Eating at a Meeting

🎙️ On this episode, I sit down with Cazoshay Marie, a professional speaker and disability advocate, sharing her powerful insights on the importance of inclusion in event planning and the business benefits of creating truly accessible experiences. 🎤 🤝 I met and interviewed her at Catersource where she was presenting an education session on the significance of inclusivity in events, not only from a compassionate standpoint but also as a strategic advantage for businesses. 💼 Her personal journey of living with disabilities after a life-changing event fuels her passion for making events more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. 🌈 Discover how simple accommodations and thoughtful planning can transform events into inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs. 🧠 From discussing different disabilities to sharing practical tips on event planning with inclusivity in mind, Cazoshay's expertise offers a fresh perspective on creating events that truly resonate with all attendees. ✨ 🔍 Don't miss out on Cazoshay's valuable advice for event planners, the financial opportunities ingrained in inclusivity, and the transformative power of universal design. 🌍 Learn how small adjustments and proactive communication can revolutionize the event experience for individuals with disabilities and enhance attendee satisfaction across the board.  📲 Connect with us and share your thoughts on this insightful episode. Join the Eating at a Meeting community and let's continue the conversation on creating events that embrace diversity and inclusivity.  ✉️ Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com and stay tuned for more engaging discussions on how food, events, and inclusion intersect. 🌮 🌿 Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🎉 This week on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, I'm thrilled to bring you Joshua House from the JDK Group, who I chatted with on the bustling floors of Catering Source in Austin, Texas. With a solid six-year track record in catering following his intense years in the restaurant scene, Joshua brings a fresh and enlightened perspective to the art of food presentation and culinary aesthetics. 🍽️✨ We dive deep into the philosophy that "we eat with our eyes first," exploring how Joshua's experiences and artistic approach enhance every dish he crafts. He shares his transition from the fast-paced restaurant world to the creatively fulfilling realm of catering, where even a 12-hour shift becomes a canvas for innovation. 🎨👨‍🍳 Listen as Joshua enlightens us about incorporating restaurant-quality presentations into large-scale catering, leveraging negative space and vibrant colors to transform plates into visual feasts. We also touch on the evolution of catering to accommodate dietary preferences and the importance of inclusivity in menu planning, ensuring each guest enjoys a memorable dining experience regardless of their dietary needs. 🌱🍖 From fascinating dialogues on using unconventional ingredients to make vegan dishes shine, to the role of chefs in guiding client choices while respecting their wishes, this episode is packed with insights that food enthusiasts and industry professionals will not want to miss. 🌟 📚 Learn how Joshua and his team at the JDK Group tackle the challenges of catering, pushing culinary boundaries, and ensuring safety, sustainability, and inclusion in every event they cater. Connect with me at tracy@thrivemeetings.com. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community

Live from the Catersourse + the Special Event Show...a conversation with Chef Boris Seymore about how we can and should preserve the historical food and beverage traditions and culture of the south. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

I'm thrilled to bring several episodes I did LIVE from Catersource + The Special Event Show in Austin, Texas. Right after she jumped off the keynote stage, Laura Schwartz, author, emcee, keynote speaker, and a person whom I have known and admired for more than two decades, joined me to discuss how Caterers and event planners are the original creators of moments that last a lifetime. In an era craving for immersive experiences, it's crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve — innovative, dynamic, and authentic. Laura's guiding principle? Our shared "Common Ground." As the former White House Director of Events and a storied career that spans the globe, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge on creating transformative experiences through food, drink, and stellar event execution. In this conversation, Laura and I dive deep into the art of making every event memorable, focusing on integrating high-quality, accessible food and creating spaces that foster genuine connections and community. From the importance of strategic food placement to avoiding long lines and ensuring the perfect lighting, they cover all bases to guarantee event success. 🍽️💡 Laura shares insights from her time orchestrating high-profile events at the White House, emphasizing the crucial role of 'third places'—spaces where people can gather outside of home and work to engage and exchange ideas. She discusses the emotional bond formed when breaking bread together and the magic of face-to-face interactions that technology cannot replicate. 🍀🤝 🌍 Plus, learn how Laura and Tracy tackle the challenges of sustainability in cuisine, advocate for transparency in food origins, and contribute to the events community through education and support for non-profits like the Search Foundation. Join us to discover the nuances of event planning with a pro who knows how to turn every gathering into a headline-worthy affair. Don’t miss this blend of practical tips and heartwarming stories that'll leave you eager to host your next big event. 🥂❤️ Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🥂 Attention hashtag#MeetingProfs, hashtag#Caterers, and hashtag#FoodService Experts: Let's Elevate Your Events with Non-Alcoholic Drinks! 🍹 I'm thrilled to invite you to the next episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE! to learn how to elevate your events with non-alcoholic beverages. 🎙️ Join me for a compelling conversation with Cate Faulkner and Jen Gilhoi of Zero Proof Collective to celebrate Dry January and discuss "7 Compelling Reasons to Serve Elevated Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Your Next Event." Cate, Jen, and I have carefully curated a discussion that promises to revolutionize the way we approach event planning and catering to create an inclusive experience at the bar. It can also help hashtag#EventProfs make their F&B minimum and hashtag#HotelsAndResorts increase revenues at the bar. Together, we'll unveil the secrets to crafting extraordinary non-alcoholic beverages that will captivate our clients and guests. Here's why this episode is a must-listen for us: ➜ Inclusivity — yes, we need this at the bar ➜ Creativity — zero-proof cocktails that rival their alcoholic counterparts ➜ Wellness Focus — rising demand for health-conscious drink choices ➜ Event Excellence — leave a lasting impression on attendees ➜ Revenue/Spend — NA beverages can and do increase spending and revenue If you're as passionate as I am about taking our events to the next level, this conversation will be your secret weapon. It's time to level up our event experiences and lead the way in our industry.

