231: Unlocking Success: A Look Back on Lessons Learned at PCMA Canada East CIC

In this episode, Tracy sits down with the PCMA Canada East Chapter Canadian Innovation Conference organizers, Natalie Marino, CMP, DES, Heather Reid, and Erica Orecchio, DES, to discuss how they managed the dietary needs of more than 250 attendees at the conference. 

They talk about the challenges of accommodating dietary restrictions and the importance of providing inclusive and transparent food options at events and conferences. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Accessibility is crucial: Accessibility should be a top priority and not an afterthought when planning events. From site visits to discussing dietary requirements with event venues and chefs, transparency and forethought can ensure that everyone's needs are met.

2️⃣ Embrace technology: Using QR codes and event apps can revolutionize how we provide information about food choices to attendees. QR codes can eliminate the need for printing physical menus, allowing for real-time updates and easy access to allergy-friendly options.

3️⃣ Sustainable choices matter: Consider incorporating locally sourced ingredients, reducing food waste, and giving back to the community by donating excess food to homeless shelters. We can create safe, sustainable, and inclusive experiences by thinking critically about food and beverage choices.

A huge thank you to Nathalie, Heather, and Erica for sharing their insights and expertise. You can listen to this thought-provoking episode on my podcast, "Eating at a Meeting," which is available NOW on Youtube and later on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Don't forget to stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll be diving into contract law and the management of dietary data. As always, thank you for your support, and I hope everyone had happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

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Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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