Episodes

Nov. 19, 2024

279: From Marsh to Plate: Äna Shellem's Philosophy on Fresh, Local H…

🌊 Step into a coastal adventure as I chat with Äna Shellem, the spirited force behind Shell'em Seafood Company in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 🐚✨ From razor clams and oysters to her philosophy on sustainability and mental health,...

Episode page
Nov. 12, 2024

278: Food Allergies and the ADAAA: A Deep Dive into Legal Protections

Join me for an eye-opening conversation with attorney Laurel Francoeur, a fierce advocate for food allergy and disability rights, as we dive into the real-world challenges of creating safe, inclusive environments for those with dietary needs. 💼✨...

Episode page
Nov. 5, 2024

277: The Power of Pie: Connecting and Collaborating Through Culinary …

Tracy is joined by Valentina Ruffoni, founder of Beyond the Event and the PIE network. Tracy and Valentina dive into the power of food, particularly pie, in fostering connections and collaboration at events. They discuss the importance of nonalcoholic beverage …

Episode page
Oct. 29, 2024

276: Empowering Consumers with Safe Food Choices: The Path to Purity …

Tracy sits down with Colleen Kavanagh, the visionary founder and CEO of Zego Foods. 🌱✨ With an unyielding commitment to food safety, Colleen has turned her personal experiences with celiac disease and food allergies into a mission to provide purity-verified, …

Episode page
Oct. 22, 2024

275: Disney Food Allergy Case: Legal Viewpoints re: Events Before It …

On this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I’m thrilled to welcome Mary Vargas, Joshua Grimes, and Ryan Gabbala as we delve deep into the legal intricacies surrounding Disney’s food allergy lawsuit. 🌟📜 Join us as Mary, a passionate attorney …

Episode page
Oct. 15, 2024

274: Ripped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your N…

After a whirlwind summer of meetings and events, Tracy brings you the latest, most crucial food news every meeting professional needs to know. Titled "Ripped from the Headlines: Food News You Can't Ignore for Your Next Event," dives into recent...

Episode page
Oct. 8, 2024

273: Empowering Communities: The Transformative Role of Food Justice…

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, …

Episode page
Oct. 1, 2024

272: Exclusive Insights: Lessons on Event Food Waste, Labeling, and C…

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 …

Episode page
Sept. 24, 2024

271: Turning Taste into Trust: How to Make Your Healthcare Booth Stan…

Tracy speaks with Hailey Rosenstein and Amy Simonides of Crepes A Latte about crafting memorable and compliant food and beverage experiences at healthcare trade shows. They highlight the logistical intricacies of complying with the Sunshine Act, budgeting, and providing unique, …

Episode page
Sept. 17, 2024

270: Event Menus: How to Provide Freedom and Independence in Food Cho…

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 …

Episode page
Sept. 10, 2024

269: Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus a Northstar Meetings Group Webinar

Tracy hosts a focused discussion on the devastating incident involving Disney, Raglan Road restaurant, and a wrongful death lawsuit due to food allergies. She is joined by Mary Vargas, Joshua Grimes, and Ryan Gabbala, legal experts who delve into the …

Episode page
Sept. 3, 2024

268: What does it Take? A Deep Dive into Inclusive Food & Beverage Ex…

At a PCMA EduCon in Detroit, I ran into my friend Zoe Moore, CEO and Strategic Disruptor at Grow with Zomo. When I saw her, she said, "We have lots to discuss." As a passionate advocate for EDI in hospitality, …

Episode page
Aug. 27, 2024

267: We Reconnect to Talk about Event F&B after PCMA EduCon

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 …

Episode page
Aug. 20, 2024

266: From Parks to Plates: An Inside Look at Aramark Destinations’ Su…

🎙️ 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 —...

Episode page
Aug. 13, 2024

265: Beekeeping and Biodiversity: Chef William Pfeiffer’s Sustainable…

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...

Episode page
Aug. 8, 2024

264: The Critical Need for Clarity in Serving Gluten-Free Guests

Tracy sits down with Erica Dermer, a passionate advocate for those with celiac disease and food allergies. Together, they tackle some of the most pressing issues faced by individuals with dietary restrictions, particularly around gluten-free options at large conventions and …

Episode page
Aug. 6, 2024

263: A Visionary Approach to Food Allergy Advocacy: An Interview with…

For my final Eating at a Meeting LIVE episode during Food Allergy Awareness Week, I'm diving into the critical world of food allergies advocacy, research, and education with Sung Poblete, RN, PhD—CEO of FARE. 🍽️ 🚫 🎙️I am thrilled to …

Episode page
Aug. 1, 2024

262: From Planning to Plate: Ensuring Allergy-Safe and Delicious Mea…

🎙️ This Food Allergy Awareness Week, I'm thrilled to feature Ben Parris, Executive Head Chef at De Vere Horsley Estate and a private chef for HNWI, on our next episode: "From Planning to Plate: Ensuring Allergy-Safe and Delicious Meals."...

Episode page
July 30, 2024

261: Stay Protected: Legal Necessities for Allergy Safety in Food Ser…

🌸 As we address the crucial topic of food allergen safety, I am thrilled to welcome Ryan Gembala, an expert attorney specializing in the legal liabilities concerning food allergens in the hospitality and food service industry. 🛡️🔍 Ryan's...

Episode page
July 25, 2024

260: Clear Labels, Safer Sips: Advocating for Transparency in Alcohol

In this episode, we also celebrated World Cocktail Day with a unique blend of advocacy, insight, and the fine art of mixology. I am thrilled to introduce our incredible trio of guests: Erin Malawer, Executive Director and Founder of Allergy …

Episode page
July 23, 2024

259: Gluten-Free Living in Michigan: Local Insights from MI Gluten Fr…

🍽️ Back in May, as we honor Gluten-Free Awareness Month, I am thrilled to bring you this episode direct from Michigan! Join me for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Margaret Clegg, the inspiring founder of MI Gluten Free Gal, …

Episode page
July 18, 2024

258: Improving Accessibility and Accommodation: A Critical Look at th…

To kick off Food Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Disease Awareness Month 2024, I had a captivating conversation with Amy Graves, a prominent advocate and expert in consumer food safety and inclusivity. Amy, founder of AMG Innovative Consultants and...

Episode page
July 16, 2024

257: Transforming Event Dining: How Natirar Sets the Sustainability S…

I'm thrilled to invite you to join me for this week's episode where I chat with Melinda Hopkins, Farm and Production Manager at The Farm at Pendry Natirar Hotel and Ninety Acres Restaurant in Gladstone-Peapack, NJ. Her passion for cultivating …

Episode page
July 11, 2024

256: Earth Day Insights: Lindsay Arell on Sustainability in Event Pla…

Hey y'all! On Earth Day — April 22 — I recorded a special episode of Eating at a Meeting to dive deep into an issue that affects all of us in the event planning industry: the pervasive challenge of single-use …

Episode page