Eating at a Meeting Tracy Stuckrath, CFPM, CMM, CSEP, CHC

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 Strong, Georgina Stewart from Nutrient Gap, and Ewan Phillips, Co-founder of And It Has. 🌿🍹
Erin, Georgina, and Ewan join me to explore a crucial topic: transparency in alcohol labeling. Together, we dive into the pressing need for clear labeling to ensure safer choices for individuals with dietary restrictions and allergies.
Erin shares her valuable insights on the importance of having ingredient information at your fingertips and how it could significantly expand options for individuals like herself. Georgina and Ewan bring a wealth of knowledge from both sides of the pond, discussing emerging regulations like Owen's Law in the UK and the challenges of listing allergens on bar menus.
 🏷️ We also delve into the complexities of creating cocktails and customizing drinks while maintaining allergen safety. You'll hear about the development of an app designed to provide safe and reliable data for food allergies and dietary restrictions, reinforcing the importance of proper staff training and the ever-growing need for transparent information in the alcohol industry. Moreover, Erin talks about her advocacy efforts for better allergen labeling laws in the U.S., while Georgina highlights the potential for QR codes to provide additional nutritional details.
🍷 Discover the fascinating insights from our guests as they shed light on the intricate landscape of allergen management, the benefits of transparency for both consumers and the food industry, and the exciting initiatives aimed at improving the dining experience for everyone. From EU 1169 and Natasha's Law to creating apps that assist with dietary needs and the importance of clear communication, this episode is packed with vital information.
Join us for a conversation that underscores the significance of clear labels, safer sips, and the ongoing advocacy for increased transparency in alcohol labeling. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com
 

🍽️ 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, as we sit down in person to talk about all things gluten-free.
Broadcasting directly from Margaret's home in Flint, Michigan, 🏠 this episode promises to be a unique blend of personal stories, expert advice, and community support. With over two decades of experience living with Celiac Disease, Margaret has transformed her challenges into opportunities to educate and inspire others.
And, since I’m actually in Michigan, I’m looking forward to getting Margaret’s unique local perspective on gluten-free living in the Great Lakes State!
👩‍🏫 From her personal journey with Celiac Disease, beginning with misunderstood symptoms to a life-changing diagnosis, to her commitment to education and advocacy, Margaret brings a treasure trove of information and inspiration.
Join us as we explore:
Practical tips for gluten-free dining and shopping in Michigan. How local businesses cater to the gluten-free community. The importance of community support and local resources for those with Celiac Disease. 🌟 Margaret's story is not just about food; it's about building a supportive community, advocating for better health solutions, and living a full life despite dietary restrictions. Whether you're a Michigan resident or just interested in how different regions handle gluten-free accommodations, this episode is packed with insights.
Celebrate Gluten-Free Awareness Month with Margaret and me by joining the show right here at 12 PM Eastern.
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

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 author of the upcoming book "The Hidden Consumer," shared her journey navigating life with severe food allergies and limited mobility. From battling an unrecognized corn allergy to facing daily accessibility challenges in public spaces and hotels, Amy's personal struggles have shaped not only her dietary choices and living arrangements but also her career trajectory.
We delved into strategies for businesses to effectively connect with and serve this vital consumer base. Amy highlighted the financial benefits of transparency in ingredient labeling and improved accessibility measures, emphasizing the costly repercussions of neglecting these growing demographics.
Our discussion uncovered industry misconceptions about food allergies, the divide between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, and the undisclosed realities of common food products. Amy's experiences, from navigating TSA checkpoints to sourcing safe baking ingredients, underscored the critical gaps in current industry practices.
Amy's journey serves as a powerful example of how personal challenges can catalyze profound changes in the food industry, opening doors to a $19 billion market of allergy-conscious consumers. Together, we stressed the urgency of raising awareness and understanding across all sectors, ensuring a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with food allergies and celiac disease
. 🌱🍪 Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com
 

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 the 12-acre all-natural sustainable farm featuring over 200 varieties of produce and humanely raised, pasture-fed livestock to enhance dining and spa experiences truly sets Natirar apart as a unique culinary destination.
Join us as we explore how Melinda and her team sustainably grow, harvest, prepare, and enjoy food on-site, aligning closely with our deepest values of creating safe, sustainable, and inclusive food experiences. We'll delve into how these practices can inspire and transform the way meeting planners, hotels, and event venues approach food and beverage, making every event memorable and impactful.
🍽️ Key Topics:
🚜 Melinda will enlighten us on how integrating specific regenerative farming techniques enhances the farm’s ecosystem and the dining experience.
🌿With businesses increasingly adopting their sustainability missions, learn how championing these initiatives impacts the broader community
👩🏼‍🍳 How chefs are integral to the farm, enjoying the unique privilege of directly requesting produce varieties and harvest sizes.

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 plastics. Together, we'll explore transformative strategies to reduce their impact and make our events more sustainable.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies, who joined me for this episode. Lindsay is a titan of sustainability, known for her groundbreaking work in environmental initiatives across some of the world’s most iconic venues. With two decades of pioneering efforts, she has significantly reshaped how the live event industry addresses its ecological footprint.
In our discussion, Lindsay shares her experiences from managing the sustainability program at Expo West, including the visually impressive “plastics rainbow” to effective strategies implemented there to dramatically reduce single-use plastics and explore the lasting effects of these initiatives.
We'll also discover some practical tips and innovative solutions that you can implement to champion sustainability. Whether you're organizing a local workshop or a grand international conference, Lindsay’s expertise will equip you with the tools to make eco-friendly and impactful decisions.
Every meal and every event has the potential to contribute positively to our planet. As Earth Day approaches, let’s unite to learn how we can transform the events industry into a force for environmental good.
Listen to this episode so we can learn, adapt, and innovate together for a sustainable future. 💚

This episode was recorded as an educational session at IACC's 2024 Americas Knowledge Exchange. I was joined by Patrick Berwald, Senior VP of Food and Beverage for Pyramid Global Hospitality, and Felix Maietta, Corporate Executive Chef with Nestle Professional. 🌍🍴
With a combined passion for innovation, sustainability, and personalized dining experiences, Patrick and Felix join me to unravel the latest food and beverage trends. From the growing prominence of ghost kitchens and the ever-evolving demands of the lodging industry to the pressing need for allergen management and food safety, our conversation dives deep into what’s reshaping the event and corporate dining landscape today.
We explore the seismic shift towards personalization in menu design, the artistry of catering to dietary restrictions, and the clever strategies for minimizing food waste—all while ensuring a value-driven experience for customers. Felix shares Nestle's rigorous approach to allergen management and sustainable practices, while Patrick emphasizes the importance of creating exceptional, memorable food experiences that resonate with guests. 💡
Discover Patrick's insights on premiumization and value perception, Felix’s dedication to supporting partners with sustainable solutions, and the game-changing benefits of having pre-designed menus for various dietary needs. Plus, we discuss the future of inclusive dining and the innovative uses of technology to meet Gen Z's expectations.
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com