Event Planning Episodes

As event planners, we know that food and beverage is rarely just a line item—it’s an experience, a connector, and sometimes a challenge. In this week’s Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I’m gathered a group of event planners — Janet C. Hoppenstein, CMP, Shannon Ryan, CMP, and Julie Wong, CMP — for an open conversation about how they navigate ordering F&B for their events: what guides their decisions, what concessions or compromises they make, and how they think about the attendee experience when planning menus. We’ll talk about: ▶︎ How budget, inclusivity, sustainability, and logistics come into play ▶︎ What they wish venues and caterers understood better ▶︎ How attendee expectations are changing—and how planners are adapting Whether you’re a planner yourself or part of a catering or venue team, this conversation will offer insights that can help you deliver better, more thoughtful food and beverage at your next event. Join me and bring your own questions or stories to the chat!

Tracy welcomes UK-based event professional Clare Beach, Managing Director of Azura Events and passionate advocate for inclusive event planning. Drawing from her lived experience as a gluten-free, neurodivergent attendee, Clare shares eye-opening stories—from disheartening event meals to forming a UK-based dietary task force—that highlight why gluten-free accommodations at events are a responsibility, not just a preference. Together, Tracy and Clare examine where communication often breaks down between attendees, planners, and caterers, discuss the need for staff education, and explore actionable solutions for making events both welcoming and truly inclusive for all dietary needs. Gain practical tips to improve menu transparency, foster attendee trust, reduce food waste, and make “everyone eats” a reality at conferences and gatherings.

🥧 In this episode, Tracy introduces you to Valentina Ruffoni, the founder of Beyond the Event and the PIE network. 🍴✨ With a passion for transforming typical gatherings into memorable experiences, Valentina dives deep into the culinary...