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

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

Recorded on National Wear Red Day to bring greater attention to heart disease as the leading cause of death for Americans and promote steps we can take to protect our hearts and our attendees.

Tracy was joined by the inspiring and amazing Eliz Greene to discuss the profound impact of stress on heart health and the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms of heart problems, especially in women.

Eliz shares her deeply personal experience of having a heart attack at 35 years old while being 7 months pregnant with twins. Like my story, it changed the trajectory of her career. Eliz shares the vital significance of understanding and addressing stress as a significant yet often overlooked risk factor for heart disease.

We talk about how to managing stress and how to help our event attendees, friends, and family members manage the stress related to dietary restrictions or other health related issues. The stress our attendees or we have when eating at a meeting is real because we have no control over what is served, how the food is prepared, or how servers do not know what they are serving.

Eliz emphasizes the importance of respecting and accommodating diverse dietary preferences and allergies in personal and professional settings. Eliz even discusses the fact that #MeetingProfs have one of the top five most stressful jobs and provides valuable insights into how stress impacts heart health and the role of food in managing internal pressure, making it a compelling listen for all those looking to prioritize their heart health in today's fast-paced world.

Listen to learn more about the significance of embracing your heart health and making small changes that can lead to significant differences.

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community
Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

As we bid farewell to hashtag#DryJanuary, I'm thrilled to bring you an exciting chat on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE with Marcos Salazar 🍺🍷🥃, the co-founder and CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA) a few days after he co-produced the incredible Mindful Drinking Fest in Washington, DC.

Join us as we dive deep into how ANBA is championing mindful drinking and working towards creating a world where non-alcoholic beverages are the norm throughout the year and at every event, not just in January.

Our commitment to values like inclusivity, sustainability, and social wellness will be at the forefront as we explore the promising growth opportunities in the non-alcoholic beverage market.

But that's not all! Marcos Salazar, in addition to leading ANBA, is also the Co-Founder + CEO of Be Social Change, a community that supports professionals in the social impact sector. We'll gain valuable insights about making a positive impact in the world.

So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for an engaging discussion about the future of non-alcoholic beverages and their role in making social gatherings enjoyable for everyone, encouraging social wellness and personal growth.

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