Episodes

In October 2023 at IMEX, Jaclyn Bernstein, John McKinnon, Stephanie Krzywanski and Tracy presented this session for planners on how we help our clients save money on food and beverage for events. With food prices on the rise, we all need to learn the...

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As I review and plan menus for my clients. I'm so frustrated by the unhealthy options available to choose from.   Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting

To close out National Disability Employment Month, I'm thrilled to invite you to what promises to be an engaging and informative Eating at a Meeting Podcast episode on inclusive dining experiences with the co-founders and director of accessibility for...

For the third episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast coming to you LIVE from IMEX America, planners will join me in person on the show floor and from their offices to talk about how they are managing attendee dietary needs. I can’t wait to talk to...

In this special episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE at IMEX America, I'm joined by Victoria Chivers (Tori), Vice President of Convention Services & Catering at MGM Resorts International.  Tori and I will dive into the dynamic and...

Monday, October 16 was World Food Day, one of the most celebrated days of the United Nations calendar. The theme for World Food Day in 2023 is "Water is Life. Water is Food." To shine a spotlight on water as the foundation for life and food. In this...

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), join me as I talk with Teresa Goddard from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) to delve into the intricacies of accommodating employees with food allergies and other medically necessary dietary restrictions. NDEAM, observed each October, serves as a backdrop to this discussion, where we can all learn invaluable lessons for creating safe and inclusive experiences for employees in various workplace settings, from staff lunch meetings and company cafeterias to corporate sales meetings and boardrooms. Whether they have a food allergy or celiac disease, have to take certain medications, or eat or avoid certain foods at certain times, they want — MUST — take extreme caution in all environments. Discover best practices, practical strategies, and expert advice to ensure that every employee feels valued and can fully participate in these essential workplace events. Tune in to learn how to make every meal matter …

In this episode, Tracy sat down with Rishabh Kewalramani, co-founder of Backbar Solutions, to explore the innovative world of craft beverage dispensers. Together, they dove into the future beverage trends, focusing on the shift towards fresh and...

If you thought going gluten-free meant missing out on bold flavors, think again. Executive Chef Sarah Thompson proves that authentic coastal Mexican cuisine not only excites the palate—it also welcomes every guest, regardless of dietary needs. From celiac diagnosis at 17 to running one of Las Vegas' most vibrant kitchens, she shares how a commitment to inclusivity, ingredient integrity, and flavor can elevate both casual nights out and high-profile events. Whether you plan group dinners or just dream about masa and mole, this episode offers a masterclass in operational excellence and guest care. Sarah is a two-time James Beard Award - Best Chef SW nominee.

Starting September 1st, 2023, Texas set a new standard for food safety with the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act. 🌮🙌 In this powerful episode of Eating at a Meeting, we hear from Belinda Vaca, a passionate advocate for food allergy...

Food safety and allergen management are not just buzzwords – they're paramount for the success and well-being of your food service establishment, events, and attendees. As event planners, caterers, and hospitality professionals, ensuring that your...

In this episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE Tracy chats with Liz Lathan, CMP and Nicole Osibodu, XOXO the dynamic co-founders of The Community Factory. With a mission to infuse more community into their events and help marketers forge...

In honor of Food Safety Awareness Month, I've gathered a panel of experienced event planners — Joan Eisenstodt, Andrea Lapp, and Jayna Larrea — to share their perspectives on food safety expectations in the event industry. From corporate meetings...

To close out National Wellness Month in August, Tracy delved deep into the world of sustainable and nutritious eating with Diana Rodgers, a renowned nutritionist, author, and advocate for regenerative agriculture, to explore "The Case for (Better)...

In the next Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I’m "sitting down" with Will Harris, a fourth-generation farmer, and custodian of White Oak Pastures in Southwest Georgia. We are going to explore the world of regenerative agriculture as Will shares the...

From recently being appointed as a member of the James Beard Foundation and the US State Department's American Culinary Corps to helping curate the first-ever plant-based White House State Dinner, Chef Nina Curtis is using the universal language of...

In an era defined by unprecedented challenges, our industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with a renewed focus on attendee well-being. As we shape the future of meetings, adapting and innovating is crucial, ensuring safety without...

As August kicks off, we have the fantastic opportunity to celebrate National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, mental and physical health, and overall well-being. 🌿💪 The job of an #EventProf has been named one of the...

Join me for a special episode of the #EatingAtAMeeting podcast! 🎙️ On the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I am thrilled to have Attorney Laurel Francoeur as my guest. 🎉 She will highlight a crucial topic...

In this episode of Eating at a Meeting LIVE, Mark Cooper, CEO, IACC, shares the fascinating findings of IACC’s highly anticipated report, "The Meeting Room of the Future." Drawing on the perspectives of 275 meeting planners worldwide, this research...

As we reflect on the significance of Canada Day (Canada), Independence Day (US), Bastille Day (France), and Fiestas Patrias (Peru) this month, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on how freedom and independence intertwine with ensuring safe,...

A few weeks ago, on Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I mentioned the research Aurora Dawn Benton is doing on food waste at meetings and events. When chatting with her about the research 🤯, she mentioned they discovered that there are "Prolifically...

I've been onsite working two events over the last two weeks. Let's talk about what I've seen and learned. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting

The 2022 edition of the FDA Food Code was released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December, and it brought significant changes that offer opportunities for the food-allergic community. These changes include: ✓ Addition of sesame...