315: Planning Safe Events with Food Allergies in Mind: A CMP’s Perspective

During Food Allergy Awareness Week this year, I was joined by veteran meeting planner P. Christine Poole, CMP—someone who knows firsthand how a single overlooked ingredient can turn a meal into a medical emergency.

With more than 20 years of experience planning conferences for state, regional, and national associations, Christine has a sharp eye for logistics, hospitality, and detail. But after developing an adult-onset pine nut allergy, she’s experienced the other side of the table—where even clear communication with hotel staff doesn’t always protect guests. In this episode, Christine shares the emotional and physical toll of navigating food allergies at events she didn’t just attend—she helped plan. She’s had three separate incidents at hotels where pine nuts were served despite her documented allergy. One chef even assured her the dish was safe because he’d made it himself. It wasn’t.

Together, we explore: • What these incidents reveal about breakdowns in communication between culinary teams and guests • Why F&B protocols must go beyond “just ask the chef” • What planners and venues must do to prevent allergic reactions—not just respond to them

This isn’t just about pine nuts. It’s about responsibility, risk, and respect for the lives sitting at every table.