Episodes

🌿 I'm thrilled to invite you to a special edition of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE on Global Meetings Industry Day — April 11 — where we'll explore the remarkable sustainability achievements of IMEX Frankfurt 2023. In this episode titled...

In the next episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I’m thrilled to host Susan Barocas, a chef, writer, and co-founder of Savor Experience, to share her insights on the depth and diversity of Jewish cuisine. With Passover approaching, Susan...

In this episode, Tracy talks with Robert E. Buchanan Jr., founder and CEO of ADHERE GEAR Technology Corporation, recorded during Food Waste Prevention Week 2024. This is a story about innovation meeting sustainability on the high seas. Imagine cruise ships not merely as vessels of leisure but as forerunners of eco-consciousness, navigating towards a brighter, greener future. Selected by the European Union and Spain, ADHERE GEAR has taken on a pioneering role in the maritime market with its state-of-the-art hashtag#IoT and hashtag#AI technologies. Their mission is close to my heart: dramatically reducing food waste on cruise ships to help these floating giants sail closer to #NETZERO. With their WAVE technology, which features sensors to monitor the freshness of food in real-time, they're not just envisioning a sustainable future but actively constructing it. In this conversation, Robert and Tracy discuss ADHERE GEAR's journey from its early days to its current mission of revolut…

🌸 As Women's History Month comes to an end, I want to introduce you to Cinthia Pedroza, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Resorts World Las Vegas. 🍴✨ With a vibrant career spanning over 25 years, from the prestigious halls of Four...

Join 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...

🌟 Join me for the next Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE interview during Women's HERstory Month, where I sit down with the fabulous Cocktail Bandits! 🍹 ✨ In the heart of Charleston, where history meets innovation, Johnny Caldwell and Taneka...

Back in March, during Women's History Month, I re-introduced you to an extraordinary lineup of women I’ve honored over the past four years. These women are making change in the food and beverage industry with their passion, innovation, and...

To kick off Women's HERstory Month, and just ahead of and to celebrate Ramadan, I am elated to welcome the incredible Yvonne Maffei, MA, founder of My Halal Kitchen, as my next guest on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE.  Internationally...

🎂 Get ready to indulge in a sweet episode as I sit down with the legendary Ron Ben-Israel, the mastermind behind Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City.  🍰✨ From humble beginnings baking in his mother's kitchen to gracing the most...

As National Wedding Month wraps up, I’m honored to be talking with Zoe Slaughter, the influential voice behind Invisibly Allergic on this week’s episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast. Join us as we discuss the unique challenges and considerations...

On this episode, Tracy sits 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 + TSE 2024 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 how simple accommodations and thoughtful planning can transform events into inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs. From discussing different disabilities to sharing practical tips on event planning with inclusivity in mind, Cazoshay's expertise offers a fresh perspective on creating events that truly resonate with all attendees…

I'm thrilled to bring you Joshua House from the JDK Group, who I chatted with on the bustling floors of Catering Source in Austin, Texas. With a solid six-year track record in catering following his intense years in the restaurant scene, Joshua brings a fresh and enlightened perspective to the art of food presentation and culinary aesthetics. 🍽️✨ We dive deep into the philosophy that "we eat with our eyes first," exploring how Joshua's experiences and artistic approach enhance every dish he crafts. He shares his transition from the fast-paced restaurant world to the creatively fulfilling realm of catering, where even a 12-hour shift becomes a canvas for innovation. 🎨👨‍🍳 Listen as Joshua enlightens us about incorporating restaurant-quality presentations into large-scale catering, leveraging negative space and vibrant colors to transform plates into visual feasts. We also touch on the evolution of catering to accommodate dietary preferences and the importance of inclusivity in men…

