecutor to Gluten-free Person of the DecadeDespite obvious differences, Jules Shepard sees the work she used to do (prosecuting domestic violence crimes) and what she does now (owning a hashtag#glutenfree flour and mixes company), as fundamentally the same. "At the end of the day I feel good about what I have done to help others and I derive positive energy from my work." It has been 22 years since she was first diagnosed with celiac disease. Since then she has been on a mission to help others who live gluten free by necessity, live an easier, better tasting life. Tune as Tracy chats...2021-09-1456 min

Eating at a MeetingNancy Sutta Berns & Deborah ShapiroWith two major Jewish holidays happening in September — Rosh Hashanah (Sept 6-8) and Yom Kippur (15-16), Tracy chats with meeting planner Nancy Sutta Burns and Marketing, Merchandising and Operations Strategy executive Deborah Shapiro about "Convening Kosher". Nancy and Deborah share their personal and professional knowledge about eating kosher and celebrating Jewish rituals as well as why it's important for planners and event hosts to refer to all religious holiday calendars before scheduling meetings, how to meet the needs of attendees who eat kosher, what kosher certifications mean and so much more. Nancy Sutta Berns — https://www.linkedin.com/i...2021-09-0754 min

Eating at a MeetingHow Food is CultureThe Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) was founded in 2004 by Liz Williams, who wanted a place where the intersection between culture and food could be studied. Through exhibits, classes, library, entrepreneurships, and podcast, Liz, SoFAB and the National Food & Beverage Foundation are dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of food, drink and its related culture and folklife in America and the world. Liz joins Tracy for this Eating at a Meeting episode to discuss how food and beverage are culture. Links www.southernfood.org https://www.facebook.com/liz.williams.75873708/ 2021-08-2449 min

Eating at a MeetingThe Black Tie Experience — No Matter What You Eat or Don't EatBob Pacanovsky knows catering. He also knows customer service. With 25+ years of experience in the hospitality industry, he is going to chat with Tracy about how both Service Excellence and Hospitality are needed to separate yourself from your competition, especially when it comes to serving food and beverage at events and meetings. His expertise helps planners, caterers and organizations improve the skills of the staff, retain and earn new customers and improve the bottom line. Connect with Bob www.BobPacanovsky.com https://www.facebook.com/BobPacanovskyBlackTie https://www.instagram.com/black_tie_experience/ https://twitter...2021-08-1752 min

Eating at a MeetingManaging the Minutia of Event Menus and an Autoimmune DiseaseJennifer Johnson, general manager of The Johnson Meetings Group, LOVES her job helping clients achieve their meeting and event vision, including what they eat. With 25+ years of experience planning small, intimate gatherings to full-blown conferences across the US and internationally, she has planned her fair share of events and managed the minutia of menus for a variety of dietary needs, including her own. Join Tracy & Jennifer as they talk about how she manages Hashimoto's Disease, gluten intolerance and having to avoid raw cruciferous vegetables (oral allergy syndrome) while helping create special events for her clients. ...2021-08-0343 min

Eating at a MeetingBlueberries, Strawberries, Oh My!For June — fresh fruits and vegetable month — Tracy chats with James Beard Award winning cookbook author and chef Cynthia Graubart who recently published two cookbooks using blueberries and strawberries. With both savory and sweet recipes (food and drink), Tracy and Cynthia talk about the simplicitiy of her recipes, the history of both fruits and how to enjoy these summer treats in a variety of ways. www.cynthiagraubart.com Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-07-2742 min

Eating at a MeetingCelebrating Independence & FreedomWhat does independence and freedom mean when it comes to Eating at a Meeting? Tracy talks about how to create dining experience that give every guest the opporunity to independently and freely eat at an event. Useful Links https://thrivemeetings.com/2018/07/celebrating-independence/ https://thrivemeetings.com/2020/07/celebrating-independence-in-2020-food-insecure/ Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-07-2027 min

Eating at a MeetingInclusive: The New Exclusive in Food ServiceHeather Landex is Food Safety Expert, Inclusivity Consultant & Trainer for Restaurants & Food Service Industry in Denmark and across the European Union. In her new book, Inclusive: The New Exclusive in Food Service How the Food service Industry Can Stop Leaving Money on the Table," she talks about how to earn more revenue while reducing risk. In this episode, Tracy and Heather chat about ways meeting professionals and food service providers can create more inclusive dining experiences so everyone can eat. Useful Links www.heatherlandex.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherlandex1 https://www.instagram.com/heatherlandex...2021-07-1350 min

Eating at a MeetingHow to Host a Virtual Cocktail & Tasting EventCocktail and tasting events are important aspects of many events. Now that we've been virtual for a year, what are the best practices for doing them online with attendees from all over the world? How can we ensure those who don't drink alcohol or have dietary needs are included. Join Tracy as she chats with Nicole Hassoun and Thy Parra, founders of Cocktail Curations, about how they have combined their mastery in mixology, culinary arts, spirits, and event planning to create safe, inclusive, delicious and fun virtual food and beverage experiences. Connect with Tracy: facebook...2021-07-0639 min

Eating at a MeetingDon Ross, VP Operations for Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas RegionTracy sits down with Don Ross, Vice President of Operations for Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Region just as MPI WEC kicks off. Listen in as they chat about his role, the new Caesars Forum. Useful Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-ross-9665a78/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/caesars-entertainment-inc/ https://www.facebook.com/CaesarsMeetings https://www.instagram.com/caesarsmeansbusiness/ Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-06-2943 min

