Association Chat Podcast

KiKi L'Italien | Editor-In-Chief, Association Chat
Association Chat Podcast

Association Chat is a podcast dedicated to exploring the world of professional associations and member-based organizations. Host KiKi L'Italien engages with industry leaders, association executives, and innovative thinkers to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and challenges facing the association community. From membership engagement strategies to digital transformation, this podcast offers valuable insights for anyone working in or interested in the association sector. Join the conversation and connect with a community of association professionals who are shaping the future of member-based organizations. You can sign up for the Association Chat newsletter, magazine, and other resources at www.AssociationChat.com.

  1. OCT 25

    Feeling Othered at the Association Breakfast Table

    Inclusive Event Planning with Tracy Stuckrath In this episode of Association Chat, we sit down with Tracy Stuckrath, host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, to dive into the powerful role of food in event planning. Tracy shares insights on how thoughtful food choices can elevate member engagement, drive sustainability, and keep attendees safe. From crafting menus that meet dietary needs and preferences to smart ways of managing F&B budgets, Tracy offers practical advice for creating truly inclusive events. 💡 Key Takeaways: How food and beverage choices can go beyond a checklist to genuinely include every attendee. Financially savvy tips to meet F&B minimums, like offering non-alcoholic options that boost alertness. Critical legal and ethical responsibilities under the ADA for accommodating attendees with dietary restrictions. Practical serving strategies—like build-your-own stations—that ensure dietary flexibility and safety. Controversial Accommodations Associations should be willing to refund attendees who cannot eat the food provided, even if it's included in the registration fee, potentially leading to financial losses. Providing "whole, clean foods" free from processed ingredients and excess sugar and salt may be seen as imposing dietary preferences on attendees. Legal and Ethical Considerations United Airlines is being sued for inaccessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, highlighting the legal risks of not accommodating dietary needs. There's often a disconnect between kitchen, sales, and front-of-house staff regarding food labeling responsibilities, potentially endangering guests with allergies.   Creating inclusive food and beverage options at events is essential for enhancing member engagement, ensuring safety, and fostering a sense of belonging by accommodating diverse dietary needs. 00:00 🍽️ Tracy Stuckr emphasizes that inclusive food and beverage options at events are crucial for member engagement and belonging, as failing to accommodate dietary needs can harm the overall experience. Tracy Stuckr is an F&B inclusion advocate aiming to ensure all attendees at events can enjoy meals that accommodate their dietary needs. Food and beverage choices in association events significantly influence member engagement and create a sense of belonging, going beyond mere logistical considerations. A woman with an egg allergy received a dish with hollandaise sauce, which contains eggs, despite requesting an egg-free meal. Excluding individuals from meals at events, especially when their dietary needs are known, negatively impacts not only them but also the experiences of others around them. 04:59 🍽️ Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events is essential for belonging, requiring awareness of dietary needs, safety, and accessibility throughout the planning process. Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events is crucial for ensuring everyone feels they belong, especially in light of increasing awareness of dietary restrictions and safety concerns. Working with associations involves enhancing safety and awareness beyond just labeling, focusing on comprehensive education for event staff and planners. Understanding dietary needs involves recognizing food allergies, medical conditions, religious or cultural practices, and lifestyle preferences. Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events requires considering accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, ensuring they can reach and enjoy the food provided. Food and beverage planning for association events should prioritize dietary needs and be strategically integrated throughout the entire planning process to ensure inclusivity and minimize waste. 10:45 🍽️ Prioritizing inclusive food and beverage experiences at events is crucial for safety and awareness, especially regarding food allergies and effective communication among catering staff.

    44 min
  2. SEP 5

    We All Deal with It, But Not the Same

    In this "shorty" episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien opens up about the recent loss of her mother and the surprising complexity of navigating grief. From the unexpected physical and emotional toll to the confusing cultural practices surrounding bereavement, KiKi explores how grief is handled—and often mishandled—across different settings. Tune in for a raw, personal reflection, mixed with moments of humor and insight into the universal experience of loss. Whether you're grieving now or supporting someone who is, this episode is a quick exploration of life’s inevitable challenges. Association Chat Magazine Issue #1: https://www.associationpublications.com/flipbook/associationchat/2024/Issue1/3/ FOLLOW Association Chat: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AssociationChat  Visit our Website: https://associationchat.com/ Sign Up for Our Newsletter (SMS Opt-In available): https://mailchi.mp/91755d927784/070x0wvkl2 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associationchat Listen to us on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/42X3jBRrR8toIVugVZ6KMh?si=7adb244ba2df4425 Listen to us on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/association-chat-podcast/id1221431539 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/associationchat2 Join our Book Club:  https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/association-chat-book-club Subscribe to Association Chat Magazine: https://bit.ly/assnchatmagsublist Fill out the Sponsorship Interest Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe49ISnb9WCXDX6ls5FTRri0TseEi91nL8mtwHp4tQjITrUtA/viewform?usp=sf_link Share your insights with Overheard in Associations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecySUh-faxwCEwuNytXpum2xzw3uB7hS32P6pNLuvi_sOKDg/viewform?usp=sf_link Association Chat Top Pods Newsletter – Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7209585088026554369 Association Chat Top Pods Playlist:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7KawXr6uxSHhnvnsI4MTPU?si=bd5f87b6673c4041

    9 min
  3. AUG 14

    Ultimate Job Security Means Building a "Side-Hustle Muscle"

    In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien is joined by Jennifer Lewi to discuss building your "side-hustle muscle" as an associations professional. We all know that no full-time job is truly 100% secure. Why not try to develop the skill of consulting or providing professional services while you are still employed? You can see it as an insurance policy in case times become uncertain. Learn more about Association Chat's title sponsor, Big Red M: https://bigredm.com/ Watch this full, unedited interview on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/507jiDRW7mE ❤️ FOLLOW Association Chat! ❤️ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AssociationChat Visit our Website: https://associationchat.com/ Sign Up for Our Newsletter (SMS Opt-In available): https://mailchi.mp/91755d927784/070x0wvkl2 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associationchat Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/associationchat2 Join our Book Club: https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/association-chat-book-club Subscribe to Association Chat Magazine: https://bit.ly/assnchatmagsublist Fill out the Sponsorship Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe49ISnb9WCXDX6ls5FTRri0TseEi91nL8mtwHp4tQjITrUtA/viewform?usp=sf_link Share your insights with Overheard in Associations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecySUh-faxwCEwuNytXpum2xzw3uB7hS32P6pNLuvi_sOKDg/viewform?usp=sf_link

    13 min
4.4
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Association Chat is a podcast dedicated to exploring the world of professional associations and member-based organizations. Host KiKi L'Italien engages with industry leaders, association executives, and innovative thinkers to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and challenges facing the association community. From membership engagement strategies to digital transformation, this podcast offers valuable insights for anyone working in or interested in the association sector. Join the conversation and connect with a community of association professionals who are shaping the future of member-based organizations. You can sign up for the Association Chat newsletter, magazine, and other resources at www.AssociationChat.com.

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