Eating at a Meeting

Join me for the next episode of Eating at a Meeting as I sit down with Alethia Erwin, a board member of The People’s Kitchen, to explore how food is more than just a meal—it's a force for empowerment, transformation, and healing. Alethia's roots in the food service industry stretch back to 1988, with a rich career spanning restaurant management, catering, and event planning. She was the General Manager of the critically acclaimed Geechee Girl Rice Cafe in Philadelphia and now helps lead The People’s Kitchen of Philadelphia, an incredible initiative that provides free, nutritious meals while fostering community connections through gardening and education. From organizing events to inspiring change through food, Alethia is a powerhouse. Together, we’ll dive into how The People’s Kitchen emerged during the pandemic, its impact on food sovereignty, and how grassroots solutions are feeding bodies and souls alike. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of community, culture, and, of course, food. Tune in on Wednesday! Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

In today's Eating at a Meeting episode, I'll dive into the latest food and beverage headlines that are making waves. From allergen safety to loneliness, I’m breaking down what these stories mean for your next event. Join me as I connect the dots between the news and your food and beverage strategy. You won’t want to miss it!  Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

For this week’s Eating at a Meeting podcast episode, I’m coming to you live from the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association convention in Tampa. It’s at a special time — 2:30 PM — since I will be on stage presenting at noon. I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible guests who know exactly how to make a healthcare booth stand out in the crowd — Hailey Rosenstein, Owner and CEO, and Amy Simonides, Account Executive and National Sales Leader at Crêpes à Latte. Hailey and Amy will share their secrets for using the power of food to create booth experiences that don’t just attract attendees—they build trust and leave a lasting impression. We’ll discuss how they’ve mastered crafting on-brand food and beverage experiences that increase dwell time and foster genuine connections with healthcare professionals. They’ll also dive into their approach to strategic planning, seamless execution, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re here at the convention or listening from wherever you are, this episode will be packed with insights and strategies to help you turn taste into trust and make your booth the one everyone’s talking about.  Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

Each July, I focus on the spirit of July and the celebrations of freedom and independence. I am inspired to discuss the importance of these themes in the context of food and events on this episode of the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. 🌍🍽️  In this episode, I discuss how we can ensure freedom and independence for event attendees, particularly those with dietary restrictions and disabilities. Through real-life examples, I highlight the critical role of education, from event planning teams to kitchen staff, in creating inclusive and safe dining experiences. I share significant event practices like labeling allergens clearly on menus, the importance of communication between kitchen teams, and the necessity of comprehensive dietary planning. Discover practical recommendations to enhance attendee participation at events, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure that everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, can feel comfortable and included. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

With the growing prevalence of diverse dietary needs and preferences, designing event menus that satisfy everyone can be challenging. Join our seasoned experts as they share strategies to craft inclusive, flavorful meals that accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and delight every palate. Webinar attendees will gain: • An understanding of common dietary restrictions and how to cater to them elegantly. • Creative ideas for offering variety while maintaining cohesion in your menu.  • Tips for effectively communicating menu options and collecting guest preferences.  • Cost-effective strategies to create an impressive dining experience within your budget. This webinar was a Northstar Meetings Group webinar recorded in July 2024. It was sponsored by The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.  You can watch the webinar https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Events-Calendar/Crafting-Crowd-Pleasing-Event-Menus Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

In this engaging discussion, Zoe Moore, CEO of Grow with Zomo and an EDI advocate in hospitality, delves into the pressing need for inclusive food experiences at events. She addresses the disconnect between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, emphasizing better training and communication about dietary needs. The conversation covers the responsibilities of various teams in ensuring meals cater to everyone, the importance of diverse beverage options, and how personal anecdotes can shape a more inclusive dining culture. Let's spark change for a better culinary experience!

After months of not seeing each other, I'm excited to have had just spent four days together at PCMA EduCon and to now sit down with my good friend and former neighbor, Tess Vismale, to reconnect and talk about event food and beverage. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🎙️ I'm thrilled to sit down with Aric Ferrell, Vice President of Operations for Aramark's Destinations group. We'll discuss Aramark’s commitment to managing unique destinations — parks, day attractions, conference and convention centers — integrating safety, sustainability, and inclusivity into every food and beverage experience. Aric will share insights on Aramark's approach to environmental stewardship, including strategies to source local, seasonal, and products and their innovative efforts to minimize waste and conserve resources. 🏞️ He’ll explain what safe, sustainable, and inclusive dining experiences mean to him: keeping guests informed to make healthy, educated diet decisions and addressing challenges like cross-contamination, using personal experiences on what that means. 📅 Tune in to get a glimpse of Aramark’s headquarters and how they are shaping the future of hospitality with every meal and operation. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

This week on Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I’m excited to introduce you to Chef William Pfeiffer, whose pioneering culinary practices with Flik Hospitality at the IBM Learning Center in Armonk, NY, showcases a remarkable commitment to sustainability and hospitality. Chef Pfeiffer’s initiatives include a fascinating integration of beekeeping and a synergistic partnership with a local chicken farm, defining a full-circle sustainability model. In this episode, we will explore Chef Pfeiffer’s sustainability efforts, which emphasize bee conservation and highlight his innovative farm-to-table approach. His collaboration with a nearby chicken farm exemplifies his comprehensive vision: all kitchen scraps and waste are repurposed as feed for the chickens, which in turn supply fresh, high-quality eggs to his kitchen. This process not only minimizes waste but also ensures the quality of his culinary creations by using the freshest possible ingredients. Additionally, we’ll discuss his beliefs around hospitality, which for him goes far beyond mere food service. His approach involves creating unique and memorable experiences where every detail is considered—from how ingredients are sourced to how guests engage with their food. This holistic view of hospitality aims to create lasting impressions by making guests feel genuinely valued and connected to the entire food journey, sparking intrigue and curiosity in his innovative farm-to-table approach. Join us to learn about Chef Pfeiffer’s innovative methods and his unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Discover how he seamlessly blends his roles as a chef and a beekeeper with his passion for crafting unique dining experiences that respect nature and the consumer. Tune in and be inspired by Chef Pfeiffer’s journey, which not only pushes the boundaries of traditional culinary roles but also redefines what it means to be a chef in today’s environmentally-conscious world, positively impacting our planet. P.S. He recently won the IACC Innovation Award for his Beekeeping and sustainability practices. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

Join Erica Dermer, a prominent advocate in the gluten-free community and a voice for those with celiac disease, as she dives into the challenges at events for gluten-free guests. She humorously shares her struggles at conferences with inadequate meal options, emphasizing the need for better communication and clearer labeling. Erica highlights the emotional toll of navigating dietary restrictions and the importance of advocacy for more diverse gluten-free offerings. Her insights provide valuable lessons for event planners on creating truly inclusive experiences.