Eating at a MeetingHow Choosing to Go Vegan Changed HerLearn how swimming champion, author & competitive performance expert Deborah Gardner's life, body, and taste buds change after she and her husband went on a vegan diet. Tracy and Deborah talk about poop, eating vegan on the road, and much more. Useful Links https://www.deborahgardner.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgardner1/ https://www.facebook.com/deborah.gardner01 https://twitter.com/deborahgardner https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKinLWENPhAOfnWsFdqFDW A Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-06-2237 min

Eating at a MeetingCrafting Inclusive Beverage ExperiencesDiscover how beverages, just like food, can be a mechanism to creating inclusive experiences in our homes and events! In this episode, Tracy speaks with bartender and the original "Cocktail Guru," Jonathan Pogash, who is committed to sparking creativity and keeping our spirits up with irresistible drinks that appeal to all. Tracy and Jonathan will be chatting about how to shake, muddle and stir refreshing and delicious mocktails and elixirs that can connect people. Whether serving zero proof or 100 proof, gatherings come alive when great drinks are flowing. Useful Links www.thecocktailguru.com www.facebook...2021-06-0840 min

Eating at a MeetingNegotiating Food & Beverage for EventsClaire Gould has been planning culinary events for major companies such as Delta Airlines, IBM, Coca Cola, and Kimberly Clark, helping meeting hosts decide what guests are going to eat, as well as gives advice on food and beverage choices negotiations and presentations. In this episode, Tracy and Claire chat about best practices to feeding everyone. They talk about dietary needs, the importance of knowing your group and catering history. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-06-011h 01

Eating at a MeetingTracy Reviews a Catered EventTracy recently attended a conference in person. Listen to her talk about two food and beverage functions she attended. How accessible they were. Labeling, Consistency of presentation and accessibility. Check out the thrive! meetings & events blog (thrivemeetings.com/blog) for all of the photos she talks about in the episode. Join the Eating at a Meeting Facebook group to share your comments and input on what she talked about. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-05-2751 min

Eating at a Meeting78: The Celiac ProjectAfter years of struggling with a series of "mystery aliments" before finally being diagnosed with Celiac Disease at age 40, Michael Frolichstein was shocked to learn that this auto-immune disease, which affects 1% of the US population, is 83% undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Join Tracy to celebrate Celiac Disease Awareness Month as she chats with the documentary filmmaker on his journey to meet others who have celiac, get answers from experts, and advance the conversation and raise awareness about the disease. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-05-2546 min

Eating at a MeetingHow to Feed a Kid (And Adults)Chef Asata Reid MPH, MS Ed., knows a thing or two about feeding kids. She has several of her own, but she has been teaching kids about food for more than a decade. In her new book. How to Feed a Kid: A Parent's Guide she peels apart the complexities of "picky eating" and provides practical information to troubleshoot specific topics or challenges that are fairly common in each family and every kid. In this conversation, Tracy and Asata also discuss how some of her guidance can be applied to feeding attendees at meetings and for aging parents. 2021-05-2050 min

Eating at a MeetingFood Allergies - A Doctor's Perspective for Food Allergy Awareness MonthTo celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Month, Tracy chats with Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital about precautionary allergen labeling (e.g., may contain), racial differences in food allergy reactions and management, and the recently passed FASTER Act, which named sesame the top 9th allergen in the US and puts a focus on food allergy research. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-05-1147 min

Eating at a MeetingMay is Food Allergy Awareness and Celiac Disease Awareness MonthMay is Food Allergy Awareness and Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Listen in as Tracy shares some basic statistics and facts about food allergies and celiac disease and the line-up of speakers for the month-long celebration. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com 2021-05-0618 min

Eating at a MeetingProviding Peace of Mind with a Gluten and Dairy-free MenuAfter one nightmarish night in his restaurant back in 2015, on his way home Chef Dominic Teague of One Aldwych Hotel asked himself "Why is it so tough?" With one special dietary request after another there has got to be a better way. There was...convert the menu of the top class, high level restaurant to be completely gluten and dairy free. Listen as Tracy and Chef Dominic talk about how that change helped increase sales by 25% in 3 months and employee satisfaction to 89%. The change went with chef's and the hotel’s philosophy of health and wellbeing. The episode is on...2021-05-0432 min

Eating at a MeetingCreating Earthy-friendly Eating ExperiencesWould you have ever thought that the food and beverage ordered for your event could impact the environment? When I first became a planner 30 years ago...no way. It never crossed my mind nor was it discussed by my bosses. Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental issues, prompted the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that same year. Twenty years later, Earth Day was a global event celebrated by more than 140 countries. Today, more than 75,000 partners in over 190 countries work together to drive positive action for our planet. In...2021-04-2246 min

Eating at a MeetingWelcome to Eating at a MeetingTracy Stuckrath launches the Eating at a Meeting podcast, explaining how she got here and what she will focusing on with the interviews and information provided in each show. Through authentic stories that illustrate the financial, social, emotional, and mental impact food and beverage have on individuals, organizations, and the earth, Eating at a Meeting will explore 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.2020-08-2711 min