Eating at a Meeting

What happens when hospitality stops being about service—and starts being about care? That's the question I'm exploring this week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE with Lindsay Martin-Bilbrey, CMP, CEO of Nifty Method Marketing + Events and longtime event strategist, chef, and hashtag#eventprof who's worn just about every hat in the business. From executive kitchens to corporate boardrooms, Lindsay knows the difference between a meal that's memorable and one that's merely managed. To her, safe, sustainable, and inclusive food and beverage experiences aren't separate goals—they're the natural outcome of a culture built on care, communication, and connection. Together, we'll talk about what it takes to create culinary ecosystems where: ▶︎ Teams are trained and empowered—not just compliant. ▶︎ Sustainability includes people as much as the planet. ▶︎ Inclusion starts long before the menu is printed. Lindsay will share lessons from her time leading both event agencies and restaurant kitchens—why aligning front- and back-of-house teams is the key to guest trust, how authentic sustainability impacts revenue, and what it looks like when care becomes a business strategy. Because the guest experience only works when the team experience does too. Join the conversation that connects it all—from the first site visit to the final plate.

What if one simple shift could make your event meals more inclusive, sustainable, and even more crave-worthy? This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I'm talking with Chef Kent Buell , Culinary Director, and Taylor Flores , Corporate Engagement Manager at Greener by Default — a nonprofit that helps organizations make plant-based meals the default while still preserving diners' freedom to choose meat or dairy. From behavioral science to buffet design, Kent and Taylor are redefining what "sustainable dining" looks (and tastes) like. Their approach shows that changing how food is presented — not just what's served — can drastically reduce carbon emissions and food waste without sacrificing satisfaction. We'll dish on: 🌱 Why "defaulting green" matters more than ever 🍲 How menu wording and placement (hello, tasty titles!) influence choices 🍛 Simple strategies for event pros to flip menus plant-forward 🥗 Why flavor, not force, drives real change in how we eat Whether you're planning a plated gala, corporate lunch, or multi-day conference, this conversation will show you how to make every bite count — for your guests and for the planet. Because sustainability isn't a restriction. It's a recipe for better events.

In this episode, Tracy chats with Flora Munro, Head of Events, Scotland at 2B UK, live from the IMEX America show floor to explore how Scotland's hospitality, food, and culture create unforgettable event experiences. From castle-sourced venison and hand-dived scallops cooked straight from the sea to whisky tastings (and a spirited debate about haggis and HP "brown" sauce), Flora shares how Scottish culinary traditions are being reimagined for modern meetings and incentives. They also discuss how Scotland leads with inclusion—where accommodating dietary needs is second nature—and sustainability, with menus planned months in advance and ingredients locally sourced to minimize waste and celebrate the land's abundance. Whether you're planning your next incentive trip or dreaming of dining with a view of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden, this episode is a delicious reminder that in Scotland, every meal tells a story—and, as Flora says, "every meal should be devoured."

Recorded live from the 100% Pure New Zealand booth at IMEX America, this episode of Eating at a Meeting explores how Aotearoa is redefining event dining through connection, culture, and conscious hospitality. Host Tracy Stuckrath sits down with Lauren Blakey from the New Zealand International Convention Centre and Natalie Fulton, CMP from Tourism New Zealand to uncover how Māori traditions of kai and kōrero (food and conversation) are inspiring authentic event experiences rooted in wellness, sustainability, and inclusion. From carbon net-zero venues and reusable cup programs to zero-proof wines and allergen-aware menus, discover how New Zealand's food and beverage philosophy is creating meaningful change—one meal at a time. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to: • Design events that connect culture, cuisine, and community • Integrate sustainability and ethical sourcing into F&B programs • Foster inclusive, wellness-focused dining experiences for every guest Watch the LIVE episode on YouTube or listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

At IMEX, I sat down with Catherine Chaulet, CEO of Global DMC Partners, to explore how food and beverage trends are transforming incentive travel and global meetings. From Paris to Portugal to Maryland crab cakes 🦀, our conversation revealed how food connects people to place — and how rising costs, changing expectations, and sustainability goals are reshaping what's on the menu. Key takeaways: 💡 Budget realities: Food and beverage inflation continues to outpace other event costs. Building strong relationships with chefs helps planners stretch dollars while delivering quality experiences. 🍹 Less alcohol, more inclusion: The mocktail movement is growing, proving that connection doesn't require cocktails — just creativity. 🌍 Food as culture: From harvesting honey to cooking couscous in Morocco, attendees want interactive, meaningful dining experiences that celebrate local traditions and stories. Catherine said it best: "Every meal should connect you to appreciate a culture."

