Eating at a Meeting

When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences behind the bar, few have done it better — or longer — than Rob Husted. With nearly three decades of experience in bartending, mixology, flair, and education, Rob is a force who's helped shape beverage programs and trends across the globe. Tracy had the chance to meet Rob at Catersource earlier this year, just as he was preparing to deliver his Batch Perfect: Elevating Events with Signature Cocktails & Mocktails session — a standing-room-only crowd that spoke volumes about his reputation and expertise. From founding BarWars LLC and Cocktail Network Live to staffing events through Cocktails4Hire, Rob's mission is simple: elevate the craft so bartenders — and their guests — have better, more memorable moments. This week, Rob and I are talking about what it means to create quality cocktails quickly without sacrificing entertainment, hospitality, or safety — a critical balancing act for any event planner working with F&B. We'll explore how training, performance, and drink development come together to enhance guest experience and what planners need to know when hiring bartenders for receptions, galas, and conferences. If you care about creating beverage moments that truly connect with your attendees (not just fill their glasses), this is a conversation you’ll want to listen. Cheers to raising the bar — see you there!

On this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I welcome Addie Lao, a courageous nine-year-old food allergy advocate, and her mom, Dr. Robin Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner from Sacramento, California. Together, these two inspiring women are leading the charge for safer dining experiences in California with their coauthored California Senate Bill 68 — the Addie Act. We dove deep into their journey: from the transformative moment of Addie being able to eat safely at a Chinese restaurant because of clear allergen labeling, to the challenges and triumphs of advocating for legislation that would require all California restaurants to list the top nine allergens on their menus. Robin shared the legislative process, their advocacy in the state Capitol (including Addie testifying before senators — with her whole third-grade class cheering her on!), and the ripple effect this bill could have for millions of diners, families, and the food and beverage industry. You’ll hear the real impact of food allergies on daily life, the importance of inclusivity, support needed from restaurants and the community, and why food allergy diners are among the most loyal customers. Discover how this mother-daughter team is turning adversity into action, the steps restaurants and individuals can take to help, and why sharing your story truly matters. Join us in supporting the Addie Act at additellsall.com and be part of the movement for safer, more inclusive dining everywhere.

Tea is having a moment—and it's long overdue. In this week's episode of Eating at a Meeting, I’m joined by Amy March, executive chef and co-founder of The Steeping Room and Urban Tea House, to talk about why tea deserves a starring role on your event menu.  With over two decades of experience in specialty tea, culinary arts, and holistic health, Amy brings the perfect blend of insight and inspiration for planners looking to serve more than just caffeine. We will explore how tea can create moments of calm, spark cultural connection, support wellness goals, and build community at the table. Amy shares real strategies for incorporating tea into events—from elegant stations and immersive tastings to seasonal pairings and signature mocktails—turning every pour into an opportunity for impact. And if you’ve ever questioned whether your F&B dollars could be better spent, this episode offers a deliciously purposeful alternative to that pricey pot of coffee. Let’s rethink the role of tea and use it to steep our events in intention, connection, and creativity.

I'm talking about managing food and beverage at events based on recent events I've attended and questions I've seen on social media or asked about at conferences. Join me to share your management tips. Want to create live streams like this?

Laura Silverman, founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, champions the non-alcoholic beverage movement with over 17 years of sobriety. She discusses her inspiring journey from binge drinking to advocating for inclusive, alcohol-free options. The podcast highlights the booming zero-proof beverage market, the need for clear labeling, and how the pandemic fueled innovation. Laura emphasizes community support, the importance of mindful drinking, and the role of women in shaping the future of alcohol-free drinking culture.

This Women’s HERStory Month, I’m celebrating trailblazing women who are reshaping the way we think about food, community, health, and inclusion on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. This week, I’m introducing you to Jin-Ya Huang—a social entrepreneur, artist, and community leader using food to break down barriers and build bridges. A social practice artist turned “accidental entrepreneur,” Jin-Ya is the founder of Break Bread, Break Borders (B4) — a catering social enterprise empowering refugee women through food, storytelling, and economic opportunity. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and shaped by her family’s immigrant journey from Taiwan to Texas, Jin-Ya combines her experience in global branding with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. Through B4, refugee women share their cultural recipes and personal stories, transforming community dinners into platforms for understanding and empowerment. Jin-Ya’s work has been featured by TIME Magazine, NPR, TEDx, and more — but what drives her most is her mission to remove barriers, uplift voices, and build bridges through food. In this episode, we’ll explore how she’s rewriting the narrative around refugees, redefining what it means to serve your community, and how she continues to honor her late mother’s legacy by creating space for others to thrive.

