Episodes

Nov. 5, 2024

277: The Power of Pie: Connecting and Collaborating Through Culinary …

🥧 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...

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Oct. 29, 2024

276: Empowering Consumers with Safe Food Choices: The Path to Purity …

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...

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Oct. 22, 2024

275: Disney Food Allergy Case: Legal Viewpoints re: Events Before It …

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...

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Oct. 15, 2024

274: Ripped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your N…

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...

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Oct. 8, 2024

273: Empowering Communities: The Transformative Role of Food Justice…

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...

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Oct. 1, 2024

272: Exclusive Insights: Lessons on Event Food Waste, Labeling, and C…

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...

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Sept. 24, 2024

271: Turning Taste into Trust_ How to Make Your Healthcare Booth Stan…

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....

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Sept. 17, 2024

270: Event Menus: How to Provide Freedom and Independence in Food Cho…

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. 🌍🍽️...

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Sept. 10, 2024

269: Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus a Northstar Meetings Group Webinar

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...

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Sept. 3, 2024

268: What does it Take? A Deep Dive into Inclusive Food & Beverage Ex…

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...

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Aug. 27, 2024

267: We Reconnect to Talk about Event F&B after PCMA EduCon

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...

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Aug. 20, 2024

266: From Parks to Plates: An Inside Look at Aramark Destinations’ Su…

🎙️ I'm thrilled to sit down with Aric Ferrell, Vice President of Operations for Aramark's Destinations group. We'll discuss Aramark’s commitment to managing unique destinations — parks, day attractions, conference and convention centers —...

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Aug. 13, 2024

265: Beekeeping and Biodiversity: Chef William Pfeiffer’s Sustainable…

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...

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Aug. 8, 2024

264: The Critical Need for Clarity in Serving Gluten-Free Guests

🎉🍽️ Join me LIVE on "Eating at a Meeting" as we wrap up Celiac Disease Awareness Month with a powerful episode titled "The Critical Need for Clarity in Feeding Guests with Celiac Disease." I’m thrilled to welcome Erica Dermer from Celiac and...

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Aug. 6, 2024

263: A Visionary Approach to Food Allergy Advocacy: An Interview with…

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. 🍽️ 🚫 🎙️I am thrilled to sit...

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Aug. 1, 2024

262: From Planning to Plate: Ensuring Allergy-Safe and Delicious Mea…

🎙️ This Food Allergy Awareness Week, I'm thrilled to feature Ben Parris, Executive Head Chef at De Vere Horsley Estate and a private chef for HNWI, on our next episode: "From Planning to Plate: Ensuring Allergy-Safe and Delicious Meals."...

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July 30, 2024

261: Stay Protected: Legal Necessities for Allergy Safety in Food Ser…

🌸 As we address the crucial topic of food allergen safety, I am thrilled to welcome Ryan Gembala, an expert attorney specializing in the legal liabilities concerning food allergens in the hospitality and food service industry. 🛡️🔍 Ryan's...

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July 25, 2024

260: Clear Labels, Safer Sips: Advocating for Transparency in Alcohol

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,...

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July 23, 2024

259: Gluten-Free Living in Michigan: Local Insights from MI Gluten Fr…

🍽️ Back in May, as we honor Gluten-Free Awareness Month, I am thrilled to bring you this episode direct from Michigan! Join me for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Margaret Clegg, the inspiring founder of MI Gluten Free Gal, as we...

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July 18, 2024

258: Improving Accessibility and Accommodation: A Critical Look at th…

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...

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July 16, 2024

257: Transforming Event Dining: How Natirar Sets the Sustainability S…

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...

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July 11, 2024

256: Earth Day Insights: Lindsay Arell on Sustainability in Event Pla…

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...

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July 9, 2024

255: Two Chefs Dish on Event Food & Beverage Trends: Personalization …

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...

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July 4, 2024

254: Brewing a Better World: Sustainability Insights from EcoFriendly…

🌿 In this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Rob Vandenabeele, founder of ecofriendlybeer.com. 🍻✨ Rob brings a wealth of knowledge from his deep dive into the craft beer scene, and with his impressive background...

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