Recorded live from Live from the Catersourse + the Special Event Show 2024, Tracy chats with Chef Boris Seymore, the culinary mind behind BDS Catering Productions in West Palm Beach, Florida. Chef Boris shares his innovative techniques for elevating food presentation, including the surprising use of lollipop sticks and sophisticated miniature desserts. We dive deep into the world of catering, exploring the significance of building relationships, the move towards healthier sides, and the challenges of sustainable practices in the industry. Chef Boris also opens up about preserving the rich history and cultural significance of Southern food, especially during Black History Month. Discover how he transforms classic Southern desserts into elegant cheesecakes and his creative twists on deviled eggs. We also tackle the realities of catering budgets and the authenticity he brings to his culinary creations. From sustainability to inclusion, Chef Boris’s insights are a true feast for the…

LIVE from Catersource + The Special Event Show 2024 in Austin, Texas, Tracy chats with speaker Laura Schwartz about how caterers and event planners are the original creators of moments that last a lifetime. In an era of craving immersive experiences, it's crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve—innovative, dynamic, and authentic. Laura's guiding principle? Our shared "Common Ground." As the former White House Director of Events and a storied career that spans the globe, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge on creating transformative experiences through food, drink, and stellar event execution. In this conversation, Laura and Tracy dive deep into the art of making every event memorable, focusing on integrating high-quality, accessible food and creating spaces that foster genuine connections and community. From the importance of strategic food placement to avoiding long lines and ensuring the perfect lighting, they cover all bases to guarantee event success. Laura shares insig…

Recorded on National Wear Red Day to bring greater attention to heart disease as the leading cause of death for Americans and promote steps we can take to protect our hearts and our attendees. Tracy was joined by the inspiring and amazing Eliz Greene...

🍹 In this episode, Tracy sits down with Marcos Salazar, CEO of the Adult Nonalcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), to explore the booming growth of the adult non-alcoholic beverage market. From the evolving definitions of what makes a beverage "adult," to navigating regulations and the powerful cultural shift towards moderation and health, Marcos unpacks how this industry is far from a passing fad. They discuss the increasing demand for sophisticated, flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives and how venues, event planners, and hospitality leaders can turn this trend into opportunities for revenue and inclusion. Marcos shares insights into market data, membership benefits of ANBA, and the community-building power of events like the Mindful Drinking Fest. Whether you’re hosting a wedding or planning a major conference, you’ll hear practical takeaways for making adult non-alcoholic beverages part of every inclusive, memorable celebration. Tune in for data, best practices, and inspirati…

Tracy is joined by Cate Faulkner and Jen Veralla of Zero Proof Collective to spotlight why elevated non-alcoholic (NA) beverages are a must-have at events. Together, they outline seven persuasive reasons—from inclusivity and guest safety to innovation and increased revenue—why NA drinks go far beyond sodas and water. The discussion covers the cultural shift in drinking habits, actionable ways to promote non alcoholic options, key challenges with venue implementation, and creative ideas for planners to integrate sophisticated NA cocktails that do not exclude anyone. This episode is essential listening for meeting planners, hospitality professionals, and venue managers seeking to foster more inclusive, mindful, and profitable event environments. Get practical insights, real-world stories, and pro tips for transforming your event beverage experience.

In this episode of Eating at a Meeting we explore the world of plant-based cuisine with the remarkable Char Nolan, a fervent advocate and chef renowned for her delicious and healthful plant-based creations. Char's rich background, including a degree...

Tracy 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 unleashed 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 how the industry is leaning towards eco-conscious practices, ensuring your events not only taste good but also contribute to a greener future. 👉 Inclusivity on the Menu: Explore the art of crafting menus that cater to diverse dietary needs, creating events where everyone feels valued and included. 👉 Pro Tips from the Pros: Gain …

Indulge 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...

This episode of Eating at a Meeting was recorded at the beginning of 2024 to celebrate of Dry January and Veganuary and share they are important dietary trends to understand and embrace for the month and throughout the year. I discuss the significance...

In this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I’m sitting down with Martiz’s Jill Blood, VP, Deputy General Counsel, and Privacy Officer. We'll be delving into the game-changing My Health My Data Act recently enacted in Washington State and its impact...

In 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...

I've been at the Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Annual Conference at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort the last three days with some amazing food and beverage experiences.  For today's Eating at a Meeting...