Femeika Elliott, founder of Meik Meals and the Rooted East Knoxville Collective, is a trailblazer in food justice and maternal health. She shares insights on the importance of reclaiming access to nutritious food and how community gardens are transforming food security in marginalized areas. Femeika also discusses empowering women through holistic postpartum practices, emphasizing ancestral wisdom in nutrition. Her grassroots initiatives are reshaping perceptions of food equity, proving that healthy eating is a right that fuels sustainable community growth.

Food has the power to nourish, heal, and connect—and this Women’s HERStory Month, I’m honored to celebrate Ally Smith, a woman making a profound impact at the intersection of food and foster care. As Development Director at Partnerships for Children, a private chef, and the creative force behind the “Gather With” cookbook project, Ally is redefining what it means to support vulnerable children and families through the power of food. Her journey has taken her from case management in the foster care system to a farm-to-table apprenticeship in Italy, where she deepened her understanding of sustainability and food as a tool for connection. Today, she channels that passion into teaching cooking classes for foster children, organizing chef-driven fundraisers, and crafting a cookbook featuring diverse voices in Austin’s food scene—all to ensure that every child has a seat at the table. In this LIVE episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast, Ally and I will discuss how she’s using food to create community, empowerment, and healing for children in the foster system, the importance of food security, and why her work is a game-changer in making the food world more inclusive and impact-driven. 🔗 Tune in for this extra episode of Eating at a Meeting for Women's HERstory Month and join the conversation! 🎙️

This Women’s HERStory Month on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, I’m shining a spotlight on incredible women who are reshaping how we think about food, sustainability, and culture.  The third woman I want you to meet is Chef Asantewaa E. L., a culinary powerhouse and advocate for food sustainability in San Antonio. As the founder of Food Horizons and the Secret Food Stories initiative, Chef Asantewaa is bridging gaps between food, culture, and community as the founder of Food Horizons and the Secret Food Stories initiative. Her work is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, the idea that we are all interconnected—a belief she brings to life through events, advocacy, and storytelling. Through the Secret Food Stories Festival, she’s tackling food waste head-on with creative zero-waste recipes and community-driven discussions. Her advocacy stems from her South Sudanese upbringing, where food waste was never an option, and she now educates communities on making the most of their food. And beyond the kitchen, she’s also making waves in the art world, showcasing her talents at the San Antonio Ethnic Arts Society’s Women’s Exhibition. Chef Asantewaa’s work is more than just cooking—it’s about creating a movement where food is a tool for sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Join me in celebrating her remarkable impact! 🔗 Tune in to hear her inspiring story! 🎙️

This Women’s HERStory Month, I’m celebrating women who are using food to build community, preserve culture, and spark meaningful change. One of those incredible women is Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon , the founder and co-owner of Mingle + Graze, a cheese shop and eatery in downtown Chandler, Arizona, that is so much more than a place to eat—it’s a space for connection, learning, and inclusion. Mahfam’s journey from selling marinated olives at farmers’ markets to pioneering grazing boards in the Phoenix area is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality. Drawing from her Iranian heritage and her husband’s Chilean roots, she infuses her menu with flavors and traditions that tell stories of culture, migration, and home. Her commitment to sustainability, food safety, and inclusivity is evident in every aspect of her work—from composting and recycling efforts to strict allergen protocols at Mingle + Graze. But Mahfam’s impact doesn’t stop at her businesses. As the Board Chair for Chandler Sister Cities, a member of the Chandler Arts Commission and a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier Phoenix Chapter, she fosters global connections and celebrates cultural diversity in her community. Mahfam is making HERstory by showing that food is more than sustenance—it’s a bridge between cultures, a tool for empowerment, and a way to create a more inclusive world.