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

Back in March, during Women's History Month, I re-introduced you to an extraordinary lineup of women I’ve honored over the past four years. These women are making change in the food and beverage industry with their passion, innovation, and commitment to safety, sustainability and inclusivity.
On this special episode of the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, I share the inspiring stories of over 40 women making waves. From transforming food waste into renewable energy to advocating for safe flying conditions for those with peanut allergies, these women led the charge in their respective fields. I highlighted heroes like Tina Piña, founder of Renewable, and Lianne Mandelbaum, known as the No Nut Traveler.
I explored the groundbreaking work of Mary Vargas, an attorney passionate about disability rights for people with food allergies, and Dr. Ruchi Gupta from Feinberg School of Medicine, whose research led to sesame being recognized as the 9th top allergen in the U.S. We also heard about Emily Brown of the Food Equality Initiative and Nina Curtis, who presented the first vegan meal at the White House.
These women redefined food and dining experiences, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. From the work of advocates like the Kitchenistas and chef Carla Ortiz to community initiatives by Sera Cuni and Eliza Tuttle, their contributions reshaped the food landscape one meal at a time.
The episode was filled with heartfelt stories, impactful innovations, and advice for anyone aspiring to dream big in the food and beverage world. We also showcased collaborative efforts like the New Jersey Food Tour Trail and empowering programs like Jen Gilho and Cate Faulkner Zero Proof Collective.
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community and be inspired by these incredible women who prove every day that food is not just about sustenance but community, healing, and empowerment.
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community
Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

To kick off Women's HERstory Month, and just ahead of and to celebrate Ramadan, I am elated to welcome the incredible Yvonne Maffei, MA, founder of My Halal Kitchen, as my next guest on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE.
 Internationally recognized chef, author, recipe developer, and niche marketer in Halal cuisine and the global Halal industry, Yvonne's culinary journey is a tapestry woven with flavors from around the globe, including her Sicilian and Puerto Rican roots.
Through her advocacy, teaching, and culinary demonstrations, she showcases Halal as not just a dietary choice, but a mindful, ethical, and sustainable way of eating that's making waves worldwide.
🕌🌿 Get ready to elevate your culinary skills as we share how planners and chefs on can provide Halal options at events while learning, exploring, and savoring the richness and the deeper meaning of Halal cuisine and why Yvonne's passionate about preserving culinary traditions.
 🌿🍋 Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🎂 Get ready to indulge in a sweet episode as I sit down with the legendary Ron Ben-Israel, the mastermind behind Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City.
 🍰✨ From humble beginnings baking in his mother's kitchen to gracing the most prestigious events with his stunning creations, Ron's journey is as delectable as his cakes.
In this episode of Eating at a Meeting from the exhibit floor of Catersource, we uncover the layers of Ron's success, from chance encounters with Martha Stewart, yes, "Martha," to the careful craftsmanship that goes into every cake.
🎤 We delve into the importance of inclusion in the wedding industry, creating cakes that celebrate love in all its forms, and the art of adapting to different cultural preferences. 🌟 
Discover Ron's commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs, his innovative sustainability practices, and the intricate process behind designing his edible masterpieces. From the secrets of his bakery's seasonal rhythms to the structural engineering supporting his gravity-defying creations, Ron's insights will make you crave more.
🌈🌿 Find out more about Ron Ben-Israel's passion for pastry art, his creative collaborations, and the heartwarming stories behind his cakes that capture the essence of each celebration. Join us on this delectable journey, where every slice tells a story!
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community on Facebook facebook.com/groups/eatingatameeting Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

As National Wedding Month wraps up, I’m honored to be talking with Zoe Slaughter, the influential voice behind Invisibly Allergic on this week’s episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast.
Join us as we discuss the unique challenges and considerations of planning a wedding with severe food allergies. Our conversation will go beyond Zoe's personal narrative, touching on her powerful advocacy work, her aspirations for legislative change in food allergy policies, and a sneak peek into the memoir she's penning about her food allergy journey.
🥜 Zoe's story is a compelling one, marked by resilience and determination. From ensuring a safe, allergen-free wedding day to her advocacy for transparent food labeling and healthcare reform, her efforts underscore a commitment to making the world safer for those with food allergies.
This discussion is an essential listen for anyone impacted by food allergies, those planning a wedding, or supporters of food allergy awareness and policy reform. Zoe offers practical advice for navigating life's big moments safely and her vision for a more inclusive and understanding society.
Tune in to discover how Zoe's experiences and advocacy are shaping a future where food allergies are not just visible but actively accommodated, ensuring that everyone can celebrate life's milestones without fear.
Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🎙️ 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