Beyond the alcohol-centric bar: the look and taste of inclusive hospitality

At your next reception, one of your guests will probably hear that question. Jen Veralle has built a movement around what it actually tells a guest: you're not quite part of this unless there's alcohol in your glass.

Jen is an event strategist, TEDx speaker, founder of the Mindful Drinking Movement and a third-time guest on the show. Her TEDx talk, Why We Should Rethink Drinking Culture, asks us to stop treating alcohol as the way in to networking, celebrating and belonging. She's joining me for a special Eating at a Meeting LIVE from the IMEX America show floor with Juanita Unger, founder of The NA Sommelier in Seattle. Juanita spent 12 years at a Seattle wine bar before designing NA beverage programs for restaurants, festivals and events, and she thinks a zero-proof drink deserves the same care as the wine list.

Two weeks ago, Derek Brown and Laura Silverman told us which alcohol-free drinks are worth pouring. This time we're looking at the room around them: the bar layout, the glassware, the words on the invitation, and how your bartender talks about what's being served.

It's Sober October, so plenty of your attendees are sitting this month out. Others don't drink for reasons they'll never share with you, and they shouldn't have to.

Planners, we'll talk about designing receptions and networking so nobody's participation depends on a drink. Hotels, caterers and venues, Juanita will get into menu design, staff training and how to price NA drinks so they earn their spot in your bar packages.

The next day, they lead an IMEX session and tasting. You get the preview. If you're at IMEX, come find us [show floor location].

Come watch LIVE and bring your questions. What's the best thing you've been handed at an event when you weren't drinking?

Every meal matters, and so does every toast.

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