What if the most innovative ideas in event catering weren't happening in the boardroom — but below the house? This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I'm talking with Executive Chef Rientz Mulder of RAI Amsterdam, a culinary pioneer proving that sustainability and large-scale events can thrive on the same plate. For more than 30 years, Rientz and his Basement Chefs have been feeding millions — literally — while championing regional sourcing, food circularity, and plant-based creativity. From transforming nearly-expired bananas into banana bread for the staff café, to launching a fully plant-based restaurant at GreenTech that wowed international guests, their kitchen has become a model for what responsible event dining looks like in action. We'll chat about: 🥗 Why hybrid and plant-based menus are the new standard for inclusivity and sustainability ♻️ How RAI's "Heartwarming Amsterdam" concept connects guests to the region and reduces CO₂ emissions 👨‍🍳 The power of collaboration — between chefs, planners, and local producers — to create memorable, meaningful food experiences Rientz's motto says it all: "Only the unthinkable is impossible—just do it!" Join us to hear how one convention center's underground kitchen is inspiring the future of food for meetings and events — proving that what's made below the house can lift the whole industry up.

Imagine arriving at an event and knowing exactly what's on your plate—before you even step into the event venue. No guessing. No awkward questions. No fear of being left out. That's the vision behind Maritz 's new Event Menus. Designed to provide attendees a clear view of meal options—including key dietary restrictions and allergens—these digital menus help guests plan with confidence while making food an integrated part of the event experience. On next week's Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I'm talking with Emily Thibodeau, CMP, CITP, Vice President of Event Management, and Katie Rennegarbe, CIS , Manager of Technology Solution Design at Maritz. Together, we'll explore: ▶︎ How Event Menus are changing the way attendees interact with F&B ▶︎ Why visibility into dietary options builds trust and belonging ▶︎ How tech + hospitality can work hand-in-hand to create safer, more inclusive experiences ▶︎ What planners can learn from building accessibility into menu design from the start Emily brings her expertise in event management strategy, while Katie—deeply involved in the tech behind Event Menus—will share how Maritz brought this innovation to life. Food is one of the most human parts of an event. Let's talk about how digital solutions can make it safer, smarter, and more inclusive.

When you think of Toronto, what comes to mind? For many, it's the city's skyline, but for those of us planning events—it's the table. And few people know that table better than Trevor Lui. At IMEX, I'll be sitting down with Trevor—award-winning restaurateur, chef, author of Double Happiness Cookbook, co-founder of Quell Now Inc. (an agency advancing BIPOC food & drink talent), and the current Board Chair of Destination Toronto for a special Tuesday episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE. With more than 20 years producing thousands of event experiences, he's shaping how destinations—and their food cultures—can be leveraged to create truly inclusive events. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, but as Trevor says, diversity doesn't automatically mean inclusion. We'll explore how tapping into local communities, choosing partners who embody DEI, and rethinking destination selection can transform your event from "checking the box" to creating meaningful, authentic guest experiences. Join us as we discuss: 🍁 Why Toronto's food scene is a model for cultural authenticity 🥘 How destinations can influence DEI outcomes for events 📊 The tools and benchmarks planners can use to measure inclusion 🌎 What it looks like to connect global attendees with local culinary voices If food is culture—and events are connection—then every destination has the power to set the stage for belonging. Will your next menu reflect that?

What we put on the table does more than feed guests — it fuels their energy, focus, and capacity to belong. That's the perspective Yush Sztalkoper, CMP, founder of NeuroSpark+, brings to this special episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE from IMEX America in Las Vegas. With two decades in corporate events and her lived experience with ADHD and parenting a twice-exceptional child, Yush knows that inclusion isn't just about access to the room — it's about access to regulation, energy, and choice once you're there. For neurodivergent attendees, food is a nervous system intervention. When menus lack labels, variety, or whole-food options, you're not just excluding diets, you're excluding capacity. Designing meals for nourishment is designing for belonging. In our conversation, we'll explore: ▶︎ Why whole foods, clear labeling, and variety unlock authentic participation ▶︎ How circadian rhythms and meal timing support energy throughout long event days ▶︎ The role of protein-forward, minimally processed choices in regulating the nervous system ▶︎ Why training staff in neutral language — "We've got options for everyone" — builds inclusion ▶︎ How normalizing opt-outs reminds us: food is optional, belonging isn't For event planners and hospitality pros, this episode is a call to action: inclusion doesn't just live in your registration system — it lives on your menus and in the way your team serves them.

Have you ever thought of the kitchen as a place of calm, clarity, and connection? I'm thrilled to sit down with my friend and chef, Naina Bhedwar, next week on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast to talk about her new program, "Feed Your Peace." Naina has always been my go-to when it comes to Indian cuisine (I met her years ago at The Cook's Warehouse in Atlanta where I worked her classes). But now, she's blending her background in psychology, counseling, and cooking to create something truly powerful: a way to bring mindfulness into one of the most ordinary—and essential—parts of our lives, the kitchen. "Feed Your Peace" isn't just about recipes. It's about using cooking as a tool to: 🥗 Reawaken your senses and return to balance 🥘 Melt resistance with presence and awareness 🥚 Discover practical spirituality woven into daily routines 🍰 Transform meals into moments of connection and creativity For event professionals, this conversation matters. Because food at events isn't only fuel—it's an opportunity to create belonging, ease anxiety, and bring people back to themselves in the middle of hectic schedules. What Naina is teaching in her workshops can change not just how we cook at home, but how we design food experiences for our guests. I can't wait for you to hear her story and her vision for bringing peace to the plate.