In this episode of Eating at a Meeting we explore the world of plant-based cuisine with the remarkable Char Nolan, a fervent advocate and chef renowned for her delicious and healthful plant-based creations. Char's rich background, including a degree in public health from Temple University and certifications in plant-based nutrition, has fueled her mission to promote healthy, sustainable living. 🍽️ Discover how hashtag#MeetingProfs and hashtag#Chefs can effortlessly integrate plant-based options into their menus, ensuring guests feel valued and accommodated. Char will share her journey from a marketing professional at Whole Foods to a plant-based devotee inspired by the transformative power of a diet rich in greens and whole foods. 🍃 Char's collaboration with the Charlie Cart Project brings culinary education to communities, emphasizing the importance of nutritious, plant-based meals. Get inspired by her personal story of health and renewal, her Italian culinary heritage, and her commitment to teaching and outreach in remote areas like Honduras. 🌱 Embrace the spirit of Veganuary with Char's expert guidance and motivational stories. Whether you're considering a plant-based diet for the first time or looking to enrich your vegan journey, this episode will provide valuable insights and encouragement for embracing a compassionate, healthful lifestyle. 🌟 This episode goes beyond recipes; we will explore food, values, health, and the planet. Char practices "full food utilization" to minimize food waste, advocating for smaller portions and conscientious food choices. Discover the power of making conscious choices with Char's insights and stories. 📆 Mark your calendars and tune in for a nourishing conversation filled with insights, stories, and practical tips. Let's explore Veganuary together!

Tracy gathered a culinary dream team – Amber Kispert, Senior Content Producer from Catersource, Christopher Sanchez, Managing Partner of LUX Catering & Events, and Jennifer Bargisen, Senior Vice President – Culinary for Sodexo Live!.  Together, we're unleashing the must-know food and beverage trends for 2024 that every hashtag#EventProf and hashtag#CateringProf needs to have on their radar. 🌐 What to Anticipate: 👉 Flavorful Forecasts: We will unravel the biggest culinary trends set to captivate taste buds in 2024. From innovative dishes to unique flavor profiles, get ready for a feast of fresh ideas!  👉 Sustainability in Sips and Bites: Discover how the industry is leaning towards eco-conscious practices, ensuring your events not only taste good but also contribute to a greener future. 👉 Inclusivity on the Menu: Explore the art of crafting menus that cater to diverse dietary needs, creating events where everyone feels valued and included.  👉 Pro Tips from the Pros: Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from seasoned professionals at the forefront of the catering world. Learn the tricks of the trade to make your events stand out.  🎧 Don't miss "The Biggest F&B Trends For 2024 Every EventProf Must Be Ready For" on Eating at a Meeting. Subscribe now and be the first to savor the future of event catering! 🚀👩‍🍳🎊 Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

Indulge your ears and sweet tooth in this extra-special episode of "Eating at a Meeting" with your host Tracy Stuckrath! 🍪✨ I sit down with two incredible guests, Chef Sera Cuni of Feed-Well Fridges and Chef Kristin McCarthy of Les Dames d'Escoffier - North Carolina Chapter (Did I mention I'm a Dame too?). Get ready for a heartwarming conversation that goes beyond the cookie jar. What we will cover in this Episode: 🍬 Unveiling the Secrets: Discover the inspiration behind the Les Dames NC Holiday Cookie Sale and the delicious art of creating sweet masterpieces. 🌍 Feed-Well Mission: Sera Cuni spills the beans on Feed-Well Fridges and how every cookie crumb contributes to fighting food insecurity and commercial food waste.  🤝 Dames Unite: Kristin McCarthy shares the passion and dedication Les Dames bring to the table, creating a community that goes beyond the culinary delights. Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com