Event & Meeting Professionals Episodes

If you think dietary management is only about collecting meal preferences on a registration form, think again. This episode reveals how a collaborative UK task force is transforming the way events keep guests safe—from implementing legal dietary definitions to ensuring a trained champion is always on hand. You’re responsible for 60 events a year, each with members, children, and high‑stakes dietary risks. Hear why UK organizers say it’s time to put egos aside—and put attendee safety first.

As we honor Black History Month’s centennial in 2026, I sat down with two powerhouse guests, Zoe Moore and Diane Brown, to discuss how event design can truly honor Black culture and community. Zoe, an Army veteran, certified diversity practitioner, and founder of Grow with Zomo, brings her expertise on turning DEI statements into measurable action. Diane leads Derby Brown Productions, crafting high-touch experiences for global brands with culture at the heart. In this episode, we dig into what Black History Month means right now in our socially and politically charged climate, why compassion and intentionality are more important than ever, and how evolving language shapes our industry. We share stories about navigating the “tightrope” of equity, the hesitations organizations face, and why prioritizing people over terminology matters. We don't just talk policy—we celebrate heritage at the table. Zoe and Diane offer practical advice for planners honoring Black history through food…

Why does a crab cake taste right in Maryland—but not everywhere else? Because food is inseparable from place, people, and story. And that truth is reshaping how meetings and incentive programs approach food and beverage. Recorded live at IMEX, this conversation with Catherine Chaulet, CEO and founder of Global DMC Partners, explores how rising costs, evolving guest expectations, and cultural awareness are driving a shift away from oversized buffets toward more intentional dining experiences. As food and beverage inflation continues to outpace other event costs, planners are being challenged to deliver quality, inclusion, and sustainability on tighter budgets. Catherine shares what DMCs are seeing globally: fewer buffets, stronger chef partnerships, less alcohol, and more emphasis on food as a cultural connector. From harvesting honey onsite to learning the story behind a traditional tagine, this episode shows how thoughtful menu design helps guests connect—one meal at a time.…

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!

🥧 